Do you do whatever your doctor tells you to do?

Question

I've had so many people treat me as if I'm a criminal when I'm in the process of deciding whether I should take this or that medicine or if I should have such and such procedure done. It's MY body, after all. My feeling is that my doctor is there to lead me and to help educate me, not force me. I think it's important to research and decide for myself. What do you think?

Answer 1

I agree 100%. Too many doctors will not give you the information you need to make a good decision. It is MY body, I should have the ultimate decision as to what happens to it.

Answer 2

Good for you!!!
I've begun doing the very same thing about a year or so back. He use to give me a questioning look, as did his nurse. I explained to him that the reason I've been coming back all these years is because when we first met, it was on equal ground. Not, take this because I have an over abundant supply of them in my desk drawer.. and I stop him from leaving the room, and sit back down, and listen.
A few years back, he was in such a rush, he didn't listen.. He kept giving me codeine syrup for an uncontrollable cough. I landed in his office with blue lips, white ash colored skin.. etc. I was taken to the ER.. I'm diabetic, and my lungs were filled with something that went solid. (Oh.. why did I land up at his office.. my insurance required it.. , and when I left here, I wasn't quite 'that' bad.. Seems death comes quickly. My hair went near white, and I'm a brunette>
It's your life they hav in their hands, and who knows more about you and your body than you do. They're 'practicing' medicine.. ..years back, grandmas are the ones everyone went to.

Answer 3

My son's had kidney stones since he was 11; the specialist had the prescription pad in his hand when we went in for our first appointment. I did research on the medicine, and have refused for the last 4 years to put him on the medication. I'm just not comfortable with the side affects, and now that my son is older and I've given him the choice, he feels the same way. Sometimes the side affects aren't worth it if the medicine is not going to be a tremendous help.

Answer 4

Yeah, nowadays doctors prescribe way too much drugs. They are quick to tell patients to take meds rather than figuring out the root of the problem and finding a safer alternative to treat conditions. Always question everything they say.

Answer 5

OK, if what your doctor tells you to take or do, you do not agree with, get a second opinion from another doctor. If they say the same thing, or things, then what your doctor is telling you is the truth and they are trying to help you.

Most doctors are trying to help. Problem is people do not want to hear what they have to say; exercise more, eat less, don't smoke, don't drink, etc.

Answer 6

There is something that is called, in legal terms, asking for a professional second opinion.

Most doctors will get a little irritable about it, but it does give you a chance to see if the procedure that one doc thinks is viutal is needed, or not.

Answer 7

If you're doctor is pushing you to do something you don't want to do, I think its time to change doctors.

A good doctor should be there to answer any questions you have about your health, especially being as he or she is there to keep you healthy. A doctor should also lay out all options available and give you the pros and cons to everything and allow you to decide.

Answer 8

Everyone knows Herr Doktor is on an ego trip!
You can have something wrong with you for 20 years, and
if you try to explain it to him. He's like, "You can't tell me, I'm
the doctor!"
I've had doctors give me all kinds of medication, except what I
requested, to show who's the doctor.
That's why they say. "Get a second opinion".

Answer 9

I agree. I spend 15 minutes with my GP once every 3 months (for diabetic wellness check). I have never consulted with him - and do not feel that 15 minutes gives him a complete picture of me to give me well-considered advice.

Therefore, I have researched other treatment methods and have taken myself off medications. I do appreciate that he sends me for blood tests every 3 months, as I can then monitor my own progress.

Answer 10

You are exactly right. You are responsible for your own health. As long as you are not jeopardising or compromising the health of a foetus or partner...it is your body and you have to live with the consequences of your decisions. Doctors are not always informed or up to date on the lastest research...