Do you always take antibiotics when Your Doc. recommends them?

Question

I am not talking about starting then not finishing the scrip. That's very unhealthy.
I simply mean do you avoid taking them because you feel it is better to let your immune system fight off illness.
I usually don't take them unless I'm really sick and it just won't go away.
Is this a good practice, or am I just toying with my health?

Someone's money?
Yes, like my own. Your tax dollars are safe I assure you.

Why do I go to the Doc if I don't take the antbiotics? Because while I value his opinion and education. I prefer to be aware of what my own body tells me. There are other meds he may prescribe and thats fine. I read a lot about medical health and feel that I can grasp the concepts enough to be a part of my own health care. I just have a problem with the antibiotics.

Answer 1

why do you go to your doctor then, if you know so much?
Not to be mean, but come on? If your not going to take his/her advice, don't go. It's a waste of time, and someones' money.

No offense intended, this is a forum for opinions, no? It just seems that maybe you missed part of your chance for getting OPTIONS explained to you. A doctor is usually more than willing to discuss them, thus by enhancing COMPLIANCE.
There is a saying, 'a little bit of knowledge is deadly.' So, it's a good idea to discuss OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES completely with your doctor before you leave. Antibiotics are way overrated with the general public. I would never take a medicine without options, nor would I have surgery without options explained. Doctors (secure ones, and good communicators) with their years of med school and experience, are usually more than willing to EXPLAIN why they order what they order. Once again, they realize without compliance they can ORDER whatever they want, but if the patient doesn't follow their advice, it's like blowing hot air.

Answer 2

I read all the answers to this question and they all carry some good advice. However, I think it IS best to avoid taking antibiotics but only after discussing it with your doctor. I have taken antibiotics very few times in my life and my doctor can attest to you that I have an excellent immune system and that is propbably the reason. I would take them if she said it was the only way to care for a medical condition such as the time I had pneumonia. At least be honest with your doctor. tell them your concern about over riding your immune system's ability to heal yourself and ask what risks may be involved if you don't take the prescribed meds. Some of our more modern doctors even have some knowledge of herbal and homeopathic remedies they are willing to share with you. Good luck !

Answer 3

I never take antibiotics and will only do so in a life or death situation and it would have to be near death for me to do so.

Antibiotics stimulate macrophage production in the body and are usually antigen specific. That is why there are many kinds made.

Antibiotics ravage the immune system, cause the destruction of both unfriendly and friendly bacteria that keep us healthy. There are many alternatives to antibiotics that are far better and are natural. The problem is that doctors are legal drug pushers and basically extensions of drug companies. Doctors have very good diagnostic tools and are very good at determining a problem, generally, but are locked into prescribing drugs and solutions provided them by the drug company reps and literature.

I suffered for years from antibiotics the doctors prescribed for me and used to get at least 4 colds per year (like the average American) and the flu. Took my flu shots and sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.

I now have been cold, flu, and allergy free for 4 years. I am not taking the drugs, the flu shots (that are very bad for you), and see my doctor each year for an anual checkup. My friends say I'm looking younger and younger now and I have more energy than people half my age. My immune system is strong and I can be around people with colds, flu and never get it. The only thing I purchase from the drug store are "Breath Rights!"

Most of the people I know now are asking me for advice before they even go to their doctor. That is very scary. I'm not a doctor and do not profess to be one, but I have not found them to be very helpful in solving problems, only solving symptoms.

I have concentrated on my building my immune system, improving my digestion, and did not get this information from a doctor or pharmacy that would rather see me on some expensive medication.

It's no wonder the U.S. ranks 24th in life expectancy in the world.

Good luck with this issue.

Answer 4

If a reputable doctor recommends you take antibiotics by all means take them. The only exception should be that if you suffer from a more serious illness or side effect then you should discontinue use and tell your doctor about the after-effects. It is usually not wise to discontinue use of antibiotics simply because you feel better because then the illness could crop up just as bad or worse.

Answer 5

Why go to the doctor at all if you aren't going to follow his treatment? If I feel sick enough that I need to visit the doctor, then I am going to take what ever he prescribes so that I can get better. There are some infections that may clear on their own, sinuses, but then they can also worsen and spread throughout your upper respiratory system if not treated.

Answer 6

I think that if you eat healthy, raw foods, and you drink certain concoctions (like fire lemonade) and health food remedies, your immune system can fight it easily. My brother does that, he gets well very quickly. I, however just dirnk tons of water, and take two eight hour aspirin. Unless its strep....even with my bronchitis, I only use my inhaler and tylenol. It depends on the illness, and your immune system.

Answer 7

As you stated, better to let your immune system take care of things. I don't take antibiotics and I am almost never sick, if I don't feel well I adjust things like nutrition/rest -- too many risks/negatives as a result of taking antibiotics for every little ache or sniffle.

Answer 8

I would do the same too. I don't take antibiotics unless really necessary.

You are right to allow your immune system have a chance to fight off the disease or viral infection first.

Answer 9

ANTIBIOTICS ARE MEANT FOR FIGHTING INFECTIONS AS LONG AS YOU WHAT INFECTION YOU HAVE AND YOU CARRY OUT DRUG SENSITIVITY TEST TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL WORK FOR YOU. MANY MEDICAL DOCTORS USE BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS SINCE IN MANY CASES THEY ARE NOT SURE OF DIAGNOSIS.YOUR OWN IMMUNE SYSTEM IS THE BEST WEAPON IN YOUR ARMORY BUT SOME TIMES YOU DO NEED A CORRECT ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT. I THINK THAT YOU ARE NOT TOYING WITH YOUR HEALTH

Answer 10

It depends on what it is for example for bladder infection they say take or drink cranberry .. If you take antibiotics for bladder you then get a yeast infection... Look at Library for home remedy book or look online for home remedies and look whatever the problem is up and see what you can do at home if problem persists or gets worse go to doc but tell him your concerns ...