One of the reasons that the WebMD message boards are so successful is because medical providers are not doing their job. There is nothing more frustrating for a patient than (a) not knowing their diagnosis, (b) not having their treatment explained, and (c) not knowing their prognosis (when they would expect to get better). If your medical provider is NOT doing this at every visit, then you will be left hanging in limbo.
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http://blogs.webmd.com/all-ears/2007/11/dont-let-your-medical-provider-lie-to.html?ecd=wnl_day_111407
2007-11-14 05:32:50 · 17 answers · asked by kayboff 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
This will happen ONLY if you are not pro-active in your treatment...feel free to ask for the truth, ask for the prognisis, and ask about possible alternative treatments...Doc's only have so much time, and if you do not ask, they assume you may understand what is going on. And yes, occasionally they will not tell the entire truth if it is terminal...that is when another family member should step in and get the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Sometimes knowing that a disease is terminal greatly shortens the life...other times it does not..depends on the person...speak up, make the doctor know what you want to hear...and you will get it. PHil
2007-11-14 05:41:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Doctors don't know everything and pass along information about drugs that they get from drug company reps, who definitely do lie. A few years ago a survey (reported in Discover) found that after serving their internships, 80% of the new information doctors get comes from Pharm reps. I have twice experienced potentially life threatening side effects from prescription drugs that my doctors had been told were nothing to worry about or were unrelated. The drugs were Seldane and Lipitor. I have been impotent since being treated for depression with Prozac 14 years ago Again, the word from the Prozac rep was that it couldn't possibly be related but that another round of treatment with Prozac would almost certainly resolve the issue!! My doctor actually told me about it and said we should try it!
I live with high colesterol, allergies and an overcooked manicotti now rather than trust any health issue to the medical profession. So far I have been able to effectively treat every issue that's come along without mainstream doctors or pharmaceuticals, except the wet noodle thing, which, incidentally, cost me a marriage.
2007-11-14 06:49:35 · answer #2 · answered by steve what 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think my MD lies to me. I find most MDs truthful. I think the reason some people look up things on the net is to gather information in addition to what they have been told. MDs have only so much time to give to each visit. It's often difficult to take in all the information at one time. After I get home, sometimes I have questions or want to confirm something I thought I understood. I find the web useful for that.
I know that in some cultures it's custom to tell the family bad news but not the patient.
2007-11-14 06:03:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Until very recently I had very poor 2-way communication with my provider...so I left him!
I now have a physician who is part of a 5 doctor practice who provides exemplary services - I get copies of every test result done; thorough explanations of tests, side effects, prescriptions, how they work and diagnosis and prognosis. I am so satisfied it is amazing!
2007-11-14 06:12:07 · answer #4 · answered by sage seeker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been very lucky with my doctors. They take the time to answer my questions in a way that I understand. They are very patient and don't try to rush me out of the office. You need to do your part too, ask questions and look into other treatment options.
2007-11-14 05:57:31 · answer #5 · answered by noonecanne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lay people get bogged down in the medical terms and jargon. I make it a practice to write down my questions and a brief note about the answers I get. If I don't understand the answer, I can ask a follow up question. Clarifies everything & I don't have to try to remember if it's do it twice, three times a day or do it three times, twice a day.
2007-11-14 05:44:41 · answer #6 · answered by jum4321 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All you have to do is ask for the information and they will provide it. It is just as much your responsibility to actively be involved in your care as the health provider. I always ask questions if I am not sure what is going on. I have been on Web MD but not with questions about my own health. I use it to find information about diseases or conditions of people I know.
2007-11-14 05:41:00 · answer #7 · answered by mnwomen 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I don't get answers to all of my questions, and I don't feel that I have a clear understanding, I'll lean on the door to keep a doctor from leaving until I get what I need. I'm paying the doctor, she'll give me what I need to know. They are not infallible.
2007-11-14 05:59:10 · answer #8 · answered by Lady G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, I have a very good family practitioner, that's not the least shy about telling me when to get to a specialist and/or (without prompting on my part) a second opinion.
2007-11-14 07:46:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have no trust in doctors at all !!!!! They don't care about people and just want their money and us out of the office so they can take $ from the next person.
2007-11-14 05:42:35 · answer #10 · answered by just me 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋