Just like Reagan said, trust but verify...
Just like Reagan said, trust but verify...
2022 Ranger Z520R | 2022 Platinum F250
Apex 19 | (2) Apex 16's | Mega 360 | Mega Live
You should feel comfortable asking any question and if your healthcare professional does not agree find a new one. Unfortunately I have had more experience with more providers on many different levels, both personally and professionally, than most people. I have learned a few things that may help you:
Most doctors are recommended to us by friends and family. These recommendations are based more on the friendliness of the provider more so than their competence. If you have a serious health issue, find the best doctor you can and don't rely on personal references. Check reliable sources, outcomes and unbiased reviews. Don't be turned off if the doctor is not personable, some of the best doctors are so focused on your treatment they may skip some pleasantries.
It takes a team. Find a facility/practice that specializes in your condition and are successful. Good doctors have plenty of patients so they may have waiting lists and be hard to schedule, (that is a good thing) so they rely on good NP's and nurses. These folks are just as important as your doctor and have some practical knowledge that some physicians don't.
Ask questions and look for options. Rarely is there only one way to treat a non-emergency condition so discuss options. If a provider only does surgery for example, don't ask him/her if that is the best option cause they likely will say "yes". Get a second opinion, a good doctor will be very comfortable with sharing your records.
Do your research and ask smart questions. A lot of doctors know about traditional medicine but are unfamiliar with some other options such as natural cures and dietary options for conditions like Chrone's and IBS. A good doctor will want to know what is going on in your life and should encourage you to try lifestyle/diet/exercise changes as long as they don't exacerbate your symptoms. You should avoid the on-line quack cures but some simple natural treatments can make a huge difference.
Insist that your doctor pays attention to all of your other conditions/treatments. So often I see where the medication that a patient is taking for one condition is causing/exacerbating another condition. We assume that doctors know all the side effects of all medications and that is simply not true. The main side-effects are often caught by the clinic staff or pharmacist but you should read the full list of side-effects for every medication you take. If you start to see any symptom after you start a new medication, even if it is not listed on the potential side effects, discuss with your doctor and pharmacist and make sure they take the issue seriously.
Finally, ask for help. I always had my wife with me during my cancer treatments and it was the only way I made it thru since she could write down and/or remember details I could not. We could then go home and do our research and ask better questions at the following visit. Good doctor want good smart patients.
Yes if I feel the need.
Actually, there are.Originally Posted by btlsranger
1994 201 Champ re-powered with a 250 HO G2 E250LHAFA 05438419
IMO, many have become salespeople. And many working for the big systems really like to keep referring you within their system. I question everything as so much seems overkill and unnecessary. And many times I just say no.
Chronic illnesses are not always resolved by MD's .Sometimes a Naturopath or functional doctor may need to step in to help.
For Sure! They only make money by getting you to come back!
If professionals who's careers depend on catching fish use FFS then that's what I'm using. Might be too simple of a philosophy but makes sense to me.
Nurses are great people to ask questions. They give you a straight answer.
Hell no. They gave me a neurologist once from South America.
Sitting in the waiting room was a sh t storm of tears and wailing from patients who were not getting the meds they needed or appointments to take care of their needs. I quickly discerned that the staff was incompetent and based on looks were most likely working after hours with the doctor.
He grandstanded our second meeting by telling me" you see these boxes in the hallway? I am going to cure your neuropathy". I don't think so was my response and walked out and never went back.
Another Rheumatologist told me I did not have PolyMyalgia Rheumatica based on the fact that she determined "I was too strong" according to her testing. I was walking with a cane and arm in a sling at the time. I know I had it. My GP was shocked as well and said " I think you have it and I will treat you for it. Sounds good to me and off we go on a year and a half of steroids to eliminate PMR eventually.
Always question, write down anything you didn't ask that you think of and ask again. Anything you doubt find another doctor. Any lack of open discussion or questioning discouraged by a doctor is a red flag. Too many doctors think we are all idiots and do whatever they say.
My doctors that I trust know they are in for a line of questioning on all medical issues and expect it from me. If they don't then they know I will be on to the next doc. I am very pleased with my new doctors here in Bullard/Tyler since moving here two years ago and 9 surgeries later! Good medical care was one reason we chose this area.
My family doc whom I've seen for over 40 years....Yes, I follow his advice to the letter. Never failed me.
Cardiologist...Yes
Dermatologist...Mostly, not too good with the sunscreen everyday, but I do wear sun protective shirt and hat while on the water.
Rheumatologist...I take the meds he prescribes but argued him down on the surgery on my back...NO, NO, NO.
Orthopedic Foot Specialist....Wanted to basically cut my foot into 3 pieces and screw it back together and leave me laid up for 6 months. I said let me get back to you on that one but I did start wearing he Hoka shoes she recommended and that fixed the problem good enough for me.
Dentist....wants my Wisdom teeth but I ain't giving them up. I did start using the Oral B electric toothbrush she recommended and brushing throughly. That seems to be enough to quell the oral surgery talk.
I'm pretty much a rubber stamp NO on surgery of any kind.
Don't worry Ma'am....
I'm only here for the Bass.
I question everything when it comes to doctors. My son was 4 years old and very sick. Took him to the same doctor 3 days in a row as he was progressively getting worse. Dr. said he just had a flu and to keep giving him liquids. On the 4th day my son eyes rolled back in his head and he almost ripped the skin from my chest when I picked him up. Called the Dr. and he said if I couldn’t get liquids in him to bring him to the hospital and he would start an IV. Nurse (not doctor) diagnosed him with Meningitis, never did see the doctor. Was immediately transported to children's hospital where he stayed for 3 weeks. Lost his hearing due to all this and had to relearn everything (walking, talking ect). This same doctor killed his wife about 3 years later and buried her in the basement of the house that him and his girlfriend had just purchased. They all put their pants on the same as we do and you never know who you are dealing with. Is it fair that I don’t trust any doctor, yea but WHATEVER! Oh, and the worst thing you can give a person with meningitis is liquids, what he kept telling me I wasn’t doing well enough, shaming me for actually!
Yes, it's no problem to move to another physician if you are not satisfied.
Absolutely
And another favorite old hippie saying “never trust anyone over 25”.
My former internist retired last year. The replacement his practice plugged me in with got fired after two meetings. I have an appointment with a new one in May. On the other hand my urologist retired last year. I had a meeting with his replacement last month and I like him better than the other guy.
As others have said it is a practice and you have to have trust in the doctor.
I ask a lot of questions to understand the diagnosis and what the course of action will be to get over it or the best way to live with it.
When the surgeons who fixed both of my shoulders told me how long and painful rehab would be and what actions to avoid so I’d end up with full range of motion to resume my active lifestyle. I didn’t get on an internet Bass Fishing Site looking for individuals who aren’t doctors, never did surgery and not at all familiar with my injuries to tell me something different.
Pre-pandemic, I had a lot of faith. Not so much anymore.
I was diagnosed with Ankyloesing Spondylitis last year. The Rheumatologist looked at my blood test, X-rays, and had me stand up against a wall. I waited five months to get into see him. All he told me was he wanted to start me on Humira. To my knowledge he hadn’t even looked at my health history. I did a lot of reading on that drug and I won’t take it. It is the most profitable drug made, it has a 54% record of any relief and that relief is only 20%. It is $2400 a shot every 14 days. I’ve been taking Tylenol every 8 hours and dealing with the pain.
I always question them. The last guy in the worst medical school is still called doctor.
Also, I think doctors forget they are in the customer service business. While I respect the fact that they graduated medical school, know more about medicine then most people and an “expert” in their field…. I’m an expert in my field and my time is no less valuable than theirs.
Easier said than done around here. Very difficult to get in to see a respected primary care doc and the ones with openings are not good
As for the OP: why do you think we have WebMD?
Some people are so judgemental. You can tell just by looking at 'em.--Some random meme
About 10 or so years ago the DR I saw for routine check ups went to the next town over to work at another practice. His wife was also a DR at the same place but she stayed in my hometown. I switch to seeing her instead of going to another town to see him. It wasn't long before I realized I like seeing her as my DR a lot better than seeing him. She was very attentive and would ask me questions and answer any questions I had. He would come into the room and look at my charts and maybe say a few words and that was it. I mentioned this to her and she said I was trained to treat the person and he was trained to treat the issue. That's why you see the difference between us. It was strange to hear her say that but it was a correct statement.
Last edited by JR19; 03-14-2024 at 10:07 PM.
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