Questioning Your Doctor

Ken Anderson

Ken Anderson

Greeter
Staff member
Since it has come up in a few different threads here, occasionally with some misunderstanding, I would like to clarify what I mean when I suggest that we question our doctors or that we not necessarily accept their recommendations as the last word, I don't mean that we should disregard our doctor's advice. Unless we have independent knowledge and training equal to or superior to that of our doctors, they should be our primary source of information. That's what they are there for. If you have no faith in your doctor, find another doctor.

However, we should recognize that doctors are often time-constrained and may not be as fully acquainted with your particular problem as you'd like to think. When they fit you into a 10-15-minute slot between other patients, with only a few minutes of that time with the doctor actually in the room, they sometimes paint by the numbers. If your blood pressure is a little high, here's a medication for that. If you're over forty and your cholesterol levels fall in a specified place on a chart, there are statin medications for that. And so on, because that is quick, easy, and they won't be questioned for having prescribed these medications.

I'm not saying these medications are wrong, but they're probably not right for everyone they are prescribed for. I have had statins prescribed to me, and I took them for a while, until the side effects annoyed me too much, and I have had high blood pressure medication prescribed, yet I am taking neither because diet and exercise were what I needed. Doctors don't prescribe that because 1) it takes too long to see the desired results, and 2) their experience has been that most patients never actually do these things effectively. There is also, I think, an assumption that old people can never change their habits.

When I suggest questioning your doctor, I mean the more direct definition: do your own homework and ask questions. Can my doctor persuade me to take a medication that I'm not sure about? Sometimes, you will find that they are prescribing by the numbers and haven't actually done any independent thinking. If your numbers are such, then these are the list of medications to prescribe; problem solved.

If you do this respectfully and have done sufficient homework beyond watching a YouTube video, it may well prompt your doctor to look into alternatives that might be better for you.

That's what I mean when I suggest questioning your doctor. Take an active role in your treatment plan by asking thoughtful questions, evaluating responses, and considering options. I don't mean that doctors know nothing and that you shouldn't listen to them.
 
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Most patients want a pharmacist cocktail with instant miraculous results. Then there is the self diagnosing internet and friend relying patient who medicate accordingly. Life is not easy for a caring PCP. They are not mind readers and cannot always tell where a patient adjusted reality. Patients are part of the problem and part of the solution.
 
Marie Miller said:
Most patients want a pharmacist cocktail with instant miraculous results. Then there is the self diagnosing internet and friend relying patient who medicate accordingly. Life is not easy for a caring PCP. They are not mind readers and cannot always tell where a patient adjusted reality. Patients are part of the problem and part of the solution.
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Very true, but I used more words. ;)
 
My doctor said my cholesterol was a bit too high a few years ago. He wanted to prescribe Lipitor. That was back when stains were fairly new. I looked up benefits vs side effects. I found that the AMA had said that statins had shown no benefits for older women. And there were myriads of side effects. I printed the information and showed it to him. I said let's try to get it down with proper food and exercise. It worked. No more mention of statins.

My current doctor said my cholesterol was up a few points a couple of years ago. She suggested statins. I told her I won't take them. She asked why. I told her because I don't think I need them. No more mention of statins.

I agree that we need to use our best judgement. Look up the benefits vs the side effects. I think most doctors will listen if we know what we are talking about. At least my doctors do.
 
I think what most doctors hate is "Doctor Internet". They also dislike patients who come in self-diagnosed from TV commercials. It is the patient's responsibility to make decisions regarding their own health, but, like @Shirley Martin, they should be reasonable and respectful as well as informed.
 
I am going tomorrow with only two questions a) full impact or b) laparoscopic. It hurst like h. The two bottles of sweet dreams are short two pills. Yes, I can sleep but I wake up with a hangover and for many years SO was not home much. I am responsible for the sofa tiger.
 
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