The Doctor Knows Best.
Dec 3, 2016 12:36:21 #
During a recent yearly checkup at a clinic I attend, a nurse practitioner after reviewing my results, told me that although my Cholesterol was within acceptable limits it was on the high side of optimum. She told me that she wanted to put me on a Statin drug to make sure my levels remained in the acceptable range.
I told her I felt that a change in my diet would easily bring the levels down and I wished to try this method rather than going on drugs I didn’t want to use. She asked me why I didn’t want to use the drug and I told her that I was not to keen on taking any drug that was not actually required, and I had read of problems with the Statin drugs and did not want to use them.
The Nurse Practitioner put her hands on her hips, faced me, and told me that she was the doctor, knew what was best and that I did not have the medical background to determine what was best for my health.
First of all, I replied, I am the person taking the medications, and I am the last word on what medications I take. This sounds much like the advice given women by their doctors in the 60’s and we all know how that worked out.
Without saying a word, she picked up her clipboard and walked out, slamming the door behind her. I was assigned a new doctor, and my Cholesterol has remained well within the acceptable limits.
My point is that you should take an interest in your treatment and don’t be afraid to ask questions about your doctors advice. Most of the time your doctor will be happy to discuss your concerns and give you information to help you make a reasonable decision.
I told her I felt that a change in my diet would easily bring the levels down and I wished to try this method rather than going on drugs I didn’t want to use. She asked me why I didn’t want to use the drug and I told her that I was not to keen on taking any drug that was not actually required, and I had read of problems with the Statin drugs and did not want to use them.
The Nurse Practitioner put her hands on her hips, faced me, and told me that she was the doctor, knew what was best and that I did not have the medical background to determine what was best for my health.
First of all, I replied, I am the person taking the medications, and I am the last word on what medications I take. This sounds much like the advice given women by their doctors in the 60’s and we all know how that worked out.
Without saying a word, she picked up her clipboard and walked out, slamming the door behind her. I was assigned a new doctor, and my Cholesterol has remained well within the acceptable limits.
My point is that you should take an interest in your treatment and don’t be afraid to ask questions about your doctors advice. Most of the time your doctor will be happy to discuss your concerns and give you information to help you make a reasonable decision.
Dec 3, 2016 15:26:38 #
remember, at heart doctors are always scientists and you are their experiments. 
Dec 3, 2016 15:43:54 #
Racmanaz
Loc: Sunny Tucson!
phcaan wrote:
During a recent yearly checkup at a clinic I atten... (show quote)
While I was in the ER for massive PVC's, the Cardiologist asked me about my heart health history...I told him that my Cholesterol level was a little high, He said he wasn't concerned about that but wanted to know if I knew my calcium score which I told him was ZERO!! Perfect!
Dec 3, 2016 17:43:19 #
green wrote:
remember, at heart doctors are always scientists and you are their experiments.
You must have been an experiment gone wrong.
Dec 4, 2016 07:36:45 #
Finding a good doctor is like finding a good mechanic, damn difficult. My doctor is great, listens to what I say and explains the various alternatives available to me including the benefits and drawbacks and then the choice is mine to make. He gives me his recommendation and why he recommends that but respects my choices about my health care.
Dec 4, 2016 08:16:05 #
Szalajj
Loc: Salem, NH
phcaan wrote:
During a recent yearly checkup at a clinic I atten... (show quote)
In the past, I was put on a thyroid medication that did exactly the opposite it was supposed to do. When I asked to try a different medication, the doctor refused to try anything else! Now I believe the doctor was getting kickbacks from that drug company!
When she tried to put me on a cholesterol med soon after, I agreed provided she would run blood tests again after 30 days, or I wouldn't agree to stay on them. When I called to request the test the receptionist wouldn't take a message, so I went off the meds and stopped seeing that doctor!
Dec 4, 2016 08:21:37 #
Szalajj wrote:
In the past, I was put on a thyroid medication tha... (show quote)
There is no doubt that some doctors are just paid stooges for the big drug companies.
Dec 4, 2016 11:43:49 #
Opus wrote:
Finding a good doctor is like finding a good mechanic, damn difficult. My doctor is great, listens to what I say and explains the various alternatives available to me including the benefits and drawbacks and then the choice is mine to make. He gives me his recommendation and why he recommends that but respects my choices about my health care.
You have a keeper! As a doctor who values the thoughts, opinions, and concerns of my patients - and as someone who has had my share of drug side-effects - I take a fairly cautionary view of medications. Statins can be remarkably helpful and important medications - to those at risk of heart disease and IF they can tolerate them - about 10% of patients develop muscle pain with statins, and the jury is still out on neuropathy and dementia related to statin use (although people with significant vascular disease probably are better off taking the statin because clogged up arteries and little tiny clots are a pretty significant cause of dementia also). Decisions about your health care can be a trade off - a crap-shoot - and serious discussions are warranted before such decision making. Someone who would tell you to take a medicine potentially for the rest of your life without taking your concerns seriously is an idiot.
By the way - I have trouble finding a good doctor also.... I still haven't found one that lets me email them, like I have always done with my patients.
Dec 4, 2016 12:16:26 #
sb wrote:
You have a keeper! As a doctor who values the tho... (show quote)
I have the good fortune to have found a doctor who listens. When we talk about a treatment he listens and most of the time says "OK let's give this a try, check back in a month and we will check the results and see if it is working".
Dec 4, 2016 15:53:23 #
rfmaude41
Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)
green wrote:
remember, at heart doctors are always scientists and you are their experiments.
And you're a very good example of an experiment in IDIOCY.
Dec 4, 2016 20:07:04 #
Congratulations to you! As you understand, you are the one responsible for your health. I commend you for taking a stand - you will be healthier for it.
By the way, I've never heard of a nurse practitioner being referred to as a doctor, by themselves or any body else.
By the way, I've never heard of a nurse practitioner being referred to as a doctor, by themselves or any body else.
Dec 4, 2016 20:39:57 #
Madman wrote:
Congratulations to you! As you understand, you are the one responsible for your health. I commend you for taking a stand - you will be healthier for it.
By the way, I've never heard of a nurse practitioner being referred to as a doctor, by themselves or any body else.
By the way, I've never heard of a nurse practitioner being referred to as a doctor, by themselves or any body else.
Well actually, I think she referred to herself as a trained medical professional, but the implication was the same, I know better than you what is good for you.
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