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June 2, 2008, 11:11 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Dogget  

I have seen or heard of this happening too often; you are not happy with a side effect or the potential risk of side effects of a particular drug or treatment and so you question the doctor about that treatment. That questioning gets you labelled as trouble, and you are pushed into compliance by such suggestions as you simply don't understand as you are not a doctor.

How do you deal with it? Do you stand up for yourself?

How about getting a new doctor? I wouldn't stand for that, I'd take my money elsewhere. If a doctor can't address your concerns and explain the possible side effects, they are not doing their job, in my opinion. I would also write to the doctor as to why you are leaving and the licensing agency.

I too would make a written account of the situation. To some it seems like no big deal but if it is frustrating you think of how many other people are suffering the same thing. This could cost lives people who are scared of taking something may stop taking detrimental medications because they are not able to talk to their Doctor about alternatives.

That is a complete copout. Tell them you want the a copy of the PDR page for the medicine. Remember, ultimately, it's you who decides what to put into your body!

Since it is your body and your health, and ultimately, you are the one facing the side effects of the treatment, I think you have every right to question your doctor regarding the treatment plan or possible alternatives. After all, you are spending your money on this treatment plan.

I think a Doctor can't force a patient into compliance. He or she has to explain to the patient all the pros and cons of the treatment plan and any alternatives that are available so that the person can make an intelligent decision. After all, that's what doctors are for.

Well it's never happened to me-I am too bolshy on the whole to get pushed around, but I don't know how to advise my mother who is basically being given no choice. She is limited by insurance as to what doctor she can see, she would rather not have to change.

I would definitely get a new doctor and consider filing a complaint against the old one. If the Dr is in private practice then it may be a bit more difficult but if they are part of a co-op or group of Drs it would be easier. The bottom line is that it is up to you if it is worth it. I wouldn't stand for a Dr treating me that way.

George

When you address the issue again, try using medical terminology and support your argument, whether it be for new meds, to stop the treatment, or to change doctors. Many times, if you present with knowledge regarding your situation and use THEIR terminology, you can get a lot further!

Sad, but true.

Too many times patients, especially women, are labeled trouble when they have the nerve to question a doctor. I had that years ago when I questioned a doctor on how he was treating me when I was hospitalized.

The doctor was aghast when I asked him to explain why he was doing something, I really was just trying to understand and I was totally respectful, but he nearly had a fit. I found out later that he complained to my primary doctor, who had called him in on my case. My primary doctor knows me for over twenty years and knows that I don't make trouble if I don't have to. I explained everything about what happened and I thought that was the end of it.

But happily, I later found out that my primary doctor did a bit of questioning himself and found that I was right in asking questions, because he later told me that he dropped using that doctor when he needed a consultant on his cases!

So maybe the best thing is to show that you aren't afraid or belligerent at the doctor who is bothering you. Write everything down about the situation and then you will be prepared when you drop that doctor. As far as I know, most health insurance companies permit you to change doctors -- especially if you have a good reason.

Drop that doctor right away. If you think he is a good doctor otherwise and would like to stay, I suggest that you bring someone with you as a backup and talk to the doctor and explain why his way of making you comply with his ideas makes you uncomfortable and that you find it untenable. If he changes his way, great, if not dump him. You not only have the right, you have the duty to yourself to get the best treatment you can.

Don't forget to tell your friends about your experience, and consider filing a complaint with the local regulatory agency!