1. You go for your annual physical. You, as a patient, feel fine. You have no complaints about your health. The Doctor does a routine blood panel. When the results come back, the Doctor doesn’t like one or two of the numbers. Doctor asks you to do a follow up and another test.

Do you refuse to do the follow up? What are good reasons for refusing to do the follow up tests?

2. A few months after your Doctor visit, you do start to feel off. You go to another Doctor, who agrees that you should follow up with the same tests that the previous Doctor recommended.

Do you follow the advice of two Doctors and get follow up tests? Or do you look for a third Doctor to get advice from?

3. After six months you agree to take the tests that the first two Doctors recommended. You find out that indeed there is something that needs to be taken care of. You get a course of treatment, but you don’t like the course of treatment as you think it’s too aggressive.

If you don’t like the treatment that a Doctor suggests, do you have the right to refuse?

4. You go to another Doctor who confirms the diagnosis. This Doctor also recommends the same course of treatment as the first Doctor. When you say your don’t like that course of treatment, the second doctor gives you an alternative treatment that is less aggressive.

How do you make the decision to go with an aggressive form of treatment or a less aggressive treatment? What would factor into your decision?

5. Eight weeks into the less aggressive treatment, you are not achieving desired results. The treatment is working, but not as quick as you’d like.

Do you blame the Doctor for not forcing you into the more aggressive treatment? Do you try to start the more aggressive treatment in hopes of getting a quicker result?

For today’s discussion:

  1. how would/do you go about making medical decisions?
  2. How much do you trust your Doctors?
  3. How much googling do you do when it comes to learning about what ails you?
  4. Do you take another person with you when you are getting a diagnosis so that you have a back-up/sounding board?

Please answer any or all of these questions. I want to know how you would handle this.

79 thoughts on “You and Your Doctor”

      1. Hello sir!

        I want to ask you one question before replying that if you are going to any doctor ,what does that mean?

        It means you are going to a best one and you admire him, right!
        Then what is the fun of doubting him?

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Not a fan of doctors and I often second guessing them and google . But in your scenario, the doctor sounds like they were correct so it’s not their fault if the patient gets worse over time . I think some of us are just in denial when we have a medical problem. I don’t get regular checkups and I don’t really trust many prescription drugs. I recently read a study had found that antibiotics made viruses mutate and become stronger . 🙄

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      1. For me it’s a fear of being at the mercy of doctors and a medical system that has let me down for years when I tried to get help. I just lost all faith in the system , especially for women’s health care. However ,and ironically , I’ve been forced to be very involved with doctors for my daughter’s care. So I am aware that they do a lot of good in certain types of conditions.

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      2. I completely understand that.it had a bad or not so great experience it’s easy to become wary of doctors and treatments, even if you do know that there are amazing doctors out there

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  5. Well, I definitely do not use Google because Google can be scary. I always bring my husband with me to get a second opinion. I would always follow up with the doctor, and I sometimes get a second opinion depending on the severity of the situation.

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      1. No kidding! My son had an MRI when he was in kindergarten for his sinuses. The tech pointed out a tumor behind his orbital nerve. I googled it. I didn’t sleep until we went to his doctor. The doctor never mentioned the tumor. I asked him about it and he said the tech had no right to tell me anything and that it was a harmless cyst.

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      5. Google is great medically if you know all the facts and want clarification. If you don’t you’ll think you’re dying of tree bark skin disorder…

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  6. Knowing you as I do I see a family dilemma here so I know there’s no one answer to this situation! Being reasonable is relative here, given the history, and if folks are typically not deemed reasonable in other areas I’m not at all sure that family should be surprised in this matter either. So, here’s food for thought—I used to teach about patient responsibilities and rights. Patients are responsible to listen, explore all options and alternatives and then make an informed decision. Patient rights include refusing treatment of any kind. What may frustrate one family member or seem illogical may be exactly what the patient does. Unless they have been deemed unable to make rational decisions about healthcare choices, it is their choice rather the family agrees or not and the family has to remember that they can only control their reactions, not the patient, thus they won’t jeopardize their own health with worry and frustration 😉

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      1. I hope you can detach from all of it a little bit. You have to think of yourself and your own health. We never really want to see how much stress harms us, and you live with a lot. Hugs!

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  7. Morning, LA! Wow…I’ll ‘out’ myself here and share that I like doing my own research and I’m naturally dubious about diagnoses…I like to do my own fact-finding and then explore options. And… given experiences over the past year with loved ones who’ve had health crises, I don’t ever want anyone I care about to fly solo, if at all possible, because the pace of information-sharing in health care settings has been mind-numbing — no matter how caring the professionals are. So much to document, take note of and I’ve often found myself in a position — legal pad in hand – of conveying info from one health care provider to another. Like a conduit to keep everyone in the loop. Sigh. Sending hugs to you this morning. These are terrific questions and real-life challenges, for sure. 💕xo

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  8. I think the lockdown years have caused a lot of people to be skeptical of our healthcare systems especially anything related to pharmaceuticals. If you “follow the money” you find that they have obscenely high profits and the truth about their lies is finally surfacing. The whole system has been worked out so that doctors have to fall in step to get Medicare payments and keep their licenses (i.e. continue to practice medicine, pay back their loans, and support their families). Those who think the vaccines were/are free are deluding themselves. The taxpayer, you and I, paid for those “free” vaccines. So, I don’t trust doctors anymore. When I have done due diligence (which is admittedly hard because who do you trust?), I tend to lean towards more holistic efforts. We need doctors when there are issues like pneumonia, but I would like to see them emphasizing healthy foods and exercise as treatments instead of pills when appropriate. To follow up my rant, I will add that I pray for doctors, and I thank God for the blessing of their skills and wisdom. Also, health care is such an individual issue in a person’s life that no one should criticize another for their choices. It does become more complicated if you are trying to help and support someone you love through their health journey.

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  9. Doctors aren’t infallible, but they have a lot more knowledge than the average guy. If someone doesn’t trust their doctor, they should find a doctor they trust. If they can’t find any doctor they trust—or at least one with whom they can have an intelligent, respectful conversation about options—then they should probably find a therapist they can talk to about their fear, arrogance, and/or control issues. And they shouldn’t burden friends and family with their own neurosis. It becomes tiresome.

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    1. Doctors aren’t infallible, but really, they do know a lot. It’s ok to get a second opinion but you can’t keep fishing for the answer you want

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  10. I trust my doctor. I think it would depend on the possible diagnosis. I have white coat syndrome and my blood pressure is always high when I am in the doctor’s office but when I donate blood they take my BP and it is always normal. Therefore, when the doctor advised me to go on BP meds “as a preventive measure” I decided not to. She respects my decision, which I appreciate. On the other hand, years ago I was diagnosed with diabetes and was in a state of denial for about 2 years, even though I had had gestational diabetes and my mom has it. Finally I agreed to take meds but then through diet and exercise got my numbers under control and now don’t have to take the meds. If it was a diagnosis more serious, I definitely would trust what my doctor was telling me. Agree, why go to a doctor you don’t trust.

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  11. I eat well (in both quantity and quality), exercise little, and avoid doctors as much as I can. When I eventually die because I failed to take appropriate advice I will only have myself to blame. However, the question I like to ask myself is “Live like a Hermit or die like Falstaff?”

    The fat man gets my vote!

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  12. I would follow up but I usually am pretty on top of my health and let the Dr know what tests I would like done and why. If she adds to it I’m fine with it, if it makes sense. That being said, if I totally disagree with the Dr sending me to a specialist for no real reason I will ask for specific explanation and if I still disagree I will not go. For example, I had shin splints a couple years back, had recently moved and started with a new DR. Dr wanted a vascular leg work up with ultrasound, and a specialist referral. Her rationale did not support my physical problem. I asked for a physical therapy referral and when she insisted it was possibly vascular I went to another Dr. Without me even mention it, she said I had shin splints gave me a bunch of exercises and I’ve never had a problem again. Plus I changed my PCP! Had this Dr said the same as the first I would have followed the advice. I have always heard Drs comment that us nurses are the most difficult patients. I disagree with that. I believe we have the medical background to question a Drs decision and personality to do so without hesitation. It’s not being difficult it is being assertive for ourselves. All people should feel they can do that but in my opinion a lot do not. I also believe if a person is skeptical of their Dr they should not hesitate to find one they trust. It is a pain to change Drs but for me was worth it.

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    1. I just switched primaries because first, he canceled like five check up appointments on me, and second he was quick to rush me off to a specialist. My new primary is more hands on and really listens to my concerns. There’s different breeds of doctors out there right now…healthcare has become a game of sorts. However…if a doctor tells me to take a test I take it

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  13. Before we moved I had an annual check up and the doctor said I had one number that was questionable and he wanted a further test. He then said, “We can always find something if we order enough tests.” Then he never bothered to order the test.

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  14. This is aninteresting question and there are likely to be so many answers based on a range of factors – country you’re in, previous experience with doctors/medical professions, religion etc

    I’m in the UK and I don’t think I’d be able to hop about doctors, but I could certainly ask for a second opinion, but I believe I’d need to ask my GP for that referral. I’d definitely get all and Amy tests recommended- you can’t make informed decisions without full facts.

    One other thing that could be at play is fear … the person already suspects they know the outcome, so don’t want the confirmation

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  15. The relationship between you and your doctor used to be sacred back when your doctor really knew you. Not the case today though.
    I think if I was told to go for a follow up I would go, as I did and found out then that I had cancer. So a recommendation is just that. But I also had the experience of having to sign a form saying that I am responsible for my health care. ????
    Health care today is not what it was years ago. It is impersonal and done with a laptop, but in all you do need to trust your doctor. Thing is, timing is everything. If you and your doctor find and treat something, you can be fine. You never draw that line and give up.
    About the internet, never a good reason to check into an illness on line. There is so much, TOO much information out there and most of is contradictory. My cancer doctor told me do no, for any reason, go on the internet for answers. He told me to call him and that is great advice. The internet is meant to be broad and general. You are not. You are a particular, special case and should be treated that way.

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  16. I’m a firm believer in taking responsibility for your own body, whether that means following all of your doctor’s advice, some of your doctor’s advice, or none of your doctor’s advice. Just don’t go blaming your doctor if something does creep up later.

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  18. I would definitely trust the advice of my doctor and go for the follow-up tests. There’s a reason those people go to medical school for so many years. Why would I think that I, and especially not Google, would know better?

    It’s good to question things that don’t make sense but you need to do so in light of as many facts as possible.

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  19. Love my lower fat diet helping me to lose weight and get rid of gallbladder issues. Sometimes complaining and complaining means that things get better and better. Not much force feeding fatty food in the past few weeks. I’m very grateful.

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  21. I’ve had enough bad healthcare that I tend to be a skeptic with most doctors. Two identical diagnoses would tend to make me more likely to pursue a particular course of treatment. I do look for information online from credible sources.

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  22. I trust my doctor. We have a good relationship and if I don’t like his opinion I would tell him. Sometimes I do what I think us best. Some times I listen to him. I take my mom along. She asks questions. She thinks he’s handsome. We discuss in the car. I am lucky. I haven’t anything serious happen.

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  23. I’ve had excellent doctors and dreadful doctors, so I believe in being responsible for my health, and do my research (I’m talking about things like medical journals not google forums). But if a test is suggested, a test I have.

    In terms of treatment, it is absolutely up to the patient to decide if they want the aggressive form of treatment, or the lesser. But once they make the choice, they have to live (or not) with the outcome they have chosen. Fortunately we’ve not been in this position with my mother, as she would absolutely blame any decision made on someone other than herself ‘cos she does it in all aspects of her life. I give her my opinion, but always say “it’s your decision Mum, as you’ve got to live with it.” Other family members are learning – generally after being blamed for trying to help.

    As Deb says, this sounds painfully personal, and I hope you’ve got lots of strategies and support for managing your stress ‘cos it is so damaging.

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  24. I would definitely go for the follow up tests. Ignoring a problem won’t make it go away and maybe there isn’t a problem but I would rather catch it sooner than later! Plus just because you feel fine unfortunately doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything bad going on in your body.

    I do trust my Dr and that is the most important thing I would say to look for in a Dr. Are they trustworthy, do you have confidence in them? If you don’t then get another Dr.

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      1. YES! Its why I go every 6 months for a mammo on my left breast. The Dr isn’t overly concerned, but there is something that they want to make sure doesn’t change or grow. Is going every 6 months fun? No! But I would rather deal with an inconvenience now than regret later!

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  26. For some reason I feel like this isn’t hypothetical lol

    I think the answer depends on how severe the medical condition is. Some things can be alleviated with less aggressive strategies; however, other conditions require more aggressive treatment. Either way, in my opinion, I think you go to a specialist because they are “specialized “in something. As a result, I would trust the recommendation of the doctor.

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