Posted by banga on January 5, 2005, at 10:40:09
In reply to Re: How do I tell my doctor?, posted by Wildman on January 5, 2005, at 5:57:25
This is a very important discussion. Although I have had less problems with my pdocs--lucked out I guess--I did have huge problems with regular docs and bringning in information. Some may feel threatened, but I think many have an attitude that people in general are not discriminatory in terms of what they believe and what they dismiss in what they read.
It is a tough balance. When I did bring in various articles to my doc to discuss, her eyes glazed over and her subsequent comments made it clear that she pegged me a hypochodriac and her mind went to what her med training said about treating hypochondriacs "be patient, understanding, allay their fears as much as possible, and refer them to a psychologist." In other words, she was extremely condescending and discounted everything I said subsequently as neurotic concerns.So bringing in info can backfire. I have gone to a happy medium--bringing in perhaps one or two brief sources. They often dont have the time (or dont want to take the time ) to read it all.
I think you have to feel out the situation if you can. Dan, it may be easier to convince them, NOT to push a certain drug than convincing them that a certain drug is THE one to try next.
I do worry that my new pdoc will soon become annoyed with my comments starting with "Well from what I have heard..." I agree with another posting that it is wise to beofrehand think of a phrase that sets up the pdoc's attitude positively--not feeling threatened, not feeling you are simply following the latest trends and rumors, but also not overwhelming with your own gathered research. A balance so that you appear an informed client, yet not one that intends to take over your own care (that can really rub them the wrong way).
If I look back at my latest strategy, I whink I try to pull them into a discussion. Like "I have read some research articles and also seen some self-reports that Effexor can have really bad withdrawal effects. What have you seen in your work?" It sets it up that you are informed, but you are respecting their work. If they for instance say that they have seen no problems with Effexor and they wish to presrcibe it, you nevertheless have set up rather comfortable ground on saying that you do not feel comfortable taking this med in the big picture; you can then add "I have heard of a drug "X" that seems to have worked better for people in this respect. What have you seen in your practice?"
Definitely not a sure-fire way, but so far it seems to have worked for me.Dan you have one thing working for you--forgive me for this angle--but truly, being female sets up a person very much at risk being labeled a hypochondriac, more so than a male. This is certainly not always the case, but I was smacked with this problem in the face more than once. I can be naiive in that way. On the other hand, I could imagine a male is more at risk in being perceived as taking over, not listening to advice. So it is prudent to even take this indto account in terms of how they might misperceive you.
I think you are very wise in being careful about how you present yourself to your pdoc, and I for one would love to hear from others about what has worked for them.
poster:banga
thread:437692
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050103/msgs/438081.html