Posted by akc on September 2, 2001, at 8:33:36
In reply to Re: self-medication pros and cons, posted by Chris A. on September 2, 2001, at 0:31:50
Well said Chris!
I know that I am very, very fortunate to have found an excellant pdoc, who is willing to listen to my input and who works hard to keep up to date on all the options available. I also know that I am lucky in that I make enough money to be able to afford to go outside my ppo if necessary (though right now they are paying a higher percentage than what I think they should be paying -- who am I to complain? < g >). I also live in a big city where there are lots of pdocs to choose from.
However, I would encourage anyone to work within their ppo/hmo to try every option -- to keep trying. To not get discouraged. I also am an optimist at heart -- I think most doctors want the best for us, it is just that that many have a hard time relating and we have to find one we can communicate well with.
We all deserve to have good treatment. And a good pdoc can offer us a perspective that we miss out on if we go it alone.
akc
> Just my opinion: Those of us with any serious illness benefit immensely from a strong doctor/patient relationship where < everything > can be discussed honestly. The good rapport I have with my pDoc is as beneficial as any medication. There are so many drug interactions. In any illness one can benefit from the objectivity of a top-notch professional. For example, for two or three years I was in denial about having bipolar disorder. Without my husband and pDoc guiding me and being firm I could have gotten in big trouble trying to treat myself. It is easy to think we are right about ourselves. Doctors, those in the mental health field and nurses seem to be particularly bad about trying to treat themselves.
> I always encourage a person to discuss treatment changes with their doc first.
>
> Thanks to Dr. Bob for making this forum available. The work involved boggles my mind. It has been beneficial. Yes, I have discovered info that my pDoc wasn't aware of. Fortunately he is gracious and accepts the corrections.
>
> Chris A.
poster:akc
thread:1750
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20010718/msgs/1928.html