Get Yourself A Thinking Doctor!

"Every doctor makes mistakes in diagnosis and treatment. But the frequency of those mistakes, and their severity, can be reduced by understanding how a doctor thinks and how he or she can think better.... Because doctors desperately need patients and their families and friends to help them think. Without their help, physicians are denied key clues to what is really wrong. I learned this not as a doctor but when I was sick , when I was the patient."

Hopefully Dr. Groopman also tells us how to get doctors to listen.
Thank you Therese, for this great blog.

Therese,

I totally understand what you mean about that "cocky doctor".

I was going through the first round of depression and didn't know what was causing my mood swings. I knew something was off with my thinking but due to my insurance coverage I had to see a regular doctor first.

I have never before felt so insulted by a doctor as I did this one.

He made it quite clear not to question ANYTHING he wanted done or prescribed. He actually told me the last visit "because I am the doctor and have years of schooling is why".

To say the least...after the first visit I was looking for a new doctor and was out the door without a backward glance as soon as I found a new one that took my insurance.

Hope that man has gotten out of the business because he sure doesn't care about his patients. Just the all mighty dollar.

Nancy aka sixlittlekitties

I have had my own name for many of the doctors that I have known in my life. Considering the high estemm they held themselves in and the fact that they apparently felt they could walk on water, I have refered to them as being an M.Diety.

Sadly, the majority of doctors I have met are cocky and too self assured. If a doctor acts in this manner, it's my first and last visit. I know the most about MY body and what's going on with it. I find I have better experiences, in general with female doctors. I think they are much better listeners, in general, but I have had a few female doctors who don't listen at all. I demand and expect respect from all people, so if a doctor is ever arrogant or rude to me, I let them know right there on the spot and I make a call to patient relations. I encourage everyone to do the same -- if they get enough calls, the doctor might have to take further training in how to deal with patients or get an attitude adjustment!

I too thought I had finally found a primary doctor that had all my best interests at heart until I was admitted to the hospital last week. I had complained about symtoms I was having six months ago and she sent me for tests (my fault I didn't ask what the tests were for) - I was told if the tests were okay I would not get a call. I was glad for that then three months ago during my physical exam I complained about the same symtoms and asked if I was maybe having reactions to some of my many medications and I asked if maybe the mg's could be reduced? I even asked could these symptoms be signs of aging? I was advised yes age can play a factor and if I took off another 20 lbs that it was possible to lower dose - I was sent for testing - same procedure. Well three weeks ago these symtoms escalated into no appetite (for four days I did not eat) nausea and vomiting, bloating and weight loss. When I felt so bad, I knew it was time to get into the doctor's office (almost too late). By then I had a fever, major bladder and stomach pain, pancreas infection, congested lungs and urinary tract infection. A hospital doctor that saw me, with two interns, during my hospital stay asked about a certain medication I was taking and how long had I been on it. He took me immediately off that particular one and went on to tell me I should not have been on that med (he said it hadn't been used in Europe for years) and then he went on to tell me the side effects - the same I had complained about. Nothing was ever discussed with my primary about these even though I explained them to her in the exact detail that this other doctor was telling me about - there was not even her saying I'll look into it. I went on line this week and found out information on that drug and was shocked that my doctor had not even mentioned some of my complaints were side effects of one of my medications. I am now researching all my other medications, as I do not trust my doctor any more. I feel like maybe I was just a test case (guinea pig) for my age, gender and ethnic type. I think she thought because of my age I may not be around too long for the side effects to take or matter much, but one of the side effects was that I should be extra careful in driving if on this med and I was in a car accident first of the year that totalled out my car. I have to go in for a follow up since my release from the hospital and I plan on taking the pages of information I got on my meds with me and I hope she has the decency to give me some sort of apology or at least explain why I was not informed of these side effects after a period of time of use. I would hope our visit brings about more open dialog between us. I know for fact I will seek various advice on line from other physicians so I am more equipped and educated in what to ask from now on. I have come to know my body and how it likes to feel. I think every one needs to be proactive in their health program and being as healthy as they can be by knowing what they are putting into their bodies that could affect others (namely yourself and your family). I talked with another doctor and he informed me certain medications taken over a period of time do need to be re-evaluated for it's purpose in what you're taking it for. I used to feel intimidated by doctors. I had some in the past that told me don't ask why just take as directed. WHAT A DOPE I WAS. I will never take what one doctor says as gospel and the only way or approach to a medical problem. I am 60+ and I plan on being around for a long time more despite the mis-informed and wrong doctors out there. GET YOURSELF A THINKING DOCTOR, AMEN!!

I was discharged from the hospital today. This is not related to my being a depressive. I have had pneumonia since Feb. along with many other significant ailments, and have been in the hospital 3 times by 2 different doctors. We had been on a cruise late Jan. to Feb.8th. I became ill the second day and spent many hours in the Doctors Quarters for 11 days. I kept saying that all these diffent symptoms started on the cruise. I even had an Infectious Disease Dr. treating a huse red, thick something covering my very swollen legs and feet. I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH LEGS OR FEET.
My sister, a retired nurse remembered a strange ailment long ago that she heard about. She said it was called Valley Fever aka Coccidioides; airborne fungal spores. My friend printed everything about it on the www. He brought it to the hospital and the Physicians Asst. said, "Yes, Dr. B-----r thinks it may be something like that. Dr. B is a Lung Specialist AND NEVER MENTIONED THIS TO ME. And Dr. B did not show up yesterday or today for any discussion. Tomorrow will begin a search for real diagnosis at 1 of the 2 Teaching Hospitals in St. Louis.
Oh, how I want to feel better; pray with me that I am able to find THE DOCTOR THAT CAN HELP ME.

I am going to see if I can get this book. I read another book called " Be A Smart Patient" - I can't tell you the author, but you can probably look it up. It tells you how to prepare your questions and information for doctor visits (writing things down in advance) and things a patient can do that they don't know about. One example, asking for a heated blanket in the pre-op area when you are having surgery so you won't be as cold in the operating room. When I had my catarac surgery, I did this and not only did they give it to me, they said "We have a professional patient here."

One thing I have learned is to go to specialists for different problems because they really do know more than your primary care physician about specific problems. In the twentieth century, there are many more health prevention procedures and tests which insurance does pay for that specialists can do. Our cardiologist does Nuclear Stress Tests, Circulation Tests, and a battery of other tests to check for blockages in the heart to prevent heart attack or stroke. The pulmonary doctor checks breathing and blood gas and walking O2 levels. The other doctors do routine blood work and urine tests to check for various things that should be caught at early stages. As my husband and I are now senior citizens, we are much more aware of health concerns.

Psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder I believe require consistent monitoring of medication and moods. My husband and I have both been diagnosed with this, and we go to therapy once a week and see the prescribing doctor every three months or in between if necessary.
My therapist is also a psychiatric nurse with awards of "Who's who in nursing." Not only does she listen to me and help me manage my bipolar disorder, she is able to help me make other health care decisions and guide me as to what questions to ask. I feel blessed, because I get much quality treatment and guidance from her. I believe when choosing a doctor, Teresa, I agree with you, someone who is humble and doesn't think they have all the answers right away. Our primary care physician doesn't hesitate to recommend opinions from specialists. I also encourage internet research to help you ask the right questions.
Lady of Light http://theladyoflight.blogspot.com

Kathy, I gained 24 lbs and lost 14 when one of my medications was changed from Seroquel to Geodon. All in my gut.

Please have a serious conversation with your doctor, and see a GI doc to get checked out.
Don't wait.... Good Luck