Ros Bryan came up with our question for this week. She posted this in one of the ITP support groups on Facebook and got some very interesting responses...
When you see your doc/specialist, do you listen to them
and let them make the call or do you have ideas of your own, that you want followed, (so
long as it is of no danger). Opinions anyone???
Here are some of the replies she received:
1. Keep
that up! and be bossy. Polite but not reverent. Being your own advocate is the
most important thing to be, you are the boss of you, ITP or not. And if your
doctor doesn't like it, they can kiss your behind. Personally, I always come
with a list of questions, observations about my symptoms, and when he
recommends a medication I tell him not prescribe it until I get all of the
information about it and then I'll approve it. I learned my lesson the hard way
by taking prednisone without looking it up first. My innocence was gone fast!
My doctor LOVES it. his nurses hate it because it's quicker
for them to just prescribe it, but they can kiss my @ss too!
2. At the start I used to listen because I was
scared and knew nothing ..lol..In saying that I haven't been to my hemo in
nearly a year! If my count is ever low enough for treatment, I
will not be taken pred! so she can think of something else..other than that! I just listen..and agree and leave ..But I have no problem in asking..WHY is this
what your giving me ..etc etc.
3.We are
all guinea pigs. Most of our doctors don't have more than a few ITP patients
and they are all different, respond to different meds, are symptomatic at
different levels. Mostly I think it is a cooperative effort. The doctor has
ideas. I have ideas. When necessary, we come up with a new plan.
4. I agree wholeheartedly that's
it's a cooperative effort and input should come from both sides. You're both
working together for a common solution that will enhance your quality of life.
You're paying for medical knowledge and advice, and in order for that advice to
be effective in your specific situation, the doctor needs to have your input
5. I am feeling like I need to be more bossy now. I
just listen to the dr and do whatever she says. But now she is sending me to
the neuro because of the fatigue. And I have already been there for it last
time and they did an emg and there is nothing wrong. We thought it was just
from the pred but now I have been off it since January. My count from Thursday
is 53K. At this point she is just waiting for it to bottom out before I even go
back to see her.
What do you think...Do you let the doctor make all the decisions or do you voice your ideas and suggestions? If so does you doctor listen?
Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think...
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