PLEASE educate yourselves!

Broven

As for number 2, I would recommend calling your doctor up and letting him know that your meds are making you feel tired, dizzy, etc. etc. I had this very problem with my blood pressure meds and so we tried out a few different things before finding a medication that didn't come with side-effects for me (at least, none that I can notice). Honestly, the first thing I was on made me so dizzy and left me feeling so worn out that if that were the only option, I would have just gone with the high-blood pressure.

slindsey137

I so agree, but I do have to say, you cant always take the doctor at their word, if it feels wrong get a second opinion, doctors are just as human as you and me and humans make mistakes. I once had a doctor tell me that the slice on the inside of my finger couldn't possibly have cut a tendon, because those are on the back of your hand! I had another tell me that my daughter was not gaining weight because I was breastfeeding and not producing enough milk, when I could pump 4 oz each every few hours! ( Turned out no one thought to tell me that the pain meds the ob gyn put me on could make her sleepy, and she was sleeping to much to eat enough)

Doctors do spend years in school to know more than the average person, but they don't know everything.

biggiwig

Are people really that stupid? I don't read a lot of the posts, just every now and then. I personally would not care about stupid people like this. It is their own life, they can do whatever they want with it. Of couse, I can see, how frustrating it must be for you as a health provider. Just think about the smarter people, who get better.

hungrymarathongirl

I'm a nurse too, and I TOTALLY agree with you. Every person on MFP should read this.

Ditto!!!

khk2010

I'm often shocked by the ease with which rumours spread on these forums that X is good for Y or perhaps try Z. No citations, no references... just plain old rumour! Might be dangerous! Makes me worry a lot about it.

Me too. No advice can replace actual doctors advice and medical intervention.

DreamLittleDarling

Can I just say that all of you responding in agreement and with your own words of wisdom have really helped to boost my faith in humanity... It is SO good to see others out there, even non-health care related people, who understand!
Seriously, THANK YOU!!!

obifatkanobi

Bravo! I agree with you, and could add even more that I've seen here and other places. Listen to the professionals (real professionals, schooled, tested, and accountable, not just someone who has an important sounding title) Read the directions, and follow them, ask if you don't understand, and if you think there's been a mistake, speak up or seek out another professional opinion before you make any unadvised changes. And yes, I have also been guilty of some of this, but we live and learn. Or at least, that's the way it's suppose to work. Thank you for posting and showing your concern, it is a sign of your true compassion...

AllyS7

Good post. However, I will add that it is sometimes wise to seek a second opinion if you feel that what your doctor is saying or prescribing to you doesn't feel right.

Agreed. I am all for multiple opinions. I know that I will hear several opinions before I get roped into some sort of bullhockey by anyone.

DreamLittleDarling

and yes, it is always good to get a second opinion, doctors will even recommend that... but getting a second opinion because it's justified, and getting one simply because you don't like what you heard... are 2 different things.

I have ALWAYS been that nurse that will tell a patient like it is. I may not be the nicest most polite nurse you come across, but I know what I'm doing, I get the job done, and you WILL hear what you NEED to hear, now what you want to hear... and honestly, most of my patients truely like me and appreciate that from me! I take pride in what I do and caring for others truely makes me happy... so I listen and I read and I never stop learning, so that I can feel justified in making posts like this! LOL

shaunshaikh

I've seen a lot of terrible nutritional advice given on here from doctors, honestly. I'll listen to any doctor when it comes to diagnosing issues and prescribing medication, but outside of that I have a tough time taking doctors on face value on something they haven't directly studied in detail.

Tzavush

We have to remember that common sense is not always common.

MSDRIZZ

It shocks me how many people don't get a second or even third opinion before doing something like major surgery or a course of treatment that has many side effects. It also shocks me that doctors just automatically give a prescription without looking at the whole picture or looking into the patients lifestyle.

Good post. However, I will add that it is sometimes wise to seek a second opinion if you feel that what your doctor is saying or prescribing to you doesn't feel right.

MSDRIZZ

I don't know if I'd listen to them about prescribing medication without a second opinion. I read a survey and doctors spend at least 2 hours a week talking to drug company representatives. That's allot more time then any doctor has spent with me.

I've seen a lot of terrible nutritional advice given on here from doctors, honestly. I'll listen to any doctor when it comes to diagnosing issues and prescribing medication, but outside of that I have a tough time taking doctors on face value on something they haven't directly studied in detail.

fteale

Yup, I totally agree with you. A lot of people don't help themselves and don't seem to realise it's not anyone else's job to. Not just in here, I see it in life all the time.

MSDRIZZ

While I think you should question your doctor and get a second opinion or even a new doctor if this happens often, I also agree that if you don't think a particular medication will be right for you don't lie to your doctor and tell him/her you are taking it when you aren't.Also don't tell them you get 5 hours exercise a week and never eat junk if its not true.

Bravo! I agree with you, and could add even more that I've seen here and other places. Listen to the professionals (real professionals, schooled, tested, and accountable, not just someone who has an important sounding title) Read the directions, and follow them, ask if you don't understand, and if you think there's been a mistake, speak up or seek out another professional opinion before you make any unadvised changes. And yes, I have also been guilty of some of this, but we live and learn. Or at least, that's the way it's suppose to work. Thank you for posting and showing your concern, it is a sign of your true compassion...

MSDRIZZ

While I think you should question your doctor and get a second opinion or even a new doctor if this happens often, I also agree that if you don't think a particular medication will be right for you don't lie to your doctor and tell him/her you are taking it when you aren't.Also don't tell them you get 5 hours exercise a week and never eat junk if its not true.

Bravo! I agree with you, and could add even more that I've seen here and other places. Listen to the professionals (real professionals, schooled, tested, and accountable, not just someone who has an important sounding title) Read the directions, and follow them, ask if you don't understand, and if you think there's been a mistake, speak up or seek out another professional opinion before you make any unadvised changes. And yes, I have also been guilty of some of this, but we live and learn. Or at least, that's the way it's suppose to work. Thank you for posting and showing your concern, it is a sign of your true compassion...

McKayMachina

1. TOM is all messed up, cycles are screwy/too short/too long/not happening at all and the women, and the people who respond to them just say things like "oh well, I guess it will work itself out!" REALLY?! When something is going wrong, it's your body's way of telling you it can't fix it on its own. GO TO THE DOCTOR. These could be signs of SERIOUS health problems! THINK PEOPLE!!!

I agree with you on everything but that.

Our cycles will be screwy for awhile as our bodies readjust. For someone, like me, losing 26 lbs in 3 months with 74+ more to go, I am not about to run to the doc. I'm not a hypochondriac. I would absolutely go if I were scared or nervous or in pain but, otherwise, it's just something I expected.

There's definitely an extreme both ways. Common sense is your friend.

MSDRIZZ

I have seen doctors give terrible advice here and other places. The worst advice I have heard is from nurses. I'm sure there are some really good nurses out there and I'm not downing a whole profession, but the bad ones give the good ones a bad name. People tend to think nurses are doctors. They aren't. Some try to give advice like a doctor.

I've seen a lot of terrible nutritional advice given on here from doctors, honestly. I'll listen to any doctor when it comes to diagnosing issues and prescribing medication, but outside of that I have a tough time taking doctors on face value on something they haven't directly studied in detail.

MSDRIZZ

I have seen doctors give terrible advice here and other places. The worst advice I have heard is from nurses. I'm sure there are some really good nurses out there and I'm not downing a whole profession, but the bad ones give the good ones a bad name. People tend to think nurses are doctors. They aren't. Some try to give advice like a doctor.

I've seen a lot of terrible nutritional advice given on here from doctors, honestly. I'll listen to any doctor when it comes to diagnosing issues and prescribing medication, but outside of that I have a tough time taking doctors on face value on something they haven't directly studied in detail.

SheliaN1960

Sometimes........you have to speak your mind so that others can maybe...and I mean just maybe.....,see a small light! Thank you for caring enough to say this to some whom needed to hear it!! There are those of us that really appreciate what you and others in the medical field do! You are over worked and under appreicated or believed!
Shelia

MeliciousMelis

I agree with a few of your points....but what a shame you felt you had to insult the MFP audience to get it across...

One of the great facets of MFP and MFP forums, is it gives a voice to those who might not ask questions otherwise. Not everyone is in the medical field, and many may not be accustomed to doing research. I would even venture to say that you will find many who don't have medical coverage or primary doctors or avenues which will allow them to address their potential or ongoing health issues. That being said, branding certain people as "dumb" and insulting them, only takes away another opportunity to take charge of their health, or seek out the answers they need.

I understand where you are coming from, just think you might have been able to reach a lot more people if you would have taken some of the sting out.

patcobill

**warning** This is probably going to offend some people... you've been warned, so do NOT proceed to tell me off, ok?!

I have been reading through random blogs and posts in the forums lately and, as a nurse, I am completely SHOCKED at how (pardon me) dumb people are! I completely understand that not everyone has had any sort of formal medical training, but some of this stuff is common sense people!
You have to take care of YOU! You're doctors and health care professionals are not going to seek you out and beg you to let them do an exam! If you're having a problem, GO TO THE DOCTOR. If you're not getting the answers you're seeking, ask yourself if you're asking the right questions or if you've been totally honest with your provider.

NO ONE IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF YOU FOR YOU!
As doctors and nurses it is not our job to tell you what is wrong with you, it our job to listen to what your saying, and THEN test and work from there to find an answer... if you're not saying anything/the right things/getting checked out at all... how do you expect to get any answers??

The top 3 things I've seen in blogs and posts repeatedly that blow my mind are:
1. TOM is all messed up, cycles are screwy/too short/too long/not happening at all and the women, and the people who respond to them just say things like "oh well, I guess it will work itself out!" REALLY?! When something is going wrong, it's your body's way of telling you it can't fix it on its own. GO TO THE DOCTOR. These could be signs of SERIOUS health problems! THINK PEOPLE!!!

2. "I don't take my blood pressure medicine cuz I don't like the way it makes me feel." REALLY?! Are you gonna like the way you feel when you have a stroke and die?! Seriously people, if the doctor puts you on a med for something, no matter what it is, TAKE THE DAMN MEDICATION. You can NOT just blatantly stop taking a med because you don't feel like taking it! SERIOUSLY! The effects of abruptly stopping a medication can be dangerous! LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTORS PLEASE!

3. "My doctor doesn't know what he's talking about. I'm just gonna do my own thing" (obviously that's more of a paraphrase but you get the idea) Thos eof you who say that will probably be the same person to sue the doctor when you have a stroke/heart attack/go into a diabetic coma/or whatever else because you're always the ones that blame EVERYONE else for your own mistakes! They don't hand out medical degrees at the McDonalds drive through people. You're doctor is an educated person... odds are if he/she is telling you something/prescribing a med or treatment, it's probably in your best interest to follow the doctors orders. If you don't, FINE, but don't ***** about it when you are sicker/worse off in a couple months then you were when you started!!!

and one more thing... all of you diabetics and people with high blood pressure, just because you take your medicine doesn't mean you don't have to change your eating habits and lifestyle! So you took your metformin this morning like you're supposed to... that does not mean it's ok to have a freaking candy bar at lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry, but it's SO frustrating, almost impossible, to be a healthcare worker and NOT scream and yell and throw a fit when you see this stuff!!!!!

End rant.

Someone needs sugar...

Nomomush

I don't know if I'd listen to them about prescribing medication without a second opinion. I read a survey and doctors spend at least 2 hours a week talking to drug company representatives. That's allot more time then any doctor has spent with me.

I've seen a lot of terrible nutritional advice given on here from doctors, honestly. I'll listen to any doctor when it comes to diagnosing issues and prescribing medication, but outside of that I have a tough time taking doctors on face value on something they haven't directly studied in detail.

I think too many patients don't "talk" to their doctors openly and honestly. This is where issues arise. It's okay to tell your Dr that you are uncomfortable taking a medication or that you would prefer not to take meds and ask what else you can do. Most good (note I said "good") doctors listen to their patients.

chantel14

lol, well said! it made me laugh

DreamLittleDarling

I don't know if I'd listen to them about prescribing medication without a second opinion. I read a survey and doctors spend at least 2 hours a week talking to drug company representatives. That's allot more time then any doctor has spent with me.

I can't speak for every doctors office in the country, obviously, but I can tell you from personal experience in the VERY large multi-practice clinic that I spent years working in, that's it's actually more along the lines of: Doctors spend about 2 hours a week getting chased down the hall by drug reps, they rarely really sit down and just have a discussion. And when they do it's because the doctor is asking for details and specifics about that med. Again, I can not speak for all doctors, but any doctor worth a damn is not going to just randomly prescribe a drug because the rep was nice, they're going to prescribe a drug because it's the drug that they feel will best do the job. If drugs were prescribed solely on which rep was in there talking their ear off the most, then NO ONE would prescribe penicillin or digoxin anymore... those drugs have been around FOREVER and reps are NOT out promoting them anymore, trust me. After the first few years a drug is out actually, the reps are no longer promoting them. And, new federal guidelines have also ruled (a couple years ago) the reps are no longer allowed to hand out merchandise with a drug name on it, so doctors can not be swayed by what the pen in their hand says, or what the clock on the wall says... 99% of the time, if a doc is prescribing a med, it's because that med is needed.

Also, something to keep in mind is, (especially with BP meds and Diabetes meds) is that for years (or however long) your body has been working in a state that is wrong (high BP, high blood sugars, etc) and your body has adjusted to existing that way. Just because your body has adjusted to existing that way, does NOT, by any means, mean that your body is perfectly ok existing that way, TRUST ME, it is far from ok. So when you start taking these meds, and all of a sudden your body is functioning normally, the way it is supposed to, for the first time in years, you probably ARE going to feel weird and different. It's expected when starting these types of meds that you will have an adjustment period and feel "different." Let your doctor know, keep track of how you're feeling, and when, and KEEP YOUR DOCTOR INFORMED. Do not just stop taking a med because you think you know best... there is a REALLY good chance that abruptly stopping that med could actually make things worse.

DreamLittleDarling

I agree with a few of your points....but what a shame you felt you had to insult the MFP audience to get it across...

One of the great facets of MFP and MFP forums, is it gives a voice to those who might not ask questions otherwise. Not everyone is in the medical field, and many may not be accustomed to doing research. I would even venture to say that you will find many who don't have medical coverage or primary doctors or avenues which will allow them to address their potential or ongoing health issues. That being said, branding certain people as "dumb" and insulting them, only takes away another opportunity to take charge of their health, or seek out the answers they need.

I understand where you are coming from, just think you might have been able to reach a lot more people if you would have taken some of the sting out.

Maybe you should read ALL of the posts that I made in this topic... I'm pretty sure it's quite obvious that I don't believe in sugar coating anything... sugar coated advice has NEVER saved a life or made a difference. Truth is hard and matter of fact, and the only way to tell the truth is to tell it like it is. If someone is offended by what I had to say.... then maybe they should talk to my grandmother who once told me "If the truth hurts, change it!"

christan04

**warning** This is probably going to offend some people... you've been warned, so do NOT proceed to tell me off, ok?!

I have been reading through random blogs and posts in the forums lately and, as a nurse, I am completely SHOCKED at how (pardon me) dumb people are! I completely understand that not everyone has had any sort of formal medical training, but some of this stuff is common sense people!
You have to take care of YOU! You're doctors and health care professionals are not going to seek you out and beg you to let them do an exam! If you're having a problem, GO TO THE DOCTOR. If you're not getting the answers you're seeking, ask yourself if you're asking the right questions or if you've been totally honest with your provider.

NO ONE IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF YOU FOR YOU!
As doctors and nurses it is not our job to tell you what is wrong with you, it our job to listen to what your saying, and THEN test and work from there to find an answer... if you're not saying anything/the right things/getting checked out at all... how do you expect to get any answers??

The top 3 things I've seen in blogs and posts repeatedly that blow my mind are:
1. TOM is all messed up, cycles are screwy/too short/too long/not happening at all and the women, and the people who respond to them just say things like "oh well, I guess it will work itself out!" REALLY?! When something is going wrong, it's your body's way of telling you it can't fix it on its own. GO TO THE DOCTOR. These could be signs of SERIOUS health problems! THINK PEOPLE!!!

2. "I don't take my blood pressure medicine cuz I don't like the way it makes me feel." REALLY?! Are you gonna like the way you feel when you have a stroke and die?! Seriously people, if the doctor puts you on a med for something, no matter what it is, TAKE THE DAMN MEDICATION. You can NOT just blatantly stop taking a med because you don't feel like taking it! SERIOUSLY! The effects of abruptly stopping a medication can be dangerous! LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTORS PLEASE!

3. "My doctor doesn't know what he's talking about. I'm just gonna do my own thing" (obviously that's more of a paraphrase but you get the idea) Thos eof you who say that will probably be the same person to sue the doctor when you have a stroke/heart attack/go into a diabetic coma/or whatever else because you're always the ones that blame EVERYONE else for your own mistakes! They don't hand out medical degrees at the McDonalds drive through people. You're doctor is an educated person... odds are if he/she is telling you something/prescribing a med or treatment, it's probably in your best interest to follow the doctors orders. If you don't, FINE, but don't ***** about it when you are sicker/worse off in a couple months then you were when you started!!!

and one more thing... all of you diabetics and people with high blood pressure, just because you take your medicine doesn't mean you don't have to change your eating habits and lifestyle! So you took your metformin this morning like you're supposed to... that does not mean it's ok to have a freaking candy bar at lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry, but it's SO frustrating, almost impossible, to be a healthcare worker and NOT scream and yell and throw a fit when you see this stuff!!!!!

End rant.

I love you.

DreamLittleDarling

**warning** This is probably going to offend some people... you've been warned, so do NOT proceed to tell me off, ok?!

I have been reading through random blogs and posts in the forums lately and, as a nurse, I am completely SHOCKED at how (pardon me) dumb people are! I completely understand that not everyone has had any sort of formal medical training, but some of this stuff is common sense people!
You have to take care of YOU! You're doctors and health care professionals are not going to seek you out and beg you to let them do an exam! If you're having a problem, GO TO THE DOCTOR. If you're not getting the answers you're seeking, ask yourself if you're asking the right questions or if you've been totally honest with your provider.

NO ONE IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF YOU FOR YOU!
As doctors and nurses it is not our job to tell you what is wrong with you, it our job to listen to what your saying, and THEN test and work from there to find an answer... if you're not saying anything/the right things/getting checked out at all... how do you expect to get any answers??

The top 3 things I've seen in blogs and posts repeatedly that blow my mind are:
1. TOM is all messed up, cycles are screwy/too short/too long/not happening at all and the women, and the people who respond to them just say things like "oh well, I guess it will work itself out!" REALLY?! When something is going wrong, it's your body's way of telling you it can't fix it on its own. GO TO THE DOCTOR. These could be signs of SERIOUS health problems! THINK PEOPLE!!!

2. "I don't take my blood pressure medicine cuz I don't like the way it makes me feel." REALLY?! Are you gonna like the way you feel when you have a stroke and die?! Seriously people, if the doctor puts you on a med for something, no matter what it is, TAKE THE DAMN MEDICATION. You can NOT just blatantly stop taking a med because you don't feel like taking it! SERIOUSLY! The effects of abruptly stopping a medication can be dangerous! LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTORS PLEASE!

3. "My doctor doesn't know what he's talking about. I'm just gonna do my own thing" (obviously that's more of a paraphrase but you get the idea) Thos eof you who say that will probably be the same person to sue the doctor when you have a stroke/heart attack/go into a diabetic coma/or whatever else because you're always the ones that blame EVERYONE else for your own mistakes! They don't hand out medical degrees at the McDonalds drive through people. You're doctor is an educated person... odds are if he/she is telling you something/prescribing a med or treatment, it's probably in your best interest to follow the doctors orders. If you don't, FINE, but don't ***** about it when you are sicker/worse off in a couple months then you were when you started!!!

and one more thing... all of you diabetics and people with high blood pressure, just because you take your medicine doesn't mean you don't have to change your eating habits and lifestyle! So you took your metformin this morning like you're supposed to... that does not mean it's ok to have a freaking candy bar at lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry, but it's SO frustrating, almost impossible, to be a healthcare worker and NOT scream and yell and throw a fit when you see this stuff!!!!!

End rant.

I love you.

I love you too.

MeliciousMelis

I agree with a few of your points....but what a shame you felt you had to insult the MFP audience to get it across...

One of the great facets of MFP and MFP forums, is it gives a voice to those who might not ask questions otherwise. Not everyone is in the medical field, and many may not be accustomed to doing research. I would even venture to say that you will find many who don't have medical coverage or primary doctors or avenues which will allow them to address their potential or ongoing health issues. That being said, branding certain people as "dumb" and insulting them, only takes away another opportunity to take charge of their health, or seek out the answers they need.

I understand where you are coming from, just think you might have been able to reach a lot more people if you would have taken some of the sting out.

Maybe you should read ALL of the posts that I made in this topic... I'm pretty sure it's quite obvious that I don't believe in sugar coating anything... sugar coated advice has NEVER saved a life or made a difference. Truth is hard and matter of fact, and the only way to tell the truth is to tell it like it is. If someone is offended by what I had to say.... then maybe they should talk to my grandmother who once told me "If the truth hurts, change it!"

I'm not suggesting sugar coating anything, what I am suggesting is taking a broader approach to giving your advice. If your intent is to really help someone who could be making a serious error in judgement, especially in regards to their health, you might be better served by taking the insult out of it.

tlkoehl

AMEN SISTA!!! Thank you for speaking the truth and putting it out there!!!