Am I a patient or client?

[Run_Out]

I went for my annual physical this past June 08, I had the usual x-rays, blood work and was sent home. A few days later I got the results and was told I needed to start on Cholesterol meds. What bothered me was that the Dr. did not discuss any alternative actions and I was advised to have it retested in 6months.

I have friends who take Cholesterol meds and none seem happy with the side effects so I decided to try something on my own.

I started an exercise program and I started eating oatmeal and ground flaxseed everyday, I did not miss a day the past 6 months, I didn't lose any weight but I did feel much better other than the sorness that you get at my age from exercise.

This week I went to get the followup the doctor recommended and was suprised that my Cholesterol had dropped 27 points down below 200. My Dr. stated that my lipids were fine and I should recheck them in 6 months.

I was happy with the results but a little put off by my Dr. not trying any alternative just take the medicine. I like my Dr. and will continue to see him but is that the normal approch today you get a problem, take a pill, forget any lifestyle changes. I am curious if your Dr. do the same.

Later

 

[vyapti]

My doc wanted me on pills, but said that the side effects of diet and exercise are better than the side effects of the pills. I think the key is that most people won't sustain lifestyle changes. With diet and exercise (working out 4-5 times a week and stopped eating cheese) My triglycerides plummeted and my cholesterol went from 236 to 156.

The weird thing is that he still wants me on a staten, which I think is ridiculous.

 

[jpmcgrew]

Doctors can make more money by pushing meds rather than suggesting a natural alternative. The drug companies give them incentives to sell their product. Of course not all doctors do that some will tell you other options.

 

[roadfix]

My opinion is that a doctor who is not physically active him/herself usually will not prescribe the exercise alternative to the patient.

 

[larry_stewart]

All options should be put on the table, including pros, cons ...
Leave the patient to make the final decision, as long as they know the consequences of both.

In a situation as above (depending how high the cholestrol/ Triglycerides were), gotten the patient on the meds (to drop the levels quicker) and incorporate a diet/ exercise program. Recheck in 3 months. If the levels dropped, and the patient was keeping up with the diet/ exercise, then decrease or eliminate meds completely, and recheck 3 months later.

But every case is different ( patient, doctor)....

Family history / genetics also must be considered. A person coming from a long line of genetically high chol + trigly + HTN, diet and exercise may not be enough ( but definitely could help and provide a healthier lifestyle).

 

[Andy M.]

...The weird thing is that he still wants me on a staten, which I think is ridiculous.

Did you question him on why he still wants you on statins? He may have a really good reason, based on his medical training and his knowledge of your medical conditions.

I would not dismiss his request as ridiculous without more information.

 

[GB]

Dr's need to be questioned and the good ones will expect and appreciate that you do that. You need to do your own research, but also respect that they know a bit about medicine too. They are not G-ds though and and certainly not perfect. It is your job to be as well informed as you possibly can be so that you can make informed decisions and pose informed questions.

 

[buckytom]

my docs were the exact opposite, run. my g.p. and my cardiac specialist both said that i could avoid high blood pressure meds if i just got back in shape.

so i threw a milky oreo at them and went to the pharmacy.

 

[Claire]

It sounds to me like you need to look for a physician who is more in line with your own philosophy on life. Some clinics, HMOs, etc, are more pill-pushing and people-pushing (i.e., don't actually take the time to discuss things with you) than others. One thing we all have to remember is that no matter what, you are the boss, the doctor is, in effect, your employee. Yes, there are times when meds are the only answer. But your doc should be willing to discuss other options with you.

 

[buckytom]

and some dermatologists are pill-pushing pimple-popping practitioners...

 

[vyapti]

Did you question him on why he still wants you on statins? He may have a really good reason, based on his medical training and his knowledge of your medical conditions.

I would not dismiss his request as ridiculous without more information.

He explained it to me, and it has to do with a lack of Omega 3 in my diet. But instead of recommending a supplement, he went straight to drugs. I'm going to start taking a supplement and go back in 3 months.

 

[Glorie]

I've worked in healthcare since 1984. There are a majority of Dr's who just want to give you a pill and call it good. I suggest asking questions and asking for alternatives either by calling, emailing (if your Dr has it available) or just plain making another appointment and talking face to face. This is your body and you have every right to discuss your healthcare plan. If the Dr isn't too keen on that then definitely seek a second opinion )

 

[JoeV]

He explained it to me, and it has to do with a lack of Omega 3 in my diet. But instead of recommending a supplement, he went straight to drugs. I'm going to start taking a supplement and go back in 3 months.

I could be wrong here (it happens once in a great while), but I don't believe supplements are drugs. I take supplements as a way of
"filling in" for the things my diet may not be giving my body. There are chemical supplements and there are natural supplements available to the public, both without prescription.

I have no axe to grind against MD's, but I think that DO's do a better job of offering alternative treatment options than their MD counterparts. And YES, they are REAL doctors, unlike what some people might tell you.

Your best advocate for your health is always going to be yourself. Do the research and you will surprise your physician the next time you get together by how much you know. Oh, and always keep a list of things to question your physician about. It's a long time between visits, and it's easy to forget things when you're being shuffled through his/her office. After all, the insurance company doesn't want him/her to spend too much time with you. They might have to part with some of your premium dollars.

 

[expatgirl]

you are your own best advocate............period...........

 

[GotGarlic]

Doctors can make more money by pushing meds rather than suggesting a natural alternative. The drug companies give them incentives to sell their product. Of course not all doctors do that some will tell you other options.

That would be extremely unethical; while there are always exceptions, I seriously doubt most doctors push meds in order to make more money.

The fact is, modern medical education is so packed with information about biochemistry, pharmacology and all the different kinds of testing available now that there just isn't time in four years for in-depth education in alternatives. And, there are legal consideration. A doctor who uses an unproven (by clinical studies) remedy puts him- or herself at risk of a lawsuit for malpractice.

Regarding supplements versus drugs, prescription drugs are regulated by the FDA while supplements are not. That means there is no guarantee that the amount of active ingredient listed on a supplement package is really in the pill. So with a prescription, the doctor can be certain that the amount you're getting is appropriate. Also, some supplements have been found to be adulterated with other drugs.

 

[RobsanX]

I have no axe to grind against MD's, but I think that DO's do a better job of offering alternative treatment options than their MD counterparts. And YES, they are REAL doctors, unlike what some people might tell you.

I've heard this too. Also, a D.O. will take a more overall health approach, where an M.D. will take a more pinpointed approach to health problems. Both have their pros and cons, but that is why people always say "get a second opinion"...

 

[expatgirl]

it boils down to what your insurance will cover...........be advised and upfront with your doctor(s) on your health concerns............being informed is the major hurdle which requires you being informed ( and quite honestly it's in your backyard if you want a level field to play on).........if you demand a certain test then go ahead and ask.........patients are too meek and mild.......I love my doctor.......baked him a chocolate cake on Friday.........but we discussed my stupid thingamajig on my neck.................you have to be upfront with your doctor, too, and not expect them to read your mind and be all-knowing.........you are your own best health advocate.......knowledge is power

 

[Wart]

That would be extremely unethical; while there are always exceptions, I seriously doubt most doctors push meds in order to make more money.

From personal experience I have to say you would be wrong.

A doctor who uses an unproven (by clinical studies) remedy puts him- or herself at risk of a lawsuit for malpractice.

Who says the drugs/remedies they prescribe are unproven?

I found myself in a drug study, without knowing it, where they were exploring off label uses of the med.

Thats some story.

Regarding supplements versus drugs, prescription drugs are regulated

Remember when Lobbyists were trying to have supplements and vitamins made into prescription items? I believe they were trying to do this under the guise of Americans haveing the most expensive urine in the world. Truth is I believe the medical community saw vitamins and supplements cutting into their market share.

 

[Wart]

I have friends who take Cholesterol meds and none seem happy with the side effects so I decided to try something on my own.

....

I was happy with the results but a little put off by my Dr. not trying any alternative just take the medicine. I like my Dr. and will continue to see him but is that the normal approach today you get a problem, take a pill, forget any lifestyle changes. I am curious if your Dr. do the same.

My Cardiologist told me if I started eating better, cut out the McDonalds and started exercise, I probably wouldn't need the meds.

The eating I changed, though I'm not sure how much of a trade off it is to switch from processed foods to rich home cooking.

Exercise? Thats another story. My neck hurts just writing this. Forget loading my skeletal muscles.

>>>

What it is, is Doctors prescribe a pill and send the patient on their way because their patients, the populace, wants everything cured by a pill or, at most, a shot.

Change a life style?

Thats too inconvenient.

 

[Maverick2272]

I think it depends a lot on the doctor you have. Many around here have more patients than they can handle at most times, and you feel like you are on a conveyor belt and will be penalized if you slow it up or even stop it.
But, I got lucky and found a good one. She is definitely overworked, LOL, but worth the wait on appointments. She always discuss all the options before moving forward, takes the time to answer all my questions, listens well, etc. She is also pretty up to date on alternatives to prescriptions such as supplements and vitamins.
Sometimes I have to wonder about these drug companies as well. The other day I was talking to my Psychologist (or is it the other one, I confuse them LOL), and I noticed a letter behind him on his bulletin board from the makers of Cymbalta reminding him that "Cymbalta is the preferred choice of Medicaid!!" Seems pretty blatant to me, might also be why I can't seem to get him to switch me off it to another one.
Now, if I go to my doctor and talk to her about why I want to switch, I will get a discussion, careful review of the facts, and then a mutual decision. Him? He ignores me, which is why I am going to stop seeing him. I don't like being dismissed like some 2 year that has nothing valid to say...