Is it appropriate to question a doctor’s opinion? Absolutely! When it comes to your health, you should ask questions, especially if you’re unclear. If the physician doesn’t answer or doesn’t speak to you in a manner that’s comfortable, by all means, get another opinion! Especially if the illness appears to be chronic or somewhat involved, requiring ongoing treatment and care. Good doctor-patient relationships can be vital to a person’s wellbeing.
While reading the article, “Misdiagnosed?” in Arthritis Today, I couldn’t help but flash back to a time when I questioned if my diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, was accurate. Although I was confident in the care provided by my medical team, the pain, aggressive damage to body parts and my youth appeared inconsistent. Not to mention, I was nonresponsive to the arthritis drugs being used at the time and was desperate for relief.
During an office visit with one of my most valued doctors, we discussed the possibility of being misdiagnosed and he agreed to a variety of other tests without over doing it. There was a mutual understanding that in all likelihood RA was the culprit, but at the same time, I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing he was willing to explore alternatives.
When the test results were negative for common diseases parallel to my family history, geographic location and other considerations, I was relieved, but still desperate for relief. Since walking and decreased mobility in my lower extremities were my biggest concerns, I considered weight loss as a possible solution. Knowing a few pounds can make a difference in the weight-bearing joints, I asked the doctor to recommend a plan that would help me shed 5 to 10 pounds (now remember, I was in agony and afraid).
My physician looked at me with compassion then said in a very serious tone, “If you say those words outside of this office to another woman, I guarantee you will get a beating.” The reason was, at the time, my symptoms caused me to be (grossly) underweight. I literally had no pounds to loose.
Have you ever found yourself in so much pain that you became desperate to do something ridiculous or even stupid?
Shortly after my diagnosis of RA in 1986, when I began to realize the severity of my disease and the impact it was about to have on my future, a wise doctor said to me, “Annette, when you choose your doctor, you’re selecting your course of treatment.”
In other words, if you go to an orthopedic surgeon for a sharp pain in your knee, you’re more likely to have surgery. If you consult a neurologist, you’ll probably undergo a series of nerve tests involving needles and shocks, and then get a new prescription. A general practitioner will tinker with your current medications, suggest a change in daily activities and prescribe something new. To consider a pain management clinic means pain pills that could lead to narcotics. A dermatologist will say it’s a rash, while a rheumatologist will consider a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs to treat arthritis.
This conversation wasn’t meant to be critical, insulting to medical care providers or an expression that these physicians were wrong. It was merely a statement to open my eyes and educate me on the practice of medicine since he was aware of the seriousness and the life altering changes ahead. And quite frankly, he was right! His words have been repeated in my mind numerous times when seeking health care. It’s probably the one conversation that’s made the most sense since being diagnosed!
Do you agree? Or, have you had experiences to share that concur with this doctor’s advice?
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