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Is YOUR doctor a quack?

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Chronic Pain
Is a pain pump any good?
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Posted 9/15/2008 4:10 AM (GMT 0)
When we are about to undergo some procedure
or surgery our life is in our doctor's hands. she/he
knows ALL about us but how much do we know about
her/him?
I'm new in this big town. It's scary. I don't want
to ask her/him "How many of these surgeries have you
performed? How many of your patients died?" That
would be off putting. she/he would think we didn't
trust her/him and then she/he would't like us too much -
that's not good when the chips are down.
What do y'all do? How do you find out stuff??
Pamela scool
This goes for all kinds of medical care not just the big
deals.

Post Edited (Pamela Neckpain) : 9/14/2008 10:27:09 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/15/2008 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Pam, I just sort of answered this in your other post. Pam, I truly have never had a dr get offended when I asked him/she about procedures. For instance the 1st colonoscopy I had done, I asked my gi how many patients bowel had he perforated doing a scope cause that is a possibility of happening. He didn't get mad over that question. I asked my ortho how many knees he had done before, I think you know what I mean here. Susie
Posted 9/15/2008 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Pam,
I agree with Susie. If a doctor is offended by such questions, then there's a reason. You can also check professional associations and state licensing boards to see if there are complaints.

PaLady
Posted 9/15/2008 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Well Susie and PaLady I guess I'll ask. Your posts made a lot of sense. I do not want this particular
doctor to be disatisfied with me because there are no other doctors around!

As I was writing the above it suddenly occured to me that I don't want a pain pump. No matter what he
said, I'd still be scared spitless. He's never tried any other procedures or any other combination of medications.

I'll hang around and ask questions and research. I don't know how to do that survey thing. It just suddenly
popped up on my screen.
Pamela Neckpain :-)
Posted 9/15/2008 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
Pamela,
The trick may be how you ask - the tone of it all. I know it can be tricky, but if you can smile and ask very nicely, and also explain that you really aren't sure about the pump and want to really know and discuss ALL your options and have time to think about them. If he keeps pushing the pump, you need to know why he thinks that's your best or only option.

You said you're in California around Loma Linda - there have to be lots of other choices of doctors. If this doc doesn't want to discuss and try options, start looking around for someone else.

PaLady
Posted 9/16/2008 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
tongue
Oh PaL,
I just mentioned how you have this great way with words. I have a tendency to
be too blunt.
Stuff shows on my face. I'm not the queen of tact.

tongue I shall try. And as I speak to him, I vill think of you! lol.
(It will be a month before I see him again. However, I won't forget.)

Pamela.
How I love this forum!
Posted 9/16/2008 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
I like to make it look like my issue. Like, "i'm having some anxiety over this procedure. I know these are silly questions but I'm sure your answers will just make me feel more at ease. How many of these have you done? Has anyone ever died?"

Also there is a great site www.ratemymd.com or something like that. Google rate my md. Tons of doctors are on there and real patients leave feadback. You can also check your states medical board website.
Posted 9/16/2008 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
It is ratemds.com
Posted 9/16/2008 5:08 AM (GMT 0)
Pamela,
Trust me, I'm not always very tactful either! I don't always practice what I preach! smilewinkgrin But if you think of it as a strategy rather than having to be nice for the sake of being nice, it may be easier. In other words, what's going to WORK for you. It's a selfish thing, really! tongue

PaLady
Posted 9/17/2008 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Fitzy,
I almost think your information on ratemd.com should be a topic. It could get
lost down here at the bottom of the pile. Also, I sent you e-mail.

Strategy ... Yes, PaL. That sounds good.
Pamela tongue
Posted 9/17/2008 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
I'll join the ranks of less tact. I just put my questions out there and if they're blunt, they're blunt! I don't have the time or the energy to flower up my questions. ;-)
Posted 9/17/2008 8:59 AM (GMT 0)
BionicWoman,
Somehow I simply can't see you flowering up your questions to your doctor.
Might work better to take him some cookies and flour those up? NO!
Anyway, I have learned some lessons.
I will no longer be Missy Mouse.
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