Are our doctors truthful?

garyi said...
I suspect there's a physicians private forum with an interesting thread titled, 'Are our patients truthful'.

So true. How many patients lie to their docs or leave out vital information. Two way street.

Well, whether we can handle the truth or not, they should tell us the truth.
Life's hard, life's a beeeotch, we handle the ups and the downs.
I don't want anyone deciding what's best for me to hear or do.
I'll go down swinging or crying, that's my choice

The Medical Oncologist I had was truthful to me I believe. I did tell him not to sugar coat.

garyi said...
I suspect there's a physicians private forum with an interesting thread titled, 'Are our patients truthful'.

Q: "How much do you drink?"
A: "Just a couple now and then."

It is always either now or then.

mattam said...
" ... Maybe they were expecting a magic prescription?

WHAT? Are you implying that doctors don't have a magic prescription, the magic pill, potion or procedure that makes everything better no matter what I do?

This is a very interesting topic and well suited for this forum. Personally I don’t believe that many physicians are deliberately untruthful. I do believe that many Urologist are stretched beyond initial diagnosis and rely too much on statistical information to treat and consult. I’ve contributed in other posts on my personal experience differences between Urologist and Medical Oncologist. I believe the MO is more qualified to use the science gathered when diagnosing an individual, using statistical information, and most importantly involving themselves deeply in the latest findings in research developments. Example: My Urologist recommendation to read “Surviving Prostate Cancer”, written by Patrick Walsh, MD in 2007. I did as recommended and learned quickly that articles written in 2016 by physicians at MD Anderson, Sloan Kettering, and my own personal Oncologist at Northwestern in Chicago were offering new research and recommendations for therapy. I left my Urologist and began seeing my MO based on my due diligence.

I sincerely appreciated the level of discussion and planning that was conducted prior to treatment. My appointments were not spread over time (as experienced prior) but kind of a “Blitzkrieg” approach of tests, scans, insurance approval for multiple drugs, etc., immediately followed by a treatment plan. I felt like I met the Green Beret after spending time with infantry recruits. This is not to disparage the Urology profession, as much as put into context how a G9 patient goes from fear for my life to hope. This is the word that they used...”Hope!” No sugar coating my status, no over promising either. Just pure professional problem solving backed up by current research that was provided for me in real-time.

I’m the kind of person to trust, but verify. I’ve spent a lot of time during the past 3 years and I won’t stop. I have discussions about what I’m learning at every appointment (3 month intervals), and I’m impressed with the responses and details that follow.

So here’s my simple conclusion. If you cannot match this kind of confidence that I’m experiencing...take a good look at your care giving team. You absolutely have to be the biggest advocate of your own well being. My stats are currently very good but this can change in a nano second. I believe greatly in something posted by another member 3 years ago, “Live looking forward but don’t turn your back on the beast!”

Good Luck Gents.