That's what my instructors in school told us students people wanted (and that was 20 years ago ). Everyone wants their doctor to know the newest and latest developments in whatever branch of medicine they are in. My experience has been that new is not always improved. New drugs are introduced every year and every year drugs are removed because of dangerous/ deadly effects are noted (Vioxx or estrogen for example) . I'm reading about (and know of one person) who has had a spinal disc replacement. This is amazing that the body can survive such a procedure, but that is no reason to have it done.. Many surgeries are done that alternatives exist for, but the patient is not given the option. As a chiropractor I meet people weekly who have had back surgery without trying some form of natural medicine first (so that you don't think I'm just picking on the surgeons, there are chiropractors who fail to educate patients on home care and nutrition ).We all seem to have our own set of beliefs and often fail to educate ourselves on other fields.
So, I believe the best doctors should be trying to prevent whatever they are treating , be knowledgeable about other fields than their own and be able to explain the pros and cons of their suggestions. The word DOCTOR means teacher and that should include the answering of questions by patients. Help your doc out by writing your questions out and doing some research yourself. You are the ultimate decision maker. No one can make you take a pill or have a procedure unless that is what you want. If you doc doesn't like questions or is rushing to do something you are unsure of feel free to take a time out or get a new doctor. This brings us back to the point I ended the last blog on. There are a lot of FNP's or PA's out there who may listen better and have more time to talk. For natural medicine options talk to a chiropractor that is savvy a bout nutrition or ask at a health food store or a massage therapist who they go to. One of the best sites I know of for natural medicine options is MERCOLA.COM. I wish everyone in the medical field agreed on what is the best procedure, the fact is even experts differ. I was raised a Quaker and believe the simplest solutions should be sought first. Western medicine is the best in the world for life and death matters. We're less good when it comes to dealing with day to day problems that most of us have to deal with. Keep this in mind, your body wants to heal. What you need to find out is how to help it. That's when the advice and service of a good doctor comes in
Thanx for reading, as always I welcome comments and suggestions.
Ezra Edgerton, DC fasion
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