Posted by Racer on March 2, 2008, at 15:10:27
In reply to Re: Temazepam helps some...., posted by bleauberry on March 2, 2008, at 13:10:32
A few weeks ago, I had dinner out with my husband and my mother. My dinner was not satisfactory, so I sent it back. When it came out the second time, it was no better, so I sent it back again. As far as I'm concerned, that's an appropriate response to that situation.
With health care, though, I think it's a bit different. I have some experience with medications, and have a pretty good idea of what is likely to be helpful for my psychiatric symptoms. I still defer to my doctor, though, because his education offers him a context in which to look at my treatment, which I just don't have. I may think I know what's good for me, but that doesn't mean that I understand all of the relevant aspects of it. All the reading I could do won't give me what he has, and that's why he's got the prescription pad and I don't.
Sometimes the very symptoms we're seeking relief from make it difficult for us to recognize the larger view of our treatment. I think most of us would do well to remember that what we want may not be the very best thing for us. I, personally, would love a life-time supply of Percodan -- but that doesn't mean that it's in my best interest to get it. My current doctor would never prescribe high doses of Percodan to me, and I think I'd be foolish to fire him in favor of finding a doctor who would.
What I'm trying to say here is that sometimes the very best, most caring thing a doctor can do is to say, "No."
poster:Racer
thread:815680
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080221/msgs/815746.html