wish me health: [surfacehippy] Why doctors don't know

Senin, 28 Januari 2008

[surfacehippy] Why doctors don't know

I guess I could start this post saying...some are better, care more,
and are up on technology than others. Yes, I am talking doctors,
but even in my profession, there are those who are up to date on the
latest technology and training, and then there are those who choose
to stay in the past, and refuse to move forward.

I was just thinking about this, based on the recent post about a GP
that frowns on hip resurfacing and the other OS, that she consulted
that don't seem to have much, if any knowledge on the procedure.
This post jogged my memory. As many of you know by now, I am a
firefighter. We have to get yearly physicals. After the physicals
are over, we have a doctor come in and do the final, and read us our
results, etc. The particular doctor is someone that has been in
this community for ever, and he is the head emergency room doctor at
a local hospital. Anyway, 2 YEARS ago, he mentioned to me that he
had read in one of his medical journals about the Birmingham Hip
Resurfacing. He told me then, I would be perfect for it, and that
once the FDA approves it, I should go for it. Ok..this man is NOT
an OS...but apparently he is a doctor that reads the trades and
continues to educate himself.

If a doctor stays narrow minded, then I think you should choose
someone else, no matter how much you like them. You can't gamble
with your health and you need to take matters into your own hands.

Sometimes you need to educate your doctors. I know this is off
subject and this is a long winded post, but here is another point.
I was diagnosed 5 years ago with Graves Disease. This is an
autoammune disorder that affects the thyroid, and eyes. Anyway, to
make a long story short, I did TONS of research online, and bought
and read books on the subject. When my doctor told me I had to have
radiation to destroy my thyroid, and told her no. I want to opt for
medication to control it. I told her that the US is the ONLY
country that chooses radiation over medication, and everywhere else
medicates. I told her...what is the difference if I have to take a
pill everyday, to make up for a dead thyroid, or take a pill
everyday to control my overactive thyroid. I convinced her, and as
skeptical as she was, at each yearly visit...she is pleased, and my
thyroid numbers remain normal. Yes, I HAD TO TWEEK, my dosage, to
get it right and she was open minded enough to work with me.

Anyway, that was just an example of taking control of your own
health.

I am off my soapbox now.

Noreen
Dr.Valadie-Bradenton, Fl