A Choice

We, as patients, need to remember that our experience within the medical system is not solely by the direction of physicians.

Physicians may prescribe medications, or prescribe treatments, or suggest surgical interventions or treatments, but that does not mean that any patient is absolutely required unequivocally to follow through with a treatment. The patient has the final say, unless it is a life-or-death situation where the patient has not the conscious ability to make that decision.

I cannot tell you how many medications I have been prescribed but decided not to pursue. I have always had great explanations from healthcare professionals, naturopaths, and pharmacists about any treatment or medication. Not only that, but every single time I am prescribed something I am unfamiliar with, do you know what I do? I fill the prescription, then BEFORE I start treatment, I do my own research. I look on the Mayo Clinic website. I look on drugs.com. I find out what I am being treated for, what the risks are, what the ingredients are, and what side effects I may experience. I do the same for any natural substance, remedy, treatment, even diet.
In the end - it is MY decision whether I continue with treatment or not. I always hope that my doctors have thoroughly gone through my history and have my best health at heart, but let's face it, it takes hours to skim through my history. What I believe, without a shadow of a doubt, is that MY physicians, the doctors I have grown to trust, are never intending to do anything but help.

Doctors cannot always be blamed. Negligence can be a problem, of course. There are certain precautions that need to be taken. But just because a doctor writes a prescription does not mean the patient is absolutely required to fill and take it. There is responsibility on both sides. Have there been mistakes? Of course!! On both sides.

Have I been failed by certain people in the medical community? Sure, a few times. But they are not to blame for lifelong side effects of previous medications. They are not to blame for allergies that were discovered along the way.

They are on this journey with us - and without actual answers, no one can know anything for sure. So why not hope for the best?