Think Twice about Medical Advice

Have you ever heard something from a medical professional that just didn't sound or feel right? Or have you ever been torn as to what decisions to make regarding healthcare? As an RN, I definitely have the utmost respect for all medical professionals, and I really do believe that most doctors, nurses, etc. have patients' best interest in mind when giving medical advice or counseling.

With that said, however, I also feel that there are times when medical practitioners do not have all the answers or they do treatments/procedures that may not be completely necessary. It is important for us to make educated, reasonable decisions regarding our healthcare.

A couple of personal examples:
1) The pediatrician where I take my kids would perform routine finger prick blood testing for iron starting at 18 months of age. Not just once at the 18 month check-up would this occur, but every well-check for my kids. At the 18 month check for McKay, I had them do it just because they said, "this is routine for 18 months." Have you ever sat with your young child, screaming, while the medical assistant milks your child's finger for what seems like several minutes just to get enough blood for the test? After the first experience, I wised up, and I asked the pediatrician what the symptoms of low iron would be (I already knew the answer, but I didn't want to come across as a know-it-all). Fatigue, decreased energy, and tiredness are classic symptoms of low iron, or anemia. When I explained that my boys DEFINITELY DO NOT exhibit these symptoms, then the doctor was fine with me refusing the tests. :)

2) Nelson has struggled the past few months with ear infections. Before the doctor called in the 3rd round of antibiotics, he said, "if this antibiotic doesn't work, you will need to start thinking about getting tubes put in." My heart sunk. I realize ear tubes are not that big of a deal; in fact, I have heard many good things about tubes and how they have helped a lot of kids. I just would like to avoid them if they are not necessary. There is a chiropractor in my ward who I overheard saying that chiros can help kids with ear infections. I have always been indifferent to chiropractors (never been to one and haven't ever been sure of their credibility). BUT, I was willing to give it a chance and see how it could help. I took Nelson in, and the chiropractor explained a lot about ear infections and why antibiotics usually don't work and why doing manual adjustments will help the fluid behind ears drain. (I can give the details in another post if anyone is interested). Basically, after seeing the chiropractor, Nelson's ears drained and have been infection free for over a month!

3) One of my good friends is in her 40s and after several months of severe pain, bleeding, etc, her OB decided it was time to do a hysterectomy. She had the surgery date scheduled but just did not feel good about it. She decided to get a second opinion from another OB who said, "so tell me why you are doing surgery." She said, "that is the only option my other doctor recommended." The second OB said, "no, there are several other options for you that would be worth trying before surgery." So, she is much happier now after trying some other things and hasn't had to go through the horrendous surgery and recovery that a hysterectomy puts you through.

So what is the take-home message I am trying to get across: when something in the medical field does't jive with you, ask yourself these questions:
1) Is it necessary?
2) Do I know what the other options are?
3) Is it worth putting the money into something when there is another option available?

Thanks for reading!!! I do love being a nurse, and I do think there are great things about our healthcare (even though there are flaws as well). I also think a mother's intuition is more important than anything else, so follow your gut and make wise choices!