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Do you trust your doctor to give you the advice that’s best for you?

SaskiaHU profile imageSaskiaHUHealthUnlocked218 Voters

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99 Replies
JennyRx profile image
JennyRx

it depends on the context: primary care, secondary care, how serious it is, what’s happened before, my expectations

Nusch profile image
Nusch

I trust my doctor in his special topic. But he can’t be an expert for everything, that’s a contradiction. So I formed a team of specialist for all topics including diet, exercise, genetics etc. And I remain the pilot of my own life. So I try to learn as much as possible and stay up to date with latest science - plus: I love this forum and all warriors here.

mauschen profile image
mauschen in reply to Nusch

I have done the same. I am in charge of my own health

LiisaM profile image
LiisaM

I'm in the US. My concern is that doctors are influenced by Big Pharma via dinners, lunches, gifts. Also, possible preventive care x-rays, etc., bring in money/profit to some medical organizations and may not be in my best interest.

piglette profile image
piglette in reply to LiisaM

Drug companies are not allowed to “bribe” doctors any more in UK. The good old days of trips on the Orient Express etc have gone. On the other hand without the drug companies doctors would be pretty impotent.

George_Orwell profile image
George_Orwell in reply to piglette

Intimidation working through the GMC (General Mafia Council) appears now to be the modus operandi.

ukcolumn.org/video/dr-sam-w...

I feel sure you will like this one too.

ukcolumn.org/video/doctors-...

All the best

Sleeplessme profile image
Sleeplessme in reply to LiisaM

Yes, absolutely. Only need to watch Dopesick to understand how that works! The truth is shocking.

George_Orwell profile image
George_Orwell in reply to LiisaM

You're in good company. Dr. Marcia Angell, a former long-time editor in Chief of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) resigned in June of 2000 after twenty years in the post. She resigned because of what she described as the rising and indefensible influence being exerted by Pharma at the prestigious journal and its powerful affiliate societies. So she wrote a book about it instead. Some really important quotes of hers from “The Truth About Drug Companies: How They Deceive Us and What to Do About It” are:

“Now primarily a marketing machine to sell drugs of dubious benefit, big Pharma uses its wealth and power to co-opt every institution that might stand in its way, including the US Congress, the FDA, academic medical centers and the medical profession itself.”

“It is simply no longer possible to believe much of the clinical research that is published, or to rely on the judgment of trusted physicians or authoritative medical guidelines. I take no pleasure in this conclusion, which I reached slowly and reluctantly over my two decades as an editor of the New England Journal of Medicine.”

“In 2003, the profits of the top 10 big Pharma exceeded that of the cumulative profits of the other 490 Fortune 500 Companies.”

Dr. Relman, another former editor-in-chief of the NEJM said this, also 20 years ago:

“The medical profession is being bought by the pharmaceutical industry, not only in terms of the practice of medicine, but also in terms of teaching and research. The academic institutions of this country are allowing themselves to be the paid agents of the pharmaceutical industry. I think it’s disgraceful.”

It appears to have got a lot worse and much more sinister since then. Link to her book below.

amazon.com/Truth-About-Drug...

Two other poignant books you may be interested in are:

amazon.com/COVID-19-Global-...

amazon.com/Real-Anthony-Fau...

All the best.

LiisaM profile image
LiisaM in reply to George_Orwell

Yes, and nothing is being said about corporate food interests and their effect on health. There is no Big Broccoli, as Dr. Greger says. (nutritionfacts.org)

George_Orwell profile image
George_Orwell in reply to LiisaM

Yes, big food provide all the products to make one ill/diseased then big pharma come along, not to cure one, but to treat the symptoms until one dies. More people die from cumulative side affects from taking prescription drugs than the diseases themselves! I'm a Dr Greger fan too!

HazeBlue profile image
HazeBlue

Not GP but do trust Mpn specialist

ConsciousDecisions profile image
ConsciousDecisions in reply to HazeBlue

Ditto! This is true or me too.

Higgsy45 profile image
Higgsy45

Not on covid vaccines or anything contravened by NICE guidlines

francesw47 profile image
francesw47

Could not possibly give a blanket yes/no answer. Not sure yet about GP surgery but signs good, cardiologist good, the rest not clear about them.

As an older woman you are invisible..so have to work very hard to get heard at all.

penny profile image
penny

I’d want to check before auctioning; my first instinct was ‘no’. Definitely not on all things Covid.

Hypopotamus profile image
Hypopotamus

Not after 40 years of maltreatment.

Moreorless profile image
Moreorless

I haven’t seen my GP, a GP or hospital doctor since before the pandemic. Telephone appointments- prescriptions for antibiotics, steroids and a controlled drug given.

TurgayGul1985 profile image
TurgayGul1985

I want to trust all them, the nurse, doctor and so on but understand also by experience because of my age that sometimes it is not easy for either them or your family members to realize exactly which mental shape you are in, and that is natural, but still I think the doctors usually have good advices, worth to listen and follow as much as you can !

Anna_10 profile image
Anna_10

Hi, i like to believe we can tust our Drs, but i sometimes wonder?

Mine usually just wants me too up my medication, but im not sure if thats always the best thing?

depotdoug profile image
depotdoug

Some specialists I do trust. My Urologist, oncologist. EP’s and cardiologists: In light of my AFIB A-tachycardia continuing until I got to have the best of the best EP’s I was negative on there care capabilities

LInnieOAP profile image
LInnieOAP

Not always, that’s when you ask to be referred to a consultant.

Ostap profile image
Ostap

Not unconditionally.

mascotty02 profile image
mascotty02

I actually trust my pharmacist than my GP -GP Surgeries are getting worse and not improved since lockdown ended, hate to admit it

WillyG22 profile image
WillyG22

My MPN specialist yes

The others depends on the question.

mauschen profile image
mauschen

I have voted no!

Recently I have had blood work which the receptionist told me was ok. I continued to feel bad and when I spoke to the doctor, she asked me if I had taken iron and folic acid? Why, I asked … because I am anaemic she told me. No one told me and the receptionist obviously didn’t think it was serious enough.

I have PA, therefore, I rely on the doctors realising that without adequate iron and folate, my Hydroxycobalamine injection won’t work properly. Furthermore, my thyroid medication won’t work optimally either.

This should be the work of the doctor . It should be on my individual plan … if I have one?

I am keeping me alive, not my doctor!

endofdays profile image
endofdays

Sometimes but not always. I feel its more about handing out medication rather than getting to the root cause of the disease/infirmity and often issues reported are often dismissed/ignored.

George_Orwell profile image
George_Orwell

I do not know. The exception might be advice on covid 19 as I suspect if I asked her she would just follow the guidelines given to GP's by the GMC (General Mafia Council)

ukcolumn.org/video/dr-sam-w...

Horse1958 profile image
Horse1958

Not when it comes to mental health

Rubymurray25 profile image
Rubymurray25

My doctor would always refer to my heart consultant

DaveBSD profile image
DaveBSD

No, but I don't think it's the fault of the doctors (my specialists), but rather the restrictions placed on them by the medical system they work for. However, my primary care doctor, who is more of a general contractor than plumber or electrician (fun analogy, I'll have to remember it) isn't in a position to dictate specialized therapies. With that in mind, I very much trust that doctor. I trust the others, too, considering what they're able to offer.

Bikerbabe1200 profile image
Bikerbabe1200

Hi is not a specialist and as the practice has recently been taken over he knows nothing about me or my medical history. It’s really quite concerning

dunnellon profile image
dunnellon

I trust she'll give me the advice she thinks is best, but I still have the last word. I like to be able to research the topic before making a decision.

AttacusAtlas profile image
AttacusAtlas

Honestly it's hard to feel like doctors have my best intention in mind; a strong example of this was when I found out the medicine regimen that my psychiatrist had prescribed me was toxic and could have put me in a hospital or worse. When I brought this up to him he just shrugged it off and said "OK then you don't have to take both of those medicines then." And that was it. I was only 15 at the time and being rebellious, not doing what the doctor said, could have saved my health back then. The same doctor had also diagnosed me with bipolar disorder based on the very first visit when my mother spoke the entire time about my "mood swings" and explosive outbursts--whilst I didn't say a word. I was misdiagnosed to placate my mother and give the first round of pills that didn't work for me.

Yeah, it's hard for me to take just the doctor's word for managing my health...

AlvinSD profile image
AlvinSD

It really depends on the doctors.

I have a good primary care doctor, a good oncologist…I absolutely trust them.

I have a group of Urologists I have to deal with (Kaiser San Diego) who I don’t trust at all (based on past experiences). It’s a mixed bag.

My strategy with new doctors is to be vigilant, trust yet verify.

Sleeplessme profile image
Sleeplessme

Reading the question my thoughts were with regards to GPs, as the word doctor usually refers to GPs. So my answer is a big hefty no. For years they have been little more than drug dealers. Barely look at you, sit and wait for key words and then start to write out a prescription. All within about 3 minutes.

I get it, they're busy, the system needs to change as the 'free' nhs doctor surgeries are full of hypochondriacs and lonely pensioners rather than genuine patients. But not listening properly to genuine concerns and missing genuine problems, as has happened with me more than once and pretty much most people I know, is unacceptable.

Sleeplessme profile image
Sleeplessme in reply to Sleeplessme

Oh, and as someone else mentuoned, I do believe that getting those prescriptions out does indeed have something to do with the big pharma companies and their dinner and gift bribes. Watch Dopesick if you dont believe me!

ImReallyAnElf profile image
ImReallyAnElf in reply to Sleeplessme

Ummm - I'm really offended by your statement "the 'free' nhs doctor surgeries are full of hypochondriacs and lonely pensioners rather than genuine patients".

For one thing, that's a highly judgemental and snotty attitude, but more importantly - how the hell would you know whether another patient, regardless of age, is a hypochondriac or has a very genuine illness?

Also, your experience differs greatly from mine as I've had a 27-year patient/doctor relationship with 3 of the GPs in my previous practice, all of whom gave me as much time as I needed and have helped me enormously. And my new practice, as I moved home a month ago, have impressed me with their care and attention already.

Sleeplessme profile image
Sleeplessme in reply to ImReallyAnElf

How the hell would I know? I would know because my own mother was one of them. Every last ailment from a sore toe to a sneeze would have her running for another appointment. Along with most of her friends. I also know a fair few doctors that tell me exactly the same thing. Ive also see the diffrence between this 'free' system and a system where you pay to see your gp, where they are far less busy and generally the patients are there for genuine reasons.

Our free ambulance service is the same. Burdened with people that could easily take themselves to a&e but abuse the free 'taxi' service. And far too often shouldnt even be going to a&e anyway.

I find it funny that my 'opinion' offended you, yet it's ok to actually insult me personally calling me judgemental and snotty 🤔

Petros-1931 profile image
Petros-1931

I am very lucky with a brilliant surgery, listening gps and receptionists who really care.

Artgreen profile image
Artgreen

I’m very aware ( because my GPS and oncologists have told me) that their knowledge of my rare low grade serous ovarian cancer is limited. I try to inform them of latest medical papers I’m aware of but recognise they don’t have the time to read and digest them.

I am having to do what I can on my own. The latest CT scan info is about not using contrast for better low grade results but I’ll have to talk to the scan people tomorrow as the CNS nurse has no time to read it or ask the oncologist to ask for contrast not to be used. I’ll take a copy of the paper with me with the relevant paragraph ringed.

I feel this shouldn’t be necessary. But this paper was written in December and I’ve had one scan already where contrast was used back in March.

Phdgranny profile image
Phdgranny

I can’t get to see my doctor so wouldn’t know

Bassetmommer profile image
Bassetmommer

Sometimes, but not always. Sometimes they want to push me into something I do not want or give me a med I really do not need. And most often, they base their critique on my physical size and standards instead of just me.

valentinecalico profile image
valentinecalico

I'd say no but want to explain the context for my actually saying other. My doctor is well informed but sometimes events are out of her hands, for example medications good for me not yet available in Canada although available elsewhere. Same applies to imaging (no FES PET for example), and our location means I am not physically close to clinical trials. So, I feel I would get better care elsewhere but not because of the doctor.

Slowday profile image
Slowday

I don't always get to see 'my' doctor as there are about six in the practice some of whom I trust and some I don't.

Evonne02 profile image
Evonne02

I was prescribed medication by Urology which made me feel 1000% better and alleviated my acute stomach pains. The gp service ignored all messages/ requests to liase with Urology. I was called by the gp to attend an appointment during which my new medication was stopped. 2-3 days later i was taken to hospital with acute stomach pains. After tests, ct scan, xray, bloods, etc the consultant said my spleen was beginning to rupture & i couldve died, due to the withdrawl of the medication. I was now at Diverticulitis Stage 1 and was promptly reimbursed with my medication due to what the gp receptionist described as a nasty email from the hospital consultant. Months later, im still waiting for an apology from my gp service. Abd yes, they still do not liase with Urology.

Konagirl60 profile image
Konagirl60 in reply to Evonne02

It’s unfortunate but the GP’s in Canada don’t liase either with specialists. Together they do however ‘profile’ people based on weight, marital status, clothing and looks.

Way too many people are very injured yet they get labeled with having a mental health problem instead. Differential diagnosis has gone by the wayside. The doctors dish out antidepressants instead.

If you disagree with a doctor and try to politely suggest what you think may be wrong and what you need ( because they gas lighted you ) they label you aggressive. Pain patients have no rights.

People are being misdiagnosed on a regular basis and due to incompetent care and mistreatments they become disabled physically. We have so many homeless people who I believed were denied care initially, lost their jobs, their relationships and are forced to live in the street.

The pain relief they seek on the street is not all emotion based. Some homeless people have had bad accidents or injuries that weren’t appropriately attended to by doctors. It’s a very sad state of affairs. We also have a severe shortage of doctors to. Many Canadian people have no GP.

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply to Konagirl60

I find the very! same thing here....don't think for yourself or you pick up a label very quickly. 💕

JigFettler profile image
JigFettler

Why are you asking this question?

JigFettler

butterflyEi profile image
butterflyEi

Your question is to black/white. Which country/countries are you aiming your question. The efficiency of the medical profession varies hugely in the UK with local surgeries to me varying between excellent and in special measures. There are some great doctors who do actually listen and there are "the others"

ImReallyAnElf profile image
ImReallyAnElf in reply to butterflyEi

I'm in Scotland, and I couldn't agree more with your comment.

DenDoc profile image
DenDoc

I worked my entire medical career at Kaiser in Colorado. Now, at 81 I am a heavy user of the system. I know how much KP prevents drug company influence on decision making and I also know from the inside that I was never controlled by an administrator in making health care decisions for my patients. Care decisions are made by the Medical Group, not the Health Plan. Yes, we might have to justify what we ordered but if you practice evidenced based medicine it is not a problem. I have complete confidence in all of my caregivers, especially my PCP and Medical Oncologist.

ghousrider profile image
ghousrider

my doctor saved my life

GCCA-Survivor profile image
GCCA-Survivor in reply to ghousrider

My doctors did as well. I had good ones.😁👍🧡

GCCA-Survivor profile image
GCCA-Survivor

Yes. I do trust my doctors about their advice. I say that due to their track record with handling my cancer diagnosis. I had very good doctors. However, I do see that others are getting 2nd and 3rd opinions and are far better off for it. You have to be your own advocate.

Where you live definitely determines the advice you get. The advice from doctors is not the same everywhere. Where you live shouldn't determine if you live. But in many parts of the world it just may. And that is known. It is being addressed by many advocate organizations. There is a long way to go.

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80

I trust certain doctors I have and others I do not. They are more concerned with their egos than their willingness to be a team player. I have GCA, partially blind so I am thankful for a wonderful rheumatologist. My GP...not so much.

Iupiter profile image
Iupiter

When I feel uncomfortable with a doctor I immediately switch to another. It makes no sense to put oneself in the hands of someone you dont trust.

coat2003 profile image
coat2003

yes my gps are excellent so my neurologist.

stbernhard profile image
stbernhard

I expect my GP to give advice that is best for me and I understand the reasons why that advice is best.

Ravengirl27 profile image
Ravengirl27

I like my GP and feel I can discuss things - nursing background myself plus medical family members and friends similar — remind her “I’ve lived in this body for a long time” :) and if MY choice is acknowledged I can’t sue!

Midori profile image
Midori in reply to Ravengirl27

Nursing background here too, but I don't yet know how my new surgery will treat me (acknowledging me as a former Professional or not).

I say 'New Surgery' but even after nearly 3 years I haven't been able to get an appointment! Not even a phone one! I'm disabled with a whole bunch of problems!

Cheers, Midori

Whitner profile image
Whitner

not all the time.

Aquadog profile image
Aquadog

I completely trusted my first oncologist who I had for 13 years. After she left the medical field I was assigned a new doc. I think he has a lot of knowledge, but I educate myself before my appointment so we can make decisions together.

Peace-to-you profile image
Peace-to-you

Over the last few years, doctors have been using the term “Standard of Care” ever since I’ve heard that phrase, I realized the doctors no longer have the power to provide the best possible advice.

Pippah45 profile image
Pippah45

I wasa aa ddeffinnitte NO but hhavvinng innteernnett pptoobbleems

Fatherof5 profile image
Fatherof5

yes to my functional medicine MD, no the neurologists I have met so far

JIDD profile image
JIDD

It would be interesting to split results UK vs USA vs other prolific contributor

Milopalm profile image
Milopalm

I would trust the cardiologist but not most of the doctors at my local GPs

ImReallyAnElf profile image
ImReallyAnElf

It very much depends on which doctor I'm allocated each time, and universally, on what my health problem is.

roszika profile image
roszika

My doctor is head of Lymphoma at our biggest major hospital here in Melbourne and he saved my life when a previous doctor had not

ddmagee1 profile image
ddmagee1

it is most unfortunate that no is what the majority of the answers are to this question! Living in the USA, the Government and non medical managers, decide, for Seniors, on Medicare, many, of whom, have degenerative diseases, what the amount and type, of care they will pay for, when a Physician examines, and treats patients. So, when I need help with walking, swallowing, eye problems, balance problems, in terms of supportive therapies, the answer is no. When my Grandma, years ago, needed help with her neurological ailments, the doctors assigned nurses and therapists to help with digestive problems, ambulating, and other difficulties. Now, instead, we get a talking session wellness check, from a nurse, paid by Medicare, and then, later, at the Doc’s annual physical, the Doc minimizes the exam to check vitals, and pressing here and there looking for lumps, for a brief 10 minutes. The rest of the time the Doc sits at the laptop screen filling in info. - total time, about 20 minutes. So, Medicare will pay for specific tasks,?along with the supplemental (after a $250.00 deductible, and nothing more. So, this last time, about 2 weeks ago, when I had my ‘physical’, I told the Doctor about how my Grandma’s care, included therapist treatment, to deal with annoying symptoms, of neurological deficit, and it seemed to me like, for me and my problems, with diagnosed PD, and diagnosed Cerebellar Ataxia, that all I am getting is palliative care, which does not help me, at all, with dealing with neurological symptoms. This last six months, I have fallen 4 times with balance /walking problems, and have had 3 episodes of seeing double ( horizontally ). The Doc didn’t comment much, just saying that he has to adhere to Government guidelines! So I came away from those visits, feeling that I was brushed off and feeling like I have little support, for anything, from the Medical personnel! I’m 76, so, since that’s the average life expectancy for men my age, perhaps, the Government guidelines, are using an attitude of not prolonging an older person’s life! My whole life, up to the age of 65, I always felt that my Insurance took care of my medical problems! Now, I have lost my trust in Docs, and my Medical Coverage, in providing medical care for me! Thank goodness I have this blog, HealthUnlocked, to communicate with others, who have debilitating neurological ailments! Thanks to all, for guidance and help! I apologize for the negativity, but, it is what it is!

Konagirl60 profile image
Konagirl60 in reply to ddmagee1

I hear you loud and clear. Ageism is real and it’s affecting medical doctors and specialists attitudes along with government decisions in the health ministries.

In 2008, 6 Vancouver, Canada doctors disabled me. I was a 51 year old, fit, strong, highly educated career focused woman who had a severe athletic caused nerve compression injury.

I could not sit. I could not lie down. My rectum felt electrocuted! It was 24/7 intractable nerve pain. I was sitting on ice packs and ended up standing most of the day for 20 months! I’ve spent over $100,000.00 on pain patches in the past 14 years.

I wasn’t examined properly by any specialist I saw. They just gas lighted me. I had no voice.

The Pain specialist never gave me ‘Pain Clinic Intake forms’ to fill out! I was told by my GP I would be seen in a ‘Pain Clinic’.

I was seen on a ‘Medicine Ward’ instead. Nothing I said mattered. If I did speak politely and suggest what I thought was wrong and what treatment I needed, I was labelled as aggressive. I had no rights whatsoever.

As a result of this abuse, I was misdiagnosed with cyclothymia and vulvodynia , mistreated, left poly drugged and I almost died in 2010 from severe sleep deprivation for 3 years. My pain was never controlled. I was left sedated.

I’m too tired to tell my story but I am a mal practice victim and I’ll never get justice for the pain and torture I experienced because of judgemental, incompetent and abusive uncaring Vancouver, Canada doctors.

I went to Toronto to see a neurologist who properly examined me in June 2009. He referred me to the best in Minnesota.

I saw the US specialist three months later. I was officially diagnosed AND I came back to my GP with a treatment plan.

My GP furiously said she did NOT believe the US doctor and she told me my Pain specialist had dropped me as a patient. If that’s not neglect I don’t know what is.

I believe the doctors wanted me dead.

ddmagee1 profile image
ddmagee1 in reply to Konagirl60

I feel so badly for what you have had to endure! When one is in pain, and desperately needs help, and the Docs fail to help, and seem apathetic, it can be totally mind blowing, to the patient, making them feel like the Docs must want them dead, as you stated! I have noticed, some Docs prefer to treat more patients, than they should, with faking, exaggerated symptoms! Many times, however, that is not the case! I guess I’ve lost a lot of faith, in the medical profession, over the last 5 years or so! Maybe the COVID-19 pandemic influenced some Docs to become non-caring, or apathetic! So sorry to hear that your Doc, in Canada, disputes what the American Doc stated. With the Canadian medical system, it’s not easy to just switch Docs, and medical centers, for treatment! I understand some of that, because I married a Canadian girl, many years ago, and have spent a lot of time, up in Canada, with her relatives! Wishing you the best! Hang in there!

Konagirl60 profile image
Konagirl60 in reply to ddmagee1

Thank you for your kind words. I’m lucky to be alive.

Jrskyhook32 profile image
Jrskyhook32

absolutely not. In the past two years I had to fight with him just to get a note verifying that I was at higher risk for Covid so I could work remotely. He also refused to write me a letter verifying that my condition was making it impossible to continue to work. That letter would have helped me get a disability pension from the city of NY. Even though My boss had started looking into declaring me unfit to work, even though the medication that I was on for restless legs syndrome was making me so drowsy during the day that I had to sell my car and stop driving. Then when I informed him that I was struggling removing myself from that medication and going through withdrawl from it he refused to help.

Before him there were neurologists that had me on 8 mg patches of Neupro, the there was the doctor affiliated with John’s Hopkins who removed me from Neupro cold turkey and I went through such terrible withdrawl that after the fifth day I had suicidal ideations and was falling asleep on my feet because I was so exhausted and couldn’t sit or lay down because my restless limbs were so bad. No I definitely don’t trust my doctor anymore. Thanks.

ddmagee1 profile image
ddmagee1 in reply to Jrskyhook32

You have been through a nightmare! When one is not feeling well, the last thing they need is uncaring professional medical care personnel, to be nonchalant etc.

OtOFrance profile image
OtOFrance

Not in the "mental / depression / anxiety" part by the way.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

I make sure that I get the same lady doctor who knows me well. She really listens to what I have to say. She called me in a few weeks ago to say that she was disgusted with A&E for sending me home with my heart beating erratically without a care package or plan. She rang a ward at the hospital explained my condition and got me admitted there right away.

Voted no for GP as I feel fobbed off all the time with them. I trust a dermatology consultant I've seen for 5 years.

PaulineHM profile image
PaulineHM

As previously mentioned, it depends on the context - primary, secondary or tertiary care.? As someone with severe COPD, primary care don’t have a lot to offer me these days.

ghousrider profile image
ghousrider

Good morning yes i do trust my doctors when i was ill in 2013 he got me in to or local hospital in witch he saved my life its now 2022 ten years on i am not brilliant every day but who is when they have bad health its been no problem everythinhg i ask for there been help i can rec ommend the place but i dont now wheather i can name them thank you ghoust rider

Timberman profile image
Timberman

Good question in today's climate. I used to implicitly but over recent years my views have changed. I now believe there is a perpetual risk that any GP at any point may be under such pressure to 'perform' according to external pressure that they may shade or even fudge their diagnosis and or advice. This is the base fault with any privatisation/ profit driven process.

Catx1978 profile image
Catx1978

I 100% trust my consultant and ihes got a team of consultants, professor who specialise is different field so that if its sometsomethsomethsomethisomething he doesn't specialise in, he will then refer me. Ive also got a team of brilliant therapists

Cat04 profile image
Cat04

I trust my hospital consultant but not my gp.

I've only met my doctor twice 🙂

Jesselespaul profile image
Jesselespaul

SaskiaHU - I'm an absolutely resounding yes but I'm in the US. I am treated in a speciality MS Clinic at a major university by a world class neurologist with access to the best support available. Perhaps the survey might be more on target if geographic location was included. What do you think?

My son lives in the UK and has had great care from the NHS but not hardly the choice afforded in the US. And then, of course, there is the cost.

JohnPepper profile image
JohnPepper

My doctor has never advised me to do High Energy Aerobic Exercise for my Parkinson's Disease, which has been proed to produce GDNF and BDNF in the brain, which reverses PD symptoms.

I know of no doctor, telling any of the people I help overcome many of their PD symptoms!

They are either ignorant of this way of reversing Pd symptoms or they don't want us to get better. I have not needed to take any PD medication for over 20 years. Big Pharma does not like that! Perhaps they pass that on to GP.s

Olderkitten profile image
Olderkitten

I think they try to most of the time

Midori profile image
Midori

Sometimes, But it depends on the problem (and I have a Lot!)

Fibromyalgia; Post surgical hernia from Cholycystectomy resulting in my centre line becoming 'unzipped' and my stomach poking through; cataracts with implants clouding over; knees needing urgent attention; Arthritis; IBS; general musculo-skeletal problems; Raynaud's syndrome.

I have been at my local Surgery for nearly three years now, and never been able to get an appointment. The nearest I have come is the District Nurses coming around to give me and my son (my Carer) the Covid and Flu jabs. Even the last round of these they have abdicated, referring me to a surgery 20 miles away, I cannot get there, being disabled and not driving any longer, My son is also a non-driver. I am lucky in not currently needing opiates, and getting by with Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, (not together I hasten to add!)

The surgery concerned has taken in all the other local surgeries in a 10 mile radius, but has become too big and unwieldy for it's own good, or, even the good of the patients. So they are the only game in town.

Unfortunately its the case of 'Ring at 8am, and keep your fingers crossed!' Many folk cannot ring at that time as they are getting children ready for school or getting themselves to work. My surgery would benefit with a call centre, for both incoming and outgoing calls.

Even those who manage to get through, almost invariably find that all appointments are gone, and I have to say that an online consultation where the GP can't see you, is less than helpful. (no camera on my pc) I'd be happy to see a nurse. but those are not offered. Also, the 'one condition per appointment' is ridiculous, with so many needing multiple appointments.

We need a GP version of Ofsted, urgently! The NHS is generally failing, with so many GPs retiring early due to burnout, and just not enough Med students coming though the Unis.

I say this as a frustrated Former Nurse!

Cheers, Midori

g

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Siereneige profile image
Siereneige

Not 100%. I do trust them 50% but 50% im not sure. There have been times when I had to update my doctor about the side effects that a medicine , or that there is a better option available that shows better results, or she has given me a medicine without telling me that it is very common to have side effect with it, etc. I've been treated for depression since the last 20 years, hence the various experiences and gradual lost of trust. Because I could have been given another medicine, but prescribed another one for no reason (personally I feel because big pharmas influence physicians to give something specific). Honestly, id just like to stop taking medicine all together, but I got worse. *sigh*

Wonderboy6 profile image
Wonderboy6

My doctor has slipped up with my care a couple of times, diagnosed fluid on the lungs when it was one and a half litres of fluid round the heart, stopping it pumping properly, had to be drained. Said i was diabetic, was no such thing.

kycmary profile image
kycmary

I talk with my MS dr & yes I believe she is honest with me. We are starting our 5th year together.

DodgeDhanda profile image
DodgeDhanda

If I could manage to speak to my doctor let alone see him . However its not ment to be .

i said yes thinking it was referring to the adhd doc, i trust him. If it is my other docs….. the ones I have now yes, my previous ones… LOL ya no. Somehow when a doctor prescribes you the SAME medication that u are deathly allergic to, somehow it fractions the bonds of trust a tad. 😊

Midori profile image
Midori in reply to

That should be reported to your health board oversight committee, or whatever you have in your area,

Repeatedly prescribing a medication you are deathly allergic to is negligence at best, Gross incompetence of the doctor at worst! He needs retraining or removing from the Medical register.

Paprika60 profile image
Paprika60

I have had numerous doctors over the last 22 years and I must say it depends. Some of them are so keen to try new drugs regardless of my sensitivity and bad reactions. Some are more cautious and caring. So I would it really depends on each individual doctor and one has to be lucky. It is hit and miss. Sometimes I felt like a guinea pig, not a human patient. And I am still paying for the mistakes some had made...very sad really.

Not all doctors should be doctors. Some should work in lab studying rather than dealing with real humans.

horseygirl_0103 profile image
horseygirl_0103

it depends I think i wish theyd put their diagnosis in laymans terms & just give an answer of yes or no where it is warranted instead of going all round the houses so you dont come out of surgety thinking i still dont know the answer

ameliasarah profile image
ameliasarah in reply to horseygirl_0103

Most of us do trust our doctors, and healthcare professionals are generally very committed to helping us become more empowered, but the systems ...Allow for Adjustments: By following your doctor's instructions and reporting back during follow ups, you can provide your doctor with insight into what is and is not working. Based on your feedback, doctors can tailor your treatment plans, adjust medications, or explore other options and treatment alternatives Ordinarily physicians and other providers are considered to be bound by obligations to the patient of respect for patient autonomy, acting for the benefit of the patient, and refraining from anything that would harm the patient. Truth-telling or honesty is seen as a basic moral principle, rule, or value.

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Divegirl2372 profile image
Divegirl2372

I know more about my condition and treatment options than my oncologist. This is so sad.

bennevisplace profile image
bennevisplace

I feel unable to answer this question with a simple yes or no. If the doctor and I have a long enough history that I can be confident in his or her expertise and commitment to the case in hand, then yes.

I believe that sometimes NHS doctors are too stretched by workload to give the case in hand the attention they ought to. Example: A GP prescribed me a med, I was doubtful based on the patient leaflet, the next GP said give me those and don't get any more, if you take them you could pass out without warning.