'Why patients must rely less on doctors ...'

Here's an interesting article from today's Independent newspaper:

independent.co.uk/life-styl...

[RedApple Administrator]

Thanks for posting this. I think a great many of us here (particularly those self medicating with desiccated thyroid etc) can agree wholeheartedly with this bit:

Evidence shows that, when patients share in making clinical decisions and are encouraged to manage their own conditions and look after themselves, not only does their health improve but they also make less use of health services.

[HarryE]

I agree with Red Apple - the less I see of damn doctors the better. I've done this all by myself!

[Nickinoo1]

Well I think that says it all and I am taking that to my GP appointment later today!

Isn't this what they are supposed to do anyway. Am I making it up or is that not part of NICE guidelines?

Thank you for posting its made me realise that I have to take charge again. I did it before my hemi thyroidectomy and think it will come down to that again as I shiver under a blanket on my sofa with my head splitting in two from my permanent levo headache.

[Clutter]

CG, A pity the article wasn't directed at the NHS rather than patients. It smacks of patient blaming the way I read it. Most people are competent to manage their chronic illness if allowed to and in time will be able to interpret their test results.

[Nickinoo1 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter 😊

I didn't read it like that at all. More shame on the medics for sitting on pedestals and not giving patients the info to make decisions.

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

Clutter - I tend to agree Nickinoo1 although appreciate that the NHS will struggle with relinquishing any control over the plebs.

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

CG, I'm probably wearing my grumpy hat

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

Lol

[Nickinoo1 in reply to Clutter]

Nah never noticed you had one lol. 😊

[Nickinoo1 in reply to Hidden]

Gosh yes - old boys club spring to mind to promote self importance.

I did just have my GP admit clearly him thinking all my symptoms last year were other things was wrong it was my thyroid after all!!!!! Well maybe he might listen to me now?

New blood tests on Friday. Said if things get complicated he will finally refer me to an endo!!!! Not sure If that'll do me any good as don't think there were any recommended in Lincolnshire on Louise's list.

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

Oh, I quite agree with that! It's all about power, and control. They feel under-mined when patients become knowledgable, and they Don't like it! There are even doctors that feel that vit C and aspirin should be prescription only!

[greygoose]

Why no mention of thyroid? That would be the easiest one to manage alone - thousands of us already do it! And that would save the NHS thousands - if not millions!!!

I agree, it is time doctors got off their pedestals and patients off their knees! Not that I've ever been on mine...