The Arrogance of Experts

The antacid medication hasn't kicked in yet, so I didn't go in to work. I spent the day in bed except for half-an-hour when I went to see the doctor to get a note for my boss. While there I asked the doctor a few questions about the pain and about the candida problems I have, but unfortunately she gave me the typical western medicine response of "you're just the patient – you don't know anything."

If it weren't for the language barrier I would have pushed more, but then again I think I would have just been banging my head against a wall, which might have distracted from the acid-pain but wouldn't have been good in the long run. The doctor's attitude was the same I experienced when the medical community in Toronto told me that I had fibromyalgia and couldn't do anything about it. After living in pain for nine years I changed my diet and poof! all symptoms went away (for almost five years).

In other words I'm a little short on trust right now but in Spain people are assigned their doctors and can't look around for one they trust and feel comfortable with. Maybe I'll make a long distance appointment with my former naturopath in Toronto. He always paid attention to everything I told him.

Someday Lessons:

• All too often, the more people know, the less the listen to others.
• Ultimately, you are the only true advocate for your health.

Comments

[Jacki Hollywood Brown]

After the second move across the country and explaining to yet ANOTHER doctor in another province in another language all my medical problems, I came to the same conclusion.
I always make sure I get a photocopy of my medical files to drag with me from one place to another. I always take a business card of every specialty clinic (e.g. ultrasound) I visit with the date of the appointment and what procedure was done. That way I can always call the clinic and get my results sent forward.
And in Montreal, you can't look around for a doctor you feel comfortable with because there just aren't any doctors available; only walk-in clinics so it's a different doctor every time!

[Janet Sandberg]

Miguel has a great doctor in Germany (near Koln), if you're up for a road trip. He does every kind of medicine (east, west, natural, traditional) and can pretty much tell what's wrong with you just by looking at you. He has patients from all over the world because he's so good. Let me know if you're interested & I can get you his contact info.

[Lisa]

Sorry you're feeling so poorly Alex! Yeah, the medical system is breaking down every where.

Alternative medicine is looking better and better every day.

Take good care,
Lisa