How To Handle Different Dr Opinions

[Juliet]

Get enough information about *why* they each have their differing opinions and see which set of reasons you agree with. I've also had the doctors talk with each other on different ideas for dosages on meds - how long to take them after culturing negative (MAC). In that case one doc was able to convince the other doc to see things from his perspective. Then that's the advice I followed because they ultimately agreed and convinced me too (even though I didn't start out thinking that way).

On another occasion this other pulmonologist had reasons and preferences that I just totally disagreed with because I felt that the larger dose gave me side effects that wasn't worth the benefits. I never could convince him otherwise (nor could my GP), but he wasn't the one taking the meds (something that gives me the nervous shakes). That pulmo guy never really did listen to me (nothing pisses me off worse!) Once I got my CF diagnosis from the cool docs at JH (who I went to see despite the pulmo guy saying I didn't have CF it wasn't worth going to JH or the cost of the tests) I called him up to let him know the genetic test results proved I had CF. We got into the same discussion (argument??) about dosage again and I finally had to tell him, would you just *shut up and listen* for a minute? Then I told him about my CF diagnosis and how the JH docs didn't think that med was beneficial for me and Oh, BTW, I won't be seeing you anymore so please send my records to JH. He finally just said Oh. Moron.

Anyways, long winded answer for saying you can get the docs to hammer it out amongst them (if you trust their judgement) or you can educate yourself so that you can make the right decision. I'm a strong believer in listening to our own intuitions.... ~Juliet

 

[Juliet]

Get enough information about *why* they each have their differing opinions and see which set of reasons you agree with. I've also had the doctors talk with each other on different ideas for dosages on meds - how long to take them after culturing negative (MAC). In that case one doc was able to convince the other doc to see things from his perspective. Then that's the advice I followed because they ultimately agreed and convinced me too (even though I didn't start out thinking that way).

On another occasion this other pulmonologist had reasons and preferences that I just totally disagreed with because I felt that the larger dose gave me side effects that wasn't worth the benefits. I never could convince him otherwise (nor could my GP), but he wasn't the one taking the meds (something that gives me the nervous shakes). That pulmo guy never really did listen to me (nothing pisses me off worse!) Once I got my CF diagnosis from the cool docs at JH (who I went to see despite the pulmo guy saying I didn't have CF it wasn't worth going to JH or the cost of the tests) I called him up to let him know the genetic test results proved I had CF. We got into the same discussion (argument??) about dosage again and I finally had to tell him, would you just *shut up and listen* for a minute? Then I told him about my CF diagnosis and how the JH docs didn't think that med was beneficial for me and Oh, BTW, I won't be seeing you anymore so please send my records to JH. He finally just said Oh. Moron.

Anyways, long winded answer for saying you can get the docs to hammer it out amongst them (if you trust their judgement) or you can educate yourself so that you can make the right decision. I'm a strong believer in listening to our own intuitions.... ~Juliet

 

[Juliet]

Get enough information about *why* they each have their differing opinions and see which set of reasons you agree with. I've also had the doctors talk with each other on different ideas for dosages on meds - how long to take them after culturing negative (MAC). In that case one doc was able to convince the other doc to see things from his perspective. Then that's the advice I followed because they ultimately agreed and convinced me too (even though I didn't start out thinking that way).

On another occasion this other pulmonologist had reasons and preferences that I just totally disagreed with because I felt that the larger dose gave me side effects that wasn't worth the benefits. I never could convince him otherwise (nor could my GP), but he wasn't the one taking the meds (something that gives me the nervous shakes). That pulmo guy never really did listen to me (nothing pisses me off worse!) Once I got my CF diagnosis from the cool docs at JH (who I went to see despite the pulmo guy saying I didn't have CF it wasn't worth going to JH or the cost of the tests) I called him up to let him know the genetic test results proved I had CF. We got into the same discussion (argument??) about dosage again and I finally had to tell him, would you just *shut up and listen* for a minute? Then I told him about my CF diagnosis and how the JH docs didn't think that med was beneficial for me and Oh, BTW, I won't be seeing you anymore so please send my records to JH. He finally just said Oh. Moron.

Anyways, long winded answer for saying you can get the docs to hammer it out amongst them (if you trust their judgement) or you can educate yourself so that you can make the right decision. I'm a strong believer in listening to our own intuitions.... ~Juliet

 

[Juliet]

Get enough information about *why* they each have their differing opinions and see which set of reasons you agree with. I've also had the doctors talk with each other on different ideas for dosages on meds - how long to take them after culturing negative (MAC). In that case one doc was able to convince the other doc to see things from his perspective. Then that's the advice I followed because they ultimately agreed and convinced me too (even though I didn't start out thinking that way).

On another occasion this other pulmonologist had reasons and preferences that I just totally disagreed with because I felt that the larger dose gave me side effects that wasn't worth the benefits. I never could convince him otherwise (nor could my GP), but he wasn't the one taking the meds (something that gives me the nervous shakes). That pulmo guy never really did listen to me (nothing pisses me off worse!) Once I got my CF diagnosis from the cool docs at JH (who I went to see despite the pulmo guy saying I didn't have CF it wasn't worth going to JH or the cost of the tests) I called him up to let him know the genetic test results proved I had CF. We got into the same discussion (argument??) about dosage again and I finally had to tell him, would you just *shut up and listen* for a minute? Then I told him about my CF diagnosis and how the JH docs didn't think that med was beneficial for me and Oh, BTW, I won't be seeing you anymore so please send my records to JH. He finally just said Oh. Moron.

Anyways, long winded answer for saying you can get the docs to hammer it out amongst them (if you trust their judgement) or you can educate yourself so that you can make the right decision. I'm a strong believer in listening to our own intuitions.... ~Juliet

 

[Juliet]

Get enough information about *why* they each have their differing opinions and see which set of reasons you agree with. I've also had the doctors talk with each other on different ideas for dosages on meds - how long to take them after culturing negative (MAC). In that case one doc was able to convince the other doc to see things from his perspective. Then that's the advice I followed because they ultimately agreed and convinced me too (even though I didn't start out thinking that way).
<br />
<br />On another occasion this other pulmonologist had reasons and preferences that I just totally disagreed with because I felt that the larger dose gave me side effects that wasn't worth the benefits. I never could convince him otherwise (nor could my GP), but he wasn't the one taking the meds (something that gives me the nervous shakes). That pulmo guy never really did listen to me (nothing pisses me off worse!) Once I got my CF diagnosis from the cool docs at JH (who I went to see despite the pulmo guy saying I didn't have CF it wasn't worth going to JH or the cost of the tests) I called him up to let him know the genetic test results proved I had CF. We got into the same discussion (argument??) about dosage again and I finally had to tell him, would you just *shut up and listen* for a minute? Then I told him about my CF diagnosis and how the JH docs didn't think that med was beneficial for me and Oh, BTW, I won't be seeing you anymore so please send my records to JH. He finally just said Oh. Moron.
<br />
<br />Anyways, long winded answer for saying you can get the docs to hammer it out amongst them (if you trust their judgement) or you can educate yourself so that you can make the right decision. I'm a strong believer in listening to our own intuitions.... ~Juliet

 

[kclynn87]

I usually try to get different opinions from various doctors on the team since they seem to be set in their own ways, but in the end it is always my decision. Doctors really know no more than we do about the effectiveness on each individual, they only; it is all trial and error (for them as well as us).

God bless.

 

[kclynn87]

I usually try to get different opinions from various doctors on the team since they seem to be set in their own ways, but in the end it is always my decision. Doctors really know no more than we do about the effectiveness on each individual, they only; it is all trial and error (for them as well as us).

God bless.

 

[kclynn87]

I usually try to get different opinions from various doctors on the team since they seem to be set in their own ways, but in the end it is always my decision. Doctors really know no more than we do about the effectiveness on each individual, they only; it is all trial and error (for them as well as us).

God bless.

 

[kclynn87]

I usually try to get different opinions from various doctors on the team since they seem to be set in their own ways, but in the end it is always my decision. Doctors really know no more than we do about the effectiveness on each individual, they only; it is all trial and error (for them as well as us).

God bless.

 

[kclynn87]

I usually try to get different opinions from various doctors on the team since they seem to be set in their own ways, but in the end it is always my decision. Doctors really know no more than we do about the effectiveness on each individual, they only; it is all trial and error (for them as well as us).
<br />
<br />God bless.

 

[rubyroselee]

I currently go to 2 CF doctors, and yes, it can be very difficult if they have different opinions on things. I am from the Detroit area and have grown up going to a CF center in Cleveland, OH. I moved to Massachusetts a couple years ago and now go to a CF center in Boston. I still continue to travel to Cleveland once a year to see my Boston doctor because I think their CF center is superb!

Fortunately for me, my CF doctor in Boston highly respects my CF doctor on Cleveland. They meet often at various CF meetings around the country and know each other well. If there was ever a question they would be happy to contact each other about my care. My Boston doctor seems to think my Cleveland doctor is some sort of CF God, so he's not up to challenge anything he does for me...I think he still looks at him for advice most of the time. But it's fine with me because my Boston doctor has wonderful bedside manner and he really knows his stuff too. My Boston doctor/clinic does do things slightly differently than what I'm used to, but it's ok with me because it's almost the same. He also wanted to try me on maintenance Zithro, which is not something my Cleveland doctor ever recommended, but I would give it a shot if he felt I should try it.

They both prescribe different drugs (Cleveland does eFlow and Boston does not), but I always make sure they know about what the other doctor is doing so they don't get too confused!

I have had a different doctor in Boston (before I switched to my current one) and he was challenging everything my Cleveland doctor was doing and wanted to switch all my meds around. I was NOT happy about that and I left.

I think if you're going to have two CF doctors, they should basically be on the same page about things. It's much too hard and stressful for a patient to have completely different ideas coming at them. Every doctor is different and has researched things differently. I would always ask for evidence to support what they're saying if you don't feel comfortable with changes they want to make.

Hope that helps <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[rubyroselee]

I currently go to 2 CF doctors, and yes, it can be very difficult if they have different opinions on things. I am from the Detroit area and have grown up going to a CF center in Cleveland, OH. I moved to Massachusetts a couple years ago and now go to a CF center in Boston. I still continue to travel to Cleveland once a year to see my Boston doctor because I think their CF center is superb!

Fortunately for me, my CF doctor in Boston highly respects my CF doctor on Cleveland. They meet often at various CF meetings around the country and know each other well. If there was ever a question they would be happy to contact each other about my care. My Boston doctor seems to think my Cleveland doctor is some sort of CF God, so he's not up to challenge anything he does for me...I think he still looks at him for advice most of the time. But it's fine with me because my Boston doctor has wonderful bedside manner and he really knows his stuff too. My Boston doctor/clinic does do things slightly differently than what I'm used to, but it's ok with me because it's almost the same. He also wanted to try me on maintenance Zithro, which is not something my Cleveland doctor ever recommended, but I would give it a shot if he felt I should try it.

They both prescribe different drugs (Cleveland does eFlow and Boston does not), but I always make sure they know about what the other doctor is doing so they don't get too confused!

I have had a different doctor in Boston (before I switched to my current one) and he was challenging everything my Cleveland doctor was doing and wanted to switch all my meds around. I was NOT happy about that and I left.

I think if you're going to have two CF doctors, they should basically be on the same page about things. It's much too hard and stressful for a patient to have completely different ideas coming at them. Every doctor is different and has researched things differently. I would always ask for evidence to support what they're saying if you don't feel comfortable with changes they want to make.

Hope that helps <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[rubyroselee]

I currently go to 2 CF doctors, and yes, it can be very difficult if they have different opinions on things. I am from the Detroit area and have grown up going to a CF center in Cleveland, OH. I moved to Massachusetts a couple years ago and now go to a CF center in Boston. I still continue to travel to Cleveland once a year to see my Boston doctor because I think their CF center is superb!

Fortunately for me, my CF doctor in Boston highly respects my CF doctor on Cleveland. They meet often at various CF meetings around the country and know each other well. If there was ever a question they would be happy to contact each other about my care. My Boston doctor seems to think my Cleveland doctor is some sort of CF God, so he's not up to challenge anything he does for me...I think he still looks at him for advice most of the time. But it's fine with me because my Boston doctor has wonderful bedside manner and he really knows his stuff too. My Boston doctor/clinic does do things slightly differently than what I'm used to, but it's ok with me because it's almost the same. He also wanted to try me on maintenance Zithro, which is not something my Cleveland doctor ever recommended, but I would give it a shot if he felt I should try it.

They both prescribe different drugs (Cleveland does eFlow and Boston does not), but I always make sure they know about what the other doctor is doing so they don't get too confused!

I have had a different doctor in Boston (before I switched to my current one) and he was challenging everything my Cleveland doctor was doing and wanted to switch all my meds around. I was NOT happy about that and I left.

I think if you're going to have two CF doctors, they should basically be on the same page about things. It's much too hard and stressful for a patient to have completely different ideas coming at them. Every doctor is different and has researched things differently. I would always ask for evidence to support what they're saying if you don't feel comfortable with changes they want to make.

Hope that helps <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[rubyroselee]

I currently go to 2 CF doctors, and yes, it can be very difficult if they have different opinions on things. I am from the Detroit area and have grown up going to a CF center in Cleveland, OH. I moved to Massachusetts a couple years ago and now go to a CF center in Boston. I still continue to travel to Cleveland once a year to see my Boston doctor because I think their CF center is superb!

Fortunately for me, my CF doctor in Boston highly respects my CF doctor on Cleveland. They meet often at various CF meetings around the country and know each other well. If there was ever a question they would be happy to contact each other about my care. My Boston doctor seems to think my Cleveland doctor is some sort of CF God, so he's not up to challenge anything he does for me...I think he still looks at him for advice most of the time. But it's fine with me because my Boston doctor has wonderful bedside manner and he really knows his stuff too. My Boston doctor/clinic does do things slightly differently than what I'm used to, but it's ok with me because it's almost the same. He also wanted to try me on maintenance Zithro, which is not something my Cleveland doctor ever recommended, but I would give it a shot if he felt I should try it.

They both prescribe different drugs (Cleveland does eFlow and Boston does not), but I always make sure they know about what the other doctor is doing so they don't get too confused!

I have had a different doctor in Boston (before I switched to my current one) and he was challenging everything my Cleveland doctor was doing and wanted to switch all my meds around. I was NOT happy about that and I left.

I think if you're going to have two CF doctors, they should basically be on the same page about things. It's much too hard and stressful for a patient to have completely different ideas coming at them. Every doctor is different and has researched things differently. I would always ask for evidence to support what they're saying if you don't feel comfortable with changes they want to make.

Hope that helps <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[rubyroselee]

I currently go to 2 CF doctors, and yes, it can be very difficult if they have different opinions on things. I am from the Detroit area and have grown up going to a CF center in Cleveland, OH. I moved to Massachusetts a couple years ago and now go to a CF center in Boston. I still continue to travel to Cleveland once a year to see my Boston doctor because I think their CF center is superb!
<br />
<br />Fortunately for me, my CF doctor in Boston highly respects my CF doctor on Cleveland. They meet often at various CF meetings around the country and know each other well. If there was ever a question they would be happy to contact each other about my care. My Boston doctor seems to think my Cleveland doctor is some sort of CF God, so he's not up to challenge anything he does for me...I think he still looks at him for advice most of the time. But it's fine with me because my Boston doctor has wonderful bedside manner and he really knows his stuff too. My Boston doctor/clinic does do things slightly differently than what I'm used to, but it's ok with me because it's almost the same. He also wanted to try me on maintenance Zithro, which is not something my Cleveland doctor ever recommended, but I would give it a shot if he felt I should try it.
<br />
<br />They both prescribe different drugs (Cleveland does eFlow and Boston does not), but I always make sure they know about what the other doctor is doing so they don't get too confused!
<br />
<br />I have had a different doctor in Boston (before I switched to my current one) and he was challenging everything my Cleveland doctor was doing and wanted to switch all my meds around. I was NOT happy about that and I left.
<br />
<br />I think if you're going to have two CF doctors, they should basically be on the same page about things. It's much too hard and stressful for a patient to have completely different ideas coming at them. Every doctor is different and has researched things differently. I would always ask for evidence to support what they're saying if you don't feel comfortable with changes they want to make.
<br />
<br />Hope that helps <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />

 

[NoExcuses]

1. No one cares more about your child's health than you. Not even a doctor

2. I had a consultation with another physician. My doc wasn't thrilled, but wasn't too opposed to it either. We sat down and talked through some of the treatments that appealed to me that I learned from the other doctor. My doc knows me as a very science-based, research oriented person. Therefore we discussed the science, compliance, pro's and con's, risks, etc. Ultimately we made decisions together.

3. To me, history of success with CF patients is huge. Past behavior predicts future behavior, more often than not. If a CF center is doing well, chances are they're doing something different than other centers (being more proactive, using different med treatment, etc).

4. Being reactive/uneducated about science and research is no longer acceptable in the CF game. To maximize chances of a longer, healthier life, being proactive/aggressive is the only option.

 

[NoExcuses]

1. No one cares more about your child's health than you. Not even a doctor

2. I had a consultation with another physician. My doc wasn't thrilled, but wasn't too opposed to it either. We sat down and talked through some of the treatments that appealed to me that I learned from the other doctor. My doc knows me as a very science-based, research oriented person. Therefore we discussed the science, compliance, pro's and con's, risks, etc. Ultimately we made decisions together.

3. To me, history of success with CF patients is huge. Past behavior predicts future behavior, more often than not. If a CF center is doing well, chances are they're doing something different than other centers (being more proactive, using different med treatment, etc).

4. Being reactive/uneducated about science and research is no longer acceptable in the CF game. To maximize chances of a longer, healthier life, being proactive/aggressive is the only option.

 

[NoExcuses]

1. No one cares more about your child's health than you. Not even a doctor

2. I had a consultation with another physician. My doc wasn't thrilled, but wasn't too opposed to it either. We sat down and talked through some of the treatments that appealed to me that I learned from the other doctor. My doc knows me as a very science-based, research oriented person. Therefore we discussed the science, compliance, pro's and con's, risks, etc. Ultimately we made decisions together.

3. To me, history of success with CF patients is huge. Past behavior predicts future behavior, more often than not. If a CF center is doing well, chances are they're doing something different than other centers (being more proactive, using different med treatment, etc).

4. Being reactive/uneducated about science and research is no longer acceptable in the CF game. To maximize chances of a longer, healthier life, being proactive/aggressive is the only option.

 

[NoExcuses]

1. No one cares more about your child's health than you. Not even a doctor

2. I had a consultation with another physician. My doc wasn't thrilled, but wasn't too opposed to it either. We sat down and talked through some of the treatments that appealed to me that I learned from the other doctor. My doc knows me as a very science-based, research oriented person. Therefore we discussed the science, compliance, pro's and con's, risks, etc. Ultimately we made decisions together.

3. To me, history of success with CF patients is huge. Past behavior predicts future behavior, more often than not. If a CF center is doing well, chances are they're doing something different than other centers (being more proactive, using different med treatment, etc).

4. Being reactive/uneducated about science and research is no longer acceptable in the CF game. To maximize chances of a longer, healthier life, being proactive/aggressive is the only option.

 

[NoExcuses]

1. No one cares more about your child's health than you. Not even a doctor
<br />
<br />2. I had a consultation with another physician. My doc wasn't thrilled, but wasn't too opposed to it either. We sat down and talked through some of the treatments that appealed to me that I learned from the other doctor. My doc knows me as a very science-based, research oriented person. Therefore we discussed the science, compliance, pro's and con's, risks, etc. Ultimately we made decisions together.
<br />
<br />3. To me, history of success with CF patients is huge. Past behavior predicts future behavior, more often than not. If a CF center is doing well, chances are they're doing something different than other centers (being more proactive, using different med treatment, etc).
<br />
<br />4. Being reactive/uneducated about science and research is no longer acceptable in the CF game. To maximize chances of a longer, healthier life, being proactive/aggressive is the only option.