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pnwmom

(110,168 posts)

38. My biggest regret in life is the one time I didn't stand up to a doctor.

Tue Oct 7, 2025, 12:56 PM

Oct 7

I had once left a doctor's office unsatisfied with his "just a virus" diagnosis, and driven my sick child to a hospital ER instead -- where it turned out he had bacterial meningitis. So I knew a doctor could be seriously wrong.

But this time I was with my husband, because he had been treated for the same thing for years, and I was afraid it was cancer. The doctor insisted once again that it was benign. So I asked about a procedure I knew could definitely rule that out, and he just mocked me, telling me I shouldn't consult "Dr. Google." And my husband wanted to believe he was fine, so that was that.

Six months later the doctor finally did that procedure, but it was too late. In the years of getting no treatment, the thing that "wasn't cancer" had already spread to my husband's spinal cord.

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Skittles erronis cliffside live love laugh FakeNoose lark

65 replies

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Highlight:

A medical story for the forum: [View all] PCIntern Oct 7 OP

I applaud your resolve and common sense. no_hypocrisy Oct 7 #1

a good lesson Skittles Oct 7 #2

excellent advice.... markie Oct 7 #3

I had something similar LittleGirl Oct 7 #55

good luck with your surgery markie Oct 7 #56

One surgeon said I need a new shoulder LittleGirl Oct 7 #60

Good for you! mgardener Oct 7 #4

Underscores the value of a second opinion (and where possible, a close friend, colleague or hlthe2b Oct 7 #5

You know, it's funny... PCIntern Oct 7 #8

And a lot of times just being able to ask questions. I've found a bit of research ahead of time helps. erronis Oct 7 #20

Sure. As long as it is clear you aren't using "untrained so-called medical influencers" or "Dr. Google's worst sources" hlthe2b Oct 7 #22

So, you didn't have to call your local funeral home...... Butterflylady Oct 7 #6

Very good story. Thanks for sharing. Easterncedar Oct 7 #7

The importance of THREE MissKat Oct 7 #9

Terrific advice. PCIntern Oct 7 #10

Glad your intuition was on target! Fla Dem Oct 7 #11

Reading your experience with the electrophysiologist makes me thank my lucky stars TexLaProgressive Oct 7 #12

I agree totally. OldBaldy1701E Oct 7 #13

Interesting. I have been pushed to see an electrophysiologist - much more frequently recently. erronis Oct 7 #14

Have you been on anticoagulants all this time? PCIntern Oct 7 #15

Yup - first coumadin and now eliquis. You mention the Watchman - erronis Oct 7 #21

I just BeerBarrelPolka Oct 7 #46

Good for you! And I really hope it solves those issues. erronis Oct 7 #49

Thank you BeerBarrelPolka Oct 7 #52

erron popsdenver Oct 7 #35

Your points are well understood. As almost anything in this society, money/profit will rot it out. erronis Oct 7 #50

Thank you so much for telling us your story, Ilsa Oct 7 #16

They all own stock in the company that makes the pacemaker. milestogo Oct 7 #17

It sounds like my TIA story nuxvomica Oct 7 #18

Have you considered otchmoson Oct 7 #19

Can't get involved with that stuff, PCIntern Oct 7 #30

I understand otchmoson Oct 7 #36

My brother had a health scare and was stunned watching the vultures gather malaise Oct 7 #23

Surgeons want to cut. Cardiologists who specialize in pacemakers MineralMan Oct 7 #24

As the saying goes, NewLarry Oct 7 #47

The first specialist sounds like the guy who told me I had to get both my knees replaced immediately,. That was 5 sinkingfeeling Oct 7 #25

Thanks. An experience worth sharing and applying to similar situations. joanbarnes Oct 7 #26

MD and AMA poozwah Oct 7 #27

You really have to be your own doctor these days. I'm still pissed off about my experience a week ago Vinca Oct 7 #28

Question everything. It's what I do too as a family advocate. live love laugh Oct 7 #29

"You betcha" PCIntern Oct 7 #31

What do you think of the Korean cholesterol study? womanofthehills Oct 7 #33

I haven't read that study - Ms. Toad Oct 7 #41

The Magnesium Miracle supports the findings that cholesterol isn't "bad" live love laugh Oct 8 #64

They pulled this same shit with my Dad gay texan Oct 7 #32

Similar story here, for goodnes sakes... Dancingdem Oct 7 #34

My belief now is that most doctors are mediocre at best. LuckyLib Oct 7 #37

I didn't save my source for this, and it's been a long time soldierant Oct 8 #65

My biggest regret in life is the one time I didn't stand up to a doctor. pnwmom Oct 7 #38

Oohh my gosh Chicagogrl1 Oct 7 #39

I was 31 when I first refused medical intervention. Ms. Toad Oct 7 #40

I've refused medical intervention. hunter Oct 7 #44

So far - my refusals have always been for the better. Ms. Toad Oct 7 #45

Just now, I declined the opportunity to wear a heart monitor. John1956PA Oct 7 #42

I believe the hospital pressures these docs PCIntern Oct 7 #51

I wore a heart monitor for a week and it was way more interesting than a few missed beats. hunter Oct 7 #43

And "non-profit" hospitals are anything but. erronis Oct 7 #54

They're drumming up business, minimizing liability, and pathologizing you. bucolic_frolic Oct 7 #48

Always a good idea to be your own best advocate. hamsterjill Oct 7 #53

Kickin' with enthusiasm Faux pas Oct 7 #57

Thanks for sharing. yellow dahlia Oct 7 #58

BIG kick and recommendation, might I add to get labs done on a regular basis and to 'watch the trend' ... cliffside Oct 7 #59

Thanks for sharing, would you please link to this post in the health group? There is useful information in your post ... cliffside Oct 7 #61

They are taking kickbacks from the medical device company iemanja Oct 7 #62

You handled it expertly! pacalo Oct 7 #63