Reflection - doctors' attitudes

I am always of the opinion that a doctor should always work together with the patient and not on behalf of the patient in order to achieve the best results.

I do not like the idea of my doctor calling all the shots for me, with the impression that it was in my best interests. Doctors worked according to guidelines based on test results, but it is my body and I ought to know how I feel. There were instances, like the times when doctors were treating my relapses for hyperthyrotoxicosis, where I defied my doctors and was proven correct. Likewise, with my relapse last year, I stood my grounds against the ward doctors in Changi Hospital and again, I was right. That is why I would always ask for information, and if my doctors won't listen to my opinions or my progress according to my gut feelings, I would end up questioning my doctors' decisions.

Before my mastectomy in 2006, I was recommended a doctor in Gleneagles Hospital for a second opinion. He said he would not allow his patients to consume any traditional chinese medicine while undergoing chemotherapy. I decided there and then, that he was never going to be my doctor, even though he was concerned enough to get his staff to hurry me to go for surgery as soon as possible as I had a biopsy done more than 2 weeks before.

I respect the fact that there is substantial investment involved in terms of time and money before a person is qualified as a doctor. But, doctors should bear in mind that they are dealing with bodies that are alive, and that each and every individual is different, and that not everyone will respond to prescribed treatment accordingly. We are not lab mice or cadavers, but live humans with very individual lifestyles and diets. I am sure that there were cases to prove otherwise, but I don't know how or whether those cases were acknowledged.

It irks me to see doctors assumed that all knowing attitude, including that it is their prerogative to ask questions and the duty of the patient is just to answer them, period.

Doctors should be aware that in adopting an intimidating attitude, they will cause their patients undue stress which may complicate matters and may also have an adverse effect. A patient's mindset is very important in any treatment and it won't help matters if the patient become a silent rebel.

I observed that oncos in NCC tend to insist that their patients complete the doses of treatment prescribed and were very unwilling, or even refused, the patients to stop without completing the prescribed treatments, even though test results were favourable and patients felt fine. Their stand is that since the response to the treatment is good, so the treatments should be continued. I wonder if the reason was really in the patient's best interest or if it was to fulfil their quota.