I had been on Sertraline for probably 5 years, and all of a sudden the side effects just multiplied. I went cold turkey off of it, and have found an herbal that works just as well. I just haven't met with my doctor, because I go once a year and that was last December.

I like my doctor - she's very down-to-earth. She also supports the natural remedies. I have gotten with her about the medicines for my gallbladder stuff (the lack thereof, but no decrease in liver production).

Of course I listen. I pay him well enough to take his advice. He's a professional and I appreciate that.

But as an RN, (case manager for home care and hospice) I'm probably one of the worst to use my own advice first. I talk to my doc probably every couple of weeks about one of his patients that I'm caring for, so I get "free" advice for myself too at that time.

I give my patients lots of advice, and lots of them try things their own way before they try my way. It usually ends well, and continue I great relationship with them, even after the acute phase is over.

I listen and then research everything I was told. Then go back and ask the questions I want to ask. If your Dr. gets peeved you research online about a medical concern then change Drs.

I don't go to a doctor, unless it's a specialist, I use a FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) I love Lori to pieces, and what I usually end up doing is listening to her advice, and then using my own common sense and knowledge to decide whether or not I want to follow it. I will sometimes use the internet to research...and almost NEVER use the advice I get from the net until I've talked it over with Lori...

That's great that you look for info, but also check with your health care provider. There is so much out there and she will help guide you to the sites that provide medically sound info. You are definitely an informed consumer of health care info, and an active participant in your health care. :thumbup:

My doctor and I discuss things, I may do more research and then we can discuss it some more. She is very open to hear my concerns, and offer alternatives, too.

My Dr is like a good friend in the respect that she sits & listens to me & will willingly listen to me and talk with me about my concerns. So yes I do listen to her advice & take it. But not until we do discuss it. If I do research something after I leave her offc. & feel the need to go back to talk it over with her, I do & she is open to what I have found & will discuss what is best for me. I love my Dr. She has the attitude that I know my body better than anyone. She just helps it to function at its best if she can.

Oh - I listen alright just like I listen to all those commercials on tv that says to tell your doctor you need this prescription or that one. We are living in a "just say no to drugs" society, but there are ads everytime you turn around saying you nEED a certain drug. More deaths and negative interactions are caused by prescription drugs than illegal ones. Natural eating is the key - yes, there are SOME ailments that can ONLY be controlled with meds, but you have to learn and be aware of all side effects and interactions and MUST have a knowledgable doctor.

I'd have to go to the doctor to listen to one! lol! Dh has to just about hog tie me and drag me kicking and screaming to go. I've either had them have the "god" complex and totally dismiss all talking things over or have less knowledge about herbs and things than I do. If its an emergency I can't handle I'll go but for normal stuff no way. Did I also mention that just the mention of going to the doctor is enough to send my bp sky high? My bp that has been controlled nicely by herbs for ohh....11 years?