Are you one of those people who has been to the doctor multiple times with no resolution? Do you feel like your questions are dismissed and that conventional medicine just doesn’t ‘get it’ when it comes to your health issues? You’re not alone! In recent years, more and more of us have come to view traditional medical treatments with a healthy dose (pun intended!) of skepticism. From stories about inadequate symptom management for common ailments such as fatigue or chronic pain to a lack of insight into complicated hormonal imbalances, it’s become abundantly clear that if we want real solutions, then we must take ownership over our own healing journey. Today, let’s delve into some of the most pressing concerns when discussing conventional medicine: is there room for improvement still within this system, and what role do we each play in ensuring optimal healthcare outcomes?
White Coat Syndrome
I’ve been hearing a lot lately about people losing faith in traditional healthcare, especially since the pandemic hit. It seems like many of you are hesitant to visit the doctor and have grown skeptical of conventional medicine over time.
The thing is, medicine has come a long way, but some people are still fearful of it. Let’s talk about this fear and skepticism together.
A few significant changes started with the Obama administration, and then things shifted again as a result of the pandemic. Many doctors went into early retirement and have left medicine as a result of the growing complexities of being in private practice. Did you know that over 47% of doctors have left private practice and now work for health management organizations? This shift has made healthcare feel less personal and more automated. It’s no wonder we sometimes feel like just another number in the system.
Let’s be clear: it’s not the doctors themselves who are the problem. Most doctors enter the field because they genuinely want to help sick people. However, the system they work within is flawed and in need of change.
Doctor-Patient Relationship
Doctors are caught right in the middle of it, sandwiched between the insurance companies and the pharmaceutical companies.
It’s really just a hoop-jumping battle for doctors to face where they have to abide by new regulations. Ultimately, what happens is that the doctor-patient relationship suffers. More time is now being put towards checking boxes and less time with the patient.
This is what I often hear.
“Dr. Purcell, my doctor just wants to put me on medication.”
“My doctor told me to eat better, but I don’t know what to eat.”
“I’m supposed to lose weight in the next two months and go back, but I don’t know how to lose the weight.”
“If I don’t lose the weight in two months, I’m going to need to go on this medication.”
Another one goes:
“Dr. Purcell, I don’t think my doctor was listening to what I really had to say. I was in the office for 10 minutes, and my doctor didn’t even make eye contact with me.”
If you’ve ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling frustrated, demoralized, or even shamed, you’re not alone. As women, our health can be complex, and it’s tough for doctors to fully understand our situations and histories in just a 7- to 10-minute visit.
As a result, it’s often easier for doctors to prescribe medication for a quick fix. But quick fixes don’t address the root cause of the issue, and they certainly aren’t curative. For example, taking cholesterol medication may lower your cholesterol, but what happens when you stop taking it? Your cholesterol levels rise again. This approach is just like putting a bandage on a wound. It may cover up the problem, but it doesn’t solve it.
Should we just stick our heads in the sand?
What’s a woman to do—hope that things get back to normal? That’s not going to work either.
This is an area where ignorance really isn’t bliss. Yes, the body has the ability to heal itself, but oftentimes it needs some help.
Knowledge is power, and when it comes to your health, for sure, we have to act on it. Even if you’ve had a negative experience with the doctor, you can’t go into denial. Ignoring it just keeps you in the dark and prevents you from taking any real action to move things forward.
The approach we take with natural medicine is to go proactive and look at things from all angles. Here are my recommendations, should you have a conventional doctor’s visit.
Step 1: Lower Your Expectations
An insurance-based doctor is good at diagnosing issues and running tests. When it comes to treating chronic conditions, they’re going to manage them with drugs or surgery.
Step 2: When you go to the doctor, think, “I’m here to get information so I can find out what’s happening in my body.”
Information Is Empowering. Getting a thorough workup and diagnosis is crucial, but it’s important to remember that it’s just the first step. This information empowers you to make an informed decision about your next steps. Maybe you want to seek a second opinion or try alternative medicine. Now that you have the knowledge, you can explore different approaches and find what works best for you.
Step 3: Decide How You Want To Treat The Issue
When it comes to your health, you have choices to make. Do you want to seek a second opinion? Do you want to follow your doctor’s recommendations, or explore a completely different approach, like natural medicine instead of pharmaceuticals? It’s up to you to make the decision that feels right for your body and your wellbeing.
Step 4: Believe That You Can Improve Your Health At Any Age
I believe that as long as you have a pulse, it’s never too late. Your body has an amazing ability to heal when it is given the right tools and the right support. You can start wherever you are.
Step 5: Remember that a doctor should be a piece of your team.
Your doctor should be one person on a team of many working to support you. If at any time you feel unsupported, you could always switch and get a different doctor.
I’d love to be part of YOUR team
Last week, a patient told me something that made me feel truly grateful:
“Dr. Purcell, I’m so happy to have you on my team. When my doctor recommended cholesterol-lowering medication, I knew I didn’t want to risk the negative side effects. But instead of feeling anxious and scared, I just thought of you and knew exactly who to call. Now I’m here and ready to explore other options for getting my cholesterol down without pharmaceuticals.”
Remember, you always have choices when it comes to your health. It can feel overwhelming at times, but take it one day at a time. You don’t have to tackle years of issues all at once. Just like the turtle wins the race, small steps can lead to big changes in the long run.
Ultimately, the day-to-day decisions that affect our health are up to us. When and how do we maintain or pursue our well-being? Do we believe in conventional medicine or explore alternative routes and approach our healing journey through different resources? This is a personal choice; however, the best course of action is an informed one. As for me, I am always open to learning about new science and embracing alternative elements in my own support. If you are someone who resonates with these ideas, I’d love to have a chat with you. You can book a free discovery call with me to discuss this further. In doing so, together we create an ultimate outcome where natural self-care interventions restore balance and trust in ourselves comes back into full bloom, paving the way forward in terms of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. After all, the best way to experience success on the path of healing is when we surrender control and allow ourselves to be taken care of by others. Let’s make this year the year that you give yourself permission to listen—wouldn’t that be something? Schedule your discovery call today!
Are you feeling anxious about seeing a doctor? We completely understand – it’s common to feel uneasy when it comes to healthcare. But don’t let your worries hold you back from seeking the care you need. Our team is here to help you get to the root of your fears and find a solution that works for you. Let’s chat! Schedule a free discovery call with us to discuss your symptoms in detail and create a personalized plan.
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional
