Do you think it's weird for a doctor to ask you to "pray about

[Blue_Roses]

a decision" concerning your health care? Here's the deal: I've been having trouble with my shoulder and had an MRI about 8 weeks ago. The doctor looked at it (I was there and saw it too) and he said here's the problem, arthritis in your shoulder, so he gave me a shot and sent me on my way.

Today, I went back after 6 weeks from the shot--still having much pain--and he took X-Rays and found a tear in my ligament in my shoulder. He scheduled surgery for Friday saying that to ease the pain he would have to do some work (basically) on my shoulder. Numb, I looked at him with tears welting up and said, "this is not a good time," considering school is starting next week a few other things. He said, "that's okay, we can do it later, just go home and pray about it." Now I do believe in prayer, but come on, he's the doctor.

I'm so damn confused on my "diagnosis" ...:shrug:

This doctor did knee surgery on me last December and did a good job, but I think he has lost his mind since then. Anyone had this experience before? I just want my damn shoulder to stop hurting.:banghead: and an accurate diagnosis.

[Not_Giving_Up]

1. That is a little odd

Get a second opinion.

[Left Is Write]

2. Yes, I would find that odd.

I would also find it inappropriate, given the nature of the relationship.

[MichiganVote]

3. Seek a second opinion.

[Avalux]

4. If you think it's weird and it makes you uncomfortable -

find another doctor. Get another opinion. :hi:

[Blue_Roses]

9. I think I'm more upset that he didn't find this

8 weeks ago. Why didn't he do X-rays then? I think he's totally dropped the ball on this one. It makes me feel like he doesn't really care about my health and yes, I am going to be looking for a second opinion.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

16. Well, I guess it's God's will.

:eyes:

[brainshrub]

5. Odd, but not THAT odd.

Sometimes praying can help with a difficult decision. As long as the doctor isn't depending on prayer to heal you, I don't see a problem.

Maybe he was trying to improve on his bedside manner?

[Redstone]

6. Yes, he's lost his mind. Find another doctor, and do it

now, not later.

Redstone

[havocmom]

7. A good doctor knows the power of positive thinking.

Call it prayer, meditation, visualization, whatever, it does seem to help healing. The word 'pray' is probably easier for most people to understand.

I wouldn't worry that he has gone nuts unless he wanted to rely on prayer alone. THAT would indicate a new doctor is in order.

I had a tumor removed from my hand much later than it should have been (thank you, managed care for almost costing me a hand) and the muscles were so serverly atrophied the surgeon said it would take a second surgery for muscle grafts, and even then, no promises the hand would be worth a damn.

I did visualization meditation for 20 minuters 6 times a day. No second surgery was required. The surgeon and staff were dumbfounded at the healing. No way to explain it.

No, I don't think your doctor is crazy... Postive thought and outlook can definately affect outcome.

[Ladyhawk]

12. Yes, but did the doctor bother to ask what his patient's religious views

were? I would have been offended.

[unsavedtrash]

8. lack of vocabulary on his part? tell him he can pray and you will research

various options.

[Ladyhawk]

10. I learned an ear, nose and throat specialist I was seeing

believed in creationism. I won't be going back.

"Faith isn't the result of fuzzy thinking; it is the cause of it." - Dan Barker

[Union Thug]

11. The first time a doctor said "pray" would be the last time I see him/her..

I don't need that kind of intellectual retardation polluting my health choices.

[Ladyhawk]

14. No kidding...around here I don't have much choice, though.

Fundies, fundies, everywhere fundies. :scared:

[LeftyMom]

13. I'd find a doctor who had a more scientific viewpoint

but that's just me and I have little patience lately.

If you weren't uncomfortable, you'd never have brought this up. Consider getting a second opinion (which is never a bad idea in a non-energency situation if finances permit.) While you're at it, consider discussing the issue with him at your next visit. If you aren't comfortable enough with him to do that, you should definitely look into having somebody else do your surgery.

[Blue_Roses]

18. thanks and good advice

no matter what your spiritual beliefs, it's just seems irresponsible as a medical doctor ...

[NMMNG]

15. I think it is a symptom of the current reich-wing power frenzy

The neocons and the fundies have so much control right now that the fundies tend to feel comfortable making bold statements like the one your doctor made. Previously no ordinary professional would have recommended prayer or Bible readings to any patient/customer/client unless s/he was known to be receptive to it. Now some are so audacious as to feel they are doing a public service--God's work--by proselytising along with their professional duties. :eyes:

[Spinzonner]

17. Why not just ask him

It may have been more casually intended than you are reading it, if a bit on the presumptuous and marginal side.

[Rabrrrrrr]

19. I think it's rather cool.

He wasn't pushing a religious agenda on you at all.

Especially if he knows you are a praying person, I think it's wonderful for a doctor to say something like that - it's a sign that he admits that the spiritual/reliigous component of your life is as important as the scientific/medical.

When I was at NYU Medical center, they (among a shitload of hospitals around the country) were beginning a process of including the patient's religious needs and outlook into the medical program as well as the regular medical part.

For those people who have a spiritual life/religion, it is MUCH MORE helpful for them when the doctors and nurses also admit to the existence of the spiritual life, and bring that component into the total healthcare package.

And for those who don't have a spiritual life/religious outlook, no one at the hospital tries to push it on them.

Whether Jew, Hindu, Muslim, Protestant, Catholic, Buddhist, or other, the chaplains and doctor staff worked together, and/or worked with the religious leader of the patient.

It's great stuff, and REALLY helps in the healing of those for whom spirituality/religion are important parts of their lives.

[Orangepeel]

20. did he say it sarcastically?

"You don't want surgery? Well, then go home and pray about it!"

I wouldn't make anything of it, if I thought he was a good doctor otherwise (although I'm a little skeptical of that given what you say). I'd just take it as something people say, like, "talk it over with your family."

[barb162]

21. Not only do I find it odd, I would get a second opinion

anyway anytime someone tells me "surgery"

[NoSheep]

22. yes.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

23. DO NOT let him do surgery on you

Get another opinion. He's screwed up on this one, and, clearly, he's lost something else - his grip on reality, maybe?

That's so inappropriate as to be scary.

Get another opinion, and I wish you all the best.