i'm one for voting on the truth. but i also so how hard it can be to talk to some drs. at least you will have your dh there. and, your physical condition (improvement) speaks for itself.

you could also consider sending him a letter.
either way he may toss you out of his office.

try saying ... i know you want to help me but

You can do it, Dej!

Your doctor works for you. He can give you his educated advice but in the end it's you that holds the final say.

Don't let him bully you. And I hope your DH will back you up when you tell the doc that you know your body better than anyone.

And in the end it will be you that decides whether or not to keep him on your team. If he quits because of this then you're better off without him. You're not a guinea pig.

I think this is a good point and if I weren't on a MS med or having MS issues that my pcp couldn't address I probably would just skip the neuro appointments especially if you aren't seeing eye to eye with this particular doctor.

I'm glad you are considering being honest with him or imo it is a waste of time to even go.

Just playing devils advocate I have to say in a way I appreciate a physician that is willing to stand by his beliefs as I have seen far too many that don't give a rip enough to debate a point when a patient is making a decision that they don't agree with....not that he needs to be nasty about it though.

FWIW I don't believe they make any money off the medications they prescribe and know for a fact that drug reps aren't allowed to give the gifts like in the past either. I think it is more about docs being comfortable and infavor of attempting to treat with medications sort of like "here is all we have be thankful for it and use it". Not saying that is correct just a thought.

Seeing a Neurologist on a regular basis is important - Objective feedback on how we are doing. Being honest with your Neurologist is important. But at the end of the day, the neurologist is just an advisor. You, the patient, must be comfortable with the treatment plan. If you aren't comfortable with the recommendation say no and ask for other options. If the neurologist won't work with you, you need to go find a new neurologist who will.

IMHO, I would tell him to shove the needles where the sun doesn't shine! I will never understand how anyone, doctors included can tell you what you are feeling in your body. Unless your doctor has by some chance been on this drug and knows the side effects first hand, then he has no clue if the side effects are worth it in your case. He is not the one living in your body and fighting off the effects and he darn sure isn't there by your side 24-7 to see what these meds do to you.

Doctors annoy me. The high and mighty "I know better than you so no I don't need to listen to your symptoms, even though you are the one that pays my bill" doctors are the worst. And that is why I made my last Ortho cry. And that is why I fired the last neuro, and that is why I flat out refuse to use the one medical imaging place. I am fortunate to have found a team of doctors who actually listen; but that is because I am the first one to call them out if they are not doing what I am paying them to do.

M'kay..Keep in mind the heat is making me feel kinda pissy, but who's paying who here? Are you and your health at the mercy of his ego? If you're feeling better off the Copaxone, tell him the truth. If he can't handle that, tell him to grow a pair & then look for another doctor.
See...I warned you.

If you're really uncomfortable Dej and don't think you'll be seeing him for long, don't tell him. Can you see a different MS neuro?

It really sucks having a doctor that you don't feel you can be honest with . That's one of the main reasons I've stayed with my neuro. He listens to me.

Good luck with whatever you decide .

Hi Dej,

I'm another in the truth corner.....those lies do seem to come around and bite you.....you know where! I also think your neuro should respect you enough and trust your judgment of how C and the others affect YOUR body. You didn't just get off the "pickle boat" and have been dealing with this monster for quite awhile. You did try his recommendation, but it just doesn't agree with YOUR body.

Try to stay nice and calm....if you can. Sort of like "The Closer" when Brenda, the Assistant Police Chief says with a smile, "Thank you, thank you so very much," after she's gotten a confession and thrown the bad guys in the clink!

If that neuro isn't mature enough to handle it, a new one seems in order. Of course, this is all my humble opinion at 6:45 am with no sleep, so take it for what it's worth. You'll do the right thing!

I'm advocating for the truth! Short and simple, docs need to know what is going on.

Just start the conversation with you understand his position on this drug but its your body and you are willing to suffer the consequences if there are any.

And if he starts in about it just nicely say it is not up for discussion.

Good luck

I am leaving in a min to go see them. I have plans at this moment to get the courage and speak the truth. Lets hope I do so once I get there. I know he CANT talk me back into needles. Im done. I felt horrible on the meds, and I would rather be dragging a leg and feel better in my head then be whole and feel badly. its just not worth it. This time I have DH on my side.

Ty for all the support.