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12
Oct

What If I Disagree With Doctor’s Decision?

posted by:
admin

My relative has a condition called aplastic anemia. She has been
treated with medications & transfusion. Last week the doctors
decided to change the goal of care from treatment to making
her feel comfortable: i.e. stop treatment, stop giving blood transfusion…
What if the patient/family disagree with doctor’s decision?
What can we do?
She’s on Medical/Medicare.
Thanks.

5 Responses to “What If I Disagree With Doctor’s Decision?”

  1. april says:
    October 12, 2009 at 9:56 pm

    If she’s a candidate for bone marrow transplantation, her doctor may limit the number of blood transfusions she has before the procedure because they can increase the risks associated with bone marrow transplantation.
    There is several other treatments available also. Have her discuss other treatments with her dr. Unless she’s signed papers indicating the dr can discuss her situation with other people, you have no say in the matter.

  2. Angel_Bl says:
    October 12, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    It is the PATIENT’S decision to decide what she wants the doctors to do.If they have given her reason to go off treatment, and that reason is accepted, you as a family member or friend have no say in the matter.
    If the PATIENT disagrees with the decision, and the doctors insist they are right, she can sign a waiver releasing them from their duty to provide the best care possible. That way, no one has a legal leg to stand on when she dies. And since they are “making her comfortable” it sounds like there’s nothing further anyone can do.
    Also, it sounds like you are in denial, and not her. Please accept that everyone dies sooner or later, and that God waits until the exact day it is her time.

  3. Britton C says:
    October 13, 2009 at 8:06 am

    i don’t really know for a fact what she has, but you can’t really do anything about the doctors decision. I don’t know how long she was on the other treatment but my bet is it wasn’t working so they decided to try a new method. give it some time and wait to check the out come if she doesn’t seem any better ask the doctor about it and see what you could do to put her back on the other treatment or what you think should be done… but try to remember the doctor probably knows best. and their judgment is better than your theory or opinion is.
    im sorry if that sounded rude but there are their facts and your opinion. you have to trust them.

  4. Skittles are M & M wannabees says:
    October 13, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    You can certainly always get another opinion, if that’s what your relative wants to do. Make sure SHE wants to continue to receive treatments and if so, seek out another provider.
    At some point in every disease, doctors have to make quality of life decisions. We want doctors to exhaust every resource to “save” our loved ones when sometimes it’s just not possible.

  5. Candi says:
    October 13, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    You can always get a second opinion and I would do that if you don’t agree with their doctors choice.