I think I am venturing off the topic a bit here, but that sentiment really hits home because I'm not very good at saying "No!" regardless of the circumstances. I am applying for social security disability and while the primary issue is a respiratory problem, coupled with a weak back, my attorney wants to know any and all diagnoses. But I have seen amid the SS papers that if I refuse (read, say no) to any specific treatment, all bets are off.

I'm wondering at what point saying "no!" is appropriate. Many years ago, in another lifetime (seems) I had a psychiatrist refuse to see me because I dared to say no to medications. For that, I was dubbed uncooperative.

I say no all of the time to my doctors. You can always change your mind and say yes when you feel it will have a negative affect on you.

If you go around saying yes all of the time you are living your life for some one else. Those doctors are not you and they are not God. You know your body better than they do, and don't let them push you around.

One medication might work well for one patient and kill the next and they/doctors learn by trial and error. We are their guinea pigs in finding these things out. Look at all of the law suits on medications. Those doctors get commissions on some of the medications they prescribe and I don't agree with that $hit.

If you are so out of control and they place you in a hospital, then I think you should listen to them, but if you have half of a head on your shoulders and know what is best for you then be assertive and say "NO" "NO" NO NO NO NO NO NO NO and that is that.

You can take my advice or leave it. But I wouldn't want to be a doormat for anyone anymore.

Peace
Tammy

Even though therapists know a lot I still think nobody knows more about yourself than YOU. If you're in a right state of mind, saying "no" should be perfectly acceptable. :D

Seeking_Nirvana: I hope I NEVER see my patients as guinea pigs. I'm allergic to soooo many medications I get a twinge just suggesting them to anyone else.

The therapist who called you uncooperative was an A$$hole. He or she was a control freak! I hope you unloaded that one quickly; he was not worth your time if he was so restrictive and uncompromizing.

I say No alot too to doctors. I have a rare disease and they all want to see me do circus tricks and do biopsies and I refuse to be treated like a rat. I demand to be treated with Dignity and Respect or you can kiss my grits.

Practice saying no, or if you can't, say, "I will think about what you want me to do, but I won't make a decision today." and leave if the person demands that you do it his way or the highway.

Don't allow anyone to manipulate you. You are in charge of yourself and your body and mind!

Lucky Laser, are you a medical person, with patients?

I'm a 3rd year medical student, which means I do see my own patients sometimes but every person I see (and everything I do) is checked by a real physician. Of course some areas, such as in the children's hospital and in other specialized settings I just observe.

The great thing about being a student is that we have more time to actually sit down and talk with patients. We are sent all over the city so I get to speak with a lot of interesting people!

Thank you all.

Doormat. Yeah, it must be stamped on my forehead.