Medical Treatments that many Experts refuse to have themselves

With years of experience, doctors know better than anyone which treatments and tests are worth having - and which are better avoided.
Sometimes, it is best asked -- 'What would you do Doc?'
So here, leading doctors and researchers reveal what they would personally avoid, many of which go against the established view

From the psychiatrist who'd never take anti-depressants, to the heart doctor who steers clear of statins, medical treatments the experts refuse to have themselves

Psychiatrist who'd never take anti-depressants
Dr Joanna Moncrieff, senior lecturer in psychiatry at University College London and author of The Myth Of The Chemical Cure

I've been practising psychiatry for 20 years, and in my experience antidepressants don't do any good at all. I wouldn't take them under any circumstances - not even if I were suicidal.

All the research shows is that, at best, antidepressants make people feel a tiny bit better than a placebo. But this doesn't mean they actually treat depression.

Weight-loss GP who wouldn't go on a diet
Dr Ian Campbell, GP and founder of Bodylibrium, a weight-loss programme

All the evidence is that diets rarely work long term.

I've been working with people to help them lose weight for decades and my experience has shown me that the only way to achieve long-term success is through asking: 'Why?' - why do we comfort eat, why do we prefer fatty foods, why do we drink too much alcohol and why do we find physical activity unattractive?

Techniques based on changing behaviour (similar to cognitive behavioural therapy), combined with strategies such as keeping a food diary and setting realistic goals, are what really help people lose weight effectively.

Heart doctor who refuses to have statins
Professor Kevin Channer, consultant cardiologist at Claremont Hospital, Sheffield

Statins have had a huge effect in reducing the number of strokes and heart attacks and there's now a movement to give these cholesterol-lowering tablets to everyone.
But I wouldn't take one unless I had proof I was at significant risk.

Whenever you're taking a drug, you've got to think about the risks and the benefits. Statins reduce your chance of heart attack or stroke by about 30 per cent, so, yes, there's a benefit. But in real terms it's very small.

Prostate expert who won't have PSA test
Richard Ablin, professor of pathology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine

When I discovered the prostate specific antigen (PSA) in 1970, we soon realised it could be hugely helpful to prostate cancer patients.

The protein is specific to the prostate gland - it's not found in any significant amount in any other organ. So if a man with prostate cancer had his prostate removed, our discovery meant we could measure his PSA afterwards to see if there was cancer remaining which hadn't been detected. However, the PSA test began to be used to diagnose prostate cancer. This was a huge mistake.

The PSA is not cancer-specific - it's simply a protein produced by the prostate, so a high level can just mean a man has prostatitis (an infection) or an enlarged prostate - sometimes troublesome but benign.

Orthopaedic surgeon who'd avoid X-rays
Chris Walker, orthopaedic surgeon at Liverpool Bone and Joint Centre

Too often, patients see their doctor about stiffness, aches and pains, wanting something to be done. The doctor sends them for an X-ray, which may or may not show a bit of wear and tear, and tells them they have arthritis. As soon as they get that diagnosis, people tend to lose control and become victims.

They take anti-inflammatories (which can have gastrointestinal side-effects), feel frightened to exercise and generally become miserable.

That's why, as long as I didn't have red-flag symptoms of severe arthritis - such as constant pain, or pain that comes on at night - I would avoid an X-ray.

Most of us will have a little wear and tear on the joints as we age, and actually the best thing to do is get out and about and keep moving.

Dietitian who won't eat reduced-fat food
Helen Bond, dietitian

I steer clear of foods labelled 'reduced fat' and wouldn't give them to my children either.

The label can be really misleading.

A reduced-fat mayonnaise or cheddar, for example, is still going to be pretty high in fat, it's just lower in fat that its previous incarnation. A 'light' McVitie's chocolate digestive has 78 calories, compared with 86 in the standard version - a difference of only eight calories.

Sport scientist who thinks long workouts are pointless
Stuart Phillips, professor of sport and exercise at Loughborough University.

As A young man I played rugby and ice-hockey and went running regularly.

I used to be a bit sanctimonious and say that a workout was only worth doing if it was at least an hour long and you were drenched in sweat at the end.

Now if I spend longer than an hour exercising I think it's a waste of time - the data shows that shorter bouts of activity, such as ten minutes of intense exercise, are just as beneficial.

I study both the psychological and physical benefits of exercise and the incremental benefit you gain from going longer than an hour is pretty marginal.

Sleep specialist who won't take sleeping pills
Dr Guy Meadows, sleep specialist and founder of The Sleep School

Sleeping pills weaken your trust in your own natural ability to drop off, and can end up causing physical and psychological dependency.

You start to think 'I won't be able to sleep unless I take a pill.' The body then starts to expect the sedative to be in the system. In turn, you run the risk of having rebound insomnia when you're coming off them, which explains why so many people struggle to ditch sleeping pills.

Side-effects can include dizziness, headaches, memory loss and feeling groggy. Recent research has also shown that sleeping medication is associated with more than a fourfold risk of death. For me, these greatly outweigh the benefits. Research suggests that sleeping tablets provide as little as 20 or 30 minutes' extra sleep.

Of course, it varies from doctor to doctor, and hopefully not getting one that is a pill doctor or one that is milking the insurance

My husband has been on meds for several years now, for heart, blood pressure and sugar, all of which are under control
And now, thankfully, since his old doctor retired -- a pill pusher I might say-- his new doctor has since weened off off some of the unnecessary meds and change others so now many of his 'side effects' have since disappeared and his mood swings are less often & not as moody

So yes, one does need to weigh the pros and cons of taking medicines or other options of treatment

My computer is doing weird...or is it ATS??
Can't add/edit to my OP at the moment
Think I reached my max characters....oops
It's not listed like it used to be


ON TOPIC:

After years of going to the doctors with my husband, one thing I've learned is that a person's diagnosis/health is literally in their hands

Trust is an extremely important issue

If you are ever in doubt, don't hesitate to get a 2nd opinion

a reply to: snarky412

Or a 3rd, or 4th opinion IMO

I am so effed up fom taking 30 plus psychotropic drugs because my parents couldnt handle me acting out after being abused and being a teen.

1/3 of he pills were actually considered and label as POISON. Example : lithium

I haven't taken any mind alternating prescriptions since 2009, I'm doing 100% better..

Surprise, surprise. from 2005-2009 it was court mandated, or jail. My parents would not help me in their home either


It was a very vicious cycle, I have been taken experimental psychotropic drugs since 1988.

I have a big grudge against my parents and doctors decisions through out my childhood.... When a hug or being taked to, instead of being ignored may have had a better effect

originally posted by: AK907ICECOLD
a reply to: snarky412

Or a 3rd, or 4th opinion IMO

I am so effed up fom taking 30 plus psychotropic drugs because my parents couldnt handle me acting out after being abused and being a teen.

1/3 of he pills were actually considered and label as POISON. Example : lithium

It irks me to know that many parents actually allow doctors to put their kids on drugs like anti-depressants, etc.
IMO, it's not good for their body/mind since they are still developing

And a hyper kid is just that, hyper
Take him out for a run or play ball, not put him on some kind of med to make him mellow, well more manageable would be the correct term
And cut back on the sugar/fat intake


BTW, glad you are doing better and off that crap
Sorry what your parents/doctors put you through.....grrrr

It truly is an interesting world, that of the healthcare industry. As I have looked into the way it works, you are far better off being your own doctor. I say this because sadly what most doctors offer you is what the big pharma scientists have put together as treatment, which is literally designed to treat symptoms while inevitably create more damage to various organs. For me one of the turning points in my world was my battle with heartburn. Dealt with it for years and these trained professionals, who are nothing short of a glorified pharmaceutical representatives advised me to simply take prilosec. This whole category of drugs is unfound. Your body is supposed to produce acid, not have that inhibited. A simple change in diet is what I needed, maybe simple is the wrong word, since as I learned more about the food supply I literally changed everything that I ate. Went back to simple organic foods, smaller portions, and have been healthier then ever. So educate yourself and listen to your body, find the will power to change, and be skeptical of any drug that these professional drug dealers would offer you!

Verya reply to: snarky412

Very sad, isn't it?!

I have in my sobering last few years now understand why I can't have a thinking process like most my friends..

They understand my life, and are very close me. They can empathize with my past, and give support to helping out these days without telling me to just go see a doc and swallow the pill he gives.

I love my parents... But I know now that dope and stupidity does not mean you need to procreate. They said they did he best they did, but it is what it is right?

Sorry OP for th off topic post.

Somethings, shouldn't be for profit.

The only worthy goal of science should be the betterment of the human condition, things like a for profit medical industry have no place in a civilized society that likes to consider it self enlightened.

once profit enters into the equation, humanities baser instincts kick in, and the original purpose of the en-devour is lost.

a reply to: snarky412

Thanks for the interesting thread. I find the psychological descriptions very interesting. In general, the quotes used in the thread are very helpful and accurate ones, too!

I find the sleeping medication points to be very correct. Similar issues exist with the anti-depressants, which I have been struggling to get off for years. Watch out for them, though - the side effects of withdrawals can even include violence and irrational behavior.

This is why it is very important to get off any anti-depressants under doctor supervision. I even take this warning seriously. I will never adjust my dose of an anti-depressant between doctor visits, even if the visit is a month out and I hate it. I have had side-effects like being drenched in sweat and producing petite-mal seizures.

Also, the dieting is a great quote to take a look at. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most effective around. Dieting won't help in the long run, once the diet is over, the weight usually comes back. Also, I have had more than one friend who has gone on a diet and had it increase her anorexia / bulimia.

Great information there Snarky,thanks for posting. I have had my suspicions over the years that many in health care subscribed to the " Do as I say,not as I do" policy. This article speaks volumes.

As a friend likes to point out to me, doctors practice medicine, they don't ever get it right they just keep on practicing till you loose patience.

originally posted by: Cinrad
As a friend likes to point out to me, doctors practice medicine, they don't ever get it right they just keep on practicing till you loose patience.

Or they lose patients?

They say practice makes perfect, yet nobody is perfect. Why bother practicing?

O.P Nice find, I always ask my Doctor if they would be happy prescribing any medicines they advise me to take, to their own family. They all lie of course, but I can identify they are lying and throw the prescription in the nearest bin.

Most things can be treated with natural remedies and the internet is a good resource for looking these up.

a reply to: snarky412

Great compilation! F&S&

Thank you. Way too many people take way too many drugs. I just don't get it. Threads like this might help them get their heads on straight.

a reply to: snarky412

Add Lasik surgery to the list.

I have had problems with anxiety and have had bouts of depression. The doctors had me "guinea pigging" and all the SSRIS/drugs had terrible side effects. I have been experimenting with herbals and I wish I would have given Saint Johns wort an honest try years and years ago. I stopped taking it for two weeks to see what would happen, and I swear I felt like a prisoner in my own head, the anxiety was so crippling and because I had lived with it so long never fully realized how bad it was. The studies I have seen have said that Saint Johns wort is even more effective than most anti-depressants but Doctors won't prescribe it because of problems with quality control ( each crop is different every year ) and because it can interact with many other meds, especially woman on birth control but I still think that's quite a poor excuse.

The holistic approach is certainly desirable, but there are some challenges to natural treatments. I have been experimenting with other herbs and they are very powerful, I think it's just about taking them consistently because it takes a little while longer to build up to it's full effects. In further looking at herbals, there is quite a-lot of disinformation out there or not a-lot of good information. All herbs have their own chemical profile and people who don't do the research can end up taking herbal cocktails that counteract each-other or do the opposite of what was intended. For Example: I tried Rhodalia which was toted around as being wonderful for anxiety and great for energy. Since the Saint Johns wort in the early stages was making me feel sedated and lethargic, I thought it would be great to try. It turns out it actually increases levels of Norepinephrine,which is a neurotransmitter that triggers anxiety disorders and it completely counteracted the saint Johns wort. I had to dig pretty extensively to find synergistic supplements.( Just an FYI were Ashwagandha and Bacopa) It's this kind of lack of good information/disinformation that makes well intentioned people who want to take the holistic approach eventually running to their Docs for drugs and unnecessary interventions either because the supplements didn't help, or made them worse.

Why does everyone seem to be quoting the Daily Mail this week, its normally full of sensational BS manipulated to create the story they want.

originally posted by: AccessDenied
Great information there Snarky,thanks for posting. I have had my suspicions over the years that many in health care subscribed to the " Do as I say,not as I do" policy. This article speaks volumes.

Another thing to keep in mind, is that many doctors push certain meds due to kick backs from the drug companies
So, many doctors will prescribe a medication instantly instead of letting the patient know that there may possibly be another healthy, safer alternative to try first....and then if that doesn't work, then proceed to the drug route

There are many wonderful natural stuff to take for the not-so-severe ailments such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Cinnamon, etc. that will help many minor problems without all the out of pocket expense of high priced drugs and the side effects that go along with them
Not to mention the overall health benefits from using them

originally posted by: soficrow
a reply to: snarky412

Great compilation! F&S&

Thank you. Way too many people take way too many drugs. I just don't get it. Threads like this might help them get their heads on straight.

You have no idea how tickled we were when my husband's new doctor actually took him off some of the meds that his old doctor prescribed
And since then, his rash on his back has disappeared and his mood swings aren't as severe

This doctor, thank God, is against taking too many medications when they are not needed

His original doctor, first pissed me off many years ago when my husband was diagnosed with high blood pressure
He put him on this really expensive crap, that even the pharmacist, who is also our dear friend, couldn't believe he put him on it

Anyway, we were getting ready to work a mall the 6 weeks before Christmas when he all of a sudden, out of no where, my hubby would get real depressed and cry for no reason at all
During the 6 weeks, it was pure hell...
He actually thought he was dying and had me scope out the quickest way to the hospital
There was nothing I could do except comfort him
It was so pitiful

Long story short, when we got done working the Mall, we went back to see his doctor for a follow up visit & we told him what the med did to him and the doctor was like 'Oh, okay--it was an experimental drug anyway, just thought I would try it'....Man I was never so mad in all my life!!!!!!!
To use him like a guinea pig without our knowledge
Needless to say, he put him on a medicine that had been around for while and was a lot more affordable
And none of those weird side effects of depression/dying

However, never did I trust him from that point on..

Not all doctors are bad but ......there are those few that are questionable

reply to Snarky412

Awesome article! SnF for you.

My doctor had me taking mega doses of prescription Niacin for my cholesterol. I absolutely refuse to take statins. I had terrible flushing and other side effects and stopped taking them.

I did some research and discovered a handful of almonds, which I love, every day would help.

At my most recent check up, my bad cholesterol went down 20 points! So there are many good natural things out there that are much better than popping whatever pill your doctor wants to shove at you to make more money.

Now to think about how to get off these damn depression meds. The withdrawl stories scare me.

originally posted by: ChiefD
reply to Snarky412

Awesome article! SnF for you.

My doctor had me taking mega doses of prescription Niacin for my cholesterol. I absolutely refuse to take statins. I had terrible flushing and other side effects and stopped taking them.

I did some research and discovered a handful of almonds, which I love, every day would help.

At my most recent check up, my bad cholesterol went down 20 points! So there are many good natural things out there that are much better than popping whatever pill your doctor wants to shove at you to make more money.

Now to think about how to get off these damn depression meds. The withdrawl stories scare me.

My husband's new doctor mentioned the benefits of cashews--nuts in general-- as well as cinnamon, which helps with cholesterol

We keep both on hand
In fact, we have no chips/munchies other than cashews/peanuts

I myself mix a concoction of Apple Cider Vinegar/ honey/cinnamon/black strap molasses with water, usually at least once a day, sometimes twice
Sure can't hurt & it's better than soda pop

a reply to: ChiefD

Have you read the research on Saint Johns wort? It is a well researched herb that has consistently shown it is just as beneficial, if not better than anti-depressants and has less to no side-effects. It has worked wonders for me. Perhaps you could talk to your Doctor about weaning off of the antidepressants while you concurrently start the Saint Johns wort. I say talk to your Doc because I don't know the severity of your case and it may have a negative interaction with what you're taking ...you could look it up in a CURRENT Davis's Drug guide. I experienced some lethargy and feeling a bit sedated at first. Actually I felt a bit too relaxed to the point where I had no motivation and had to lower my dose a bit. ....no sexual side effects or any of that dissociative stuff that used to happen to me on the anti-depressants.....no memory problems like the benzodiazapines ....and it does not interfere with me having a few drinks I just t hate to see people on anti-depressants anymore.

Here is a forum dedicated specifically to those who are taking Saint Johns wort..www.sjwinfo.org...

a reply to: paleorchid13


Have you heard of the site EarthClinic?

Very helpful with natural remedies
Along with tips from people who found relief in using them
One of my favorite sites