I need some help. I have done enough looking into vaccinations to know that I want to postpone any further vaccs on my four kids, but not enough that I feel I can confidently explain myself to my pediatrican. We moved in the last year, and I have not yet set up an appointment with a new ped precisely because I am, to be frank, a big wimp. But I need to take the kids in for a regular checkup. I think what I really need to do is just say, "This is what I have decided to do," and, if challenged, repeat it. I don't know why I am so nervous about this, but moral support or advice would be appreciated. Thanks! SG
I'm lucky and found a dr who's fine with my decision... he even praised me for it! Good luck, maybe your dr with be supportive.
Yes, dive in - your doctor may suprise you. However, if in the case s/he isn't supportive, here's what I remind myself when I disagree with the doctor: I am paying him/her for medical advice, and I should listen attentively The doctor is my employee, not my boss. It is the doctor's practice, and I have no right to tell him/her how to do their job. If I don't like it, I should pleasantly find a new physician. Sometimes the most pleasant way to do so (for me), is to smile, say I will give the matter some thought, and leave...and make an appointment with a different health care provider. While I have often disagreed with opinions and practices of some physicians we have been to, I have a lot of sympathy for them. They are under enormous pressure from common business practice and liability issues. They have a lot of consequences to face from bucking the system. Just because we disagree doesn't mean I need to make my day or their day harder. For me, this is one of those cases where the path of least resistance that gets me where I want to go is worth it.
For me, the risks associated with vaccines outweigh the benefits. It's that simple. When a doctor is insistent about any medical procedure I disagree with, I politely express appreciation for the doctor's opinion, explain myself, and firmly assert my position. I'll walk out when necessary. Another thing that helps is having a support person with you in the room. Doctors can get defensive, and having both moral support and a witness can be important. Eyeofthestorm had some great advice that I have found to work well, too. Be careful about signing anything related to vaccinations. Around here, doctors try to force parents to sign a form stating that they refused vaccines that were offered. In the fine print, the parents are actually agreeing that they are being medically negligent by not vaccinating.
Yikes! Thanks. I probably would have missed that, since I'm going to end up taking four little ones with me to the doctor <sigh>. Thank you everyone for the great advice. We are so rural that there are only two docs in a 20 mile radius, and I'm worried about having to switch; a friend of mine doesn't vaccinate either but unfortunately her pediatrician is NOT on my insurance list. :evil: I think I'm just going to print this thread out to reassure me. I am way too nonconfrontational for my own good. :roll:
I have a ped visit for my baby this month. Another shot visit...like all until a year. After my last experience I am turning the vax down. My ped won't agree but he is a great guy and will be ok with my decision. Well...not ok...he will think I am crazy...lol...but he will be respectful. I was nervous about this because I LOVE my ped so much. We have had him for 9 years and it would break my heart if we had to get a new one. So, I am glad his opinions will not affect his relationship with me. Anyway.....I want to slow down the vaccines and not stop them completely...I think...still undecided and now I am rambling..SORRY!
