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Asked at Massachusetts Street on July 15, 2005

“No, because I’ve gone to him for 20 years. He’s been in the business a long time.”

— David McMahon, butcher, Tonganoxie

“Yeah. I think sometimes they have been out of school for a long time and may be too busy to keep up on the most modern treatments.”

— Julie Gillogly, Kansas University graduate student, Lawrence

“No. I have all confidence in him. That’s the reason why I picked him.”

— Bill Shepard, retired United States Marine Corps, Lawrence

“Yes. I thought that he probably didn’t know as much as a specialist would know.”

— Betsy Boyce, pharmacy technician, Lawrence

Birth procedure investigated; woman to picket board

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tell_it_like_it_is 8 years, 4 months ago

I wouldn't know. I won't go unless I have blood gushing or one leg dragging.

pierced_daisy 8 years, 5 months ago

well first of all, watkins is known as the "quack shack" for a reason.

Second of all, I never trust doctors. Unless they are a DO. I only goto DO's or Nurse practitioners.

GreenEyedBlues 8 years, 5 months ago

I went to Watkin's with what they declared was strep throat... They put me on antibiotics, which only added four weeks to my battle with what was actually mono. Quack Shack indeed!

I trust my doctor's advice. I mean, I'm still alive, aren't I? If he told me to do/take something that caused adverse effects, he would certainly hear about it.

linux_chick 8 years, 5 months ago

I was given allergy medicine from Watkins once only to find out the next day I had strep throat. This is after asserting that my nose was clear and I hadn't sneezed in months... didn't matter: it's allergies.

I know these guys go to med. school, but we know our own bodies.

happyone 8 years, 4 months ago

Go for the epidural !!!

lunacydetector 8 years, 4 months ago

yes of course...though most doctors want the patient to give them the diagnosis. it must be relieving the doctors from potential lawsuits.

hottruckinmama 8 years, 4 months ago

i don't know about doctor's but i once had this happen at the dentist. i went in to have a tooth filled. well he could fill my tooth but only AFTER i had this really expensive and painful thing done called a root plaining. i went to another dentist had the tooth filled and went on my way. this has been over 10 years ago and i've never had any dire problems from not having this thing done like he claimed i would. i think he just wanted his part of my insurance money.

l_eustacy 8 years, 4 months ago

Everyone should always question the medical advice, don't follow blindly. Educate yourself whenever possible. Google your symptoms. There is too much medical information for any human to retain it all. The best doctors will admit that.

Call Watkins a "quack shack" and then suggest going to a DO. That's funny. People who become DOs couldn't get in to real Medical schools. Why would anyone go to a person like that?

Use Purell, carry the pocket-size. Keep one on your desk. Wash your hands before you eat. ( I haven't had a cold in 3.5 yrs.)

The best floss is "Glide" It never breaks or shreds.

Get a colonoscopy; it painless and quick. I've got a great set of color pictures from mine.

Dr, Sholl's charcoal inserts will make your shoes stay fresh forever.

Chipotle has the best soft chicken tacos and hot sauce.

Japanese cars are the best.

Oval track car racing is boring.

"According to Jim" is funny.

Pizza Hut, thin crust , supreme is the best pizza and the hot wings are good too. Torre's Pizza, all-meat pizza is great.

Adding a shot of Ameratto to a margarita makes it perfect.

Amstel Light is good, but so are some of the low-carb beers. Micro-brews taste like crap.

enochville 8 years, 4 months ago

Nowadays if you get a TB test, they will normally do it twice. Evidently, it is well known that the first test result is unreliable.

Everyone should learn for themselves about their symptoms and disorders and treatments available. Take what you've found out to the doctor when you go. He or she may point you in the right direction or order tests that can determine what might be going on with you. Doctors usually like it when patients take initiative in learning about their health and will sometimes demystify what they are doing for your benefit.

I am sure that there are many on this board who are into alternative therapies. Sometimes they come across therapies that are truly helpful, but have not yet been researched due to lack of money. A handful of treatments started outside the mainstream and have now been incorporated into the mainstream due to confirming research. I believe most of those alternative therapies only work when they do due to the healing power of hope and optimism (in other words the placebo effect). This is a very real effect, it boosts the immune system and can reset emotional thinking, but the danger is some disorders are not very receptive to the placebo effect. Like I wouldn't suggest acupuncture or homeopathy for Alzheimer's or breast cancer, without getting normal treatments from a real doctor as well.

If you don't believe in the medical profession, you won't get the placebo effect from their treatments. You will none the less get the normal benefits from their treatments. Perhaps you should combine standard treatment with some alternative therapy you believe in so that you can get the placebo effect as well and speed the healing.

neopolss 8 years, 4 months ago

I went to a dentist for a root canal and woke up with a huge pain in my a$$. I didn't realize the nerves went so far down, but according to the dentist they do. Even stranger, he hugged me before I left. Oh well.

I actually don't go to doctors - I have no insurance and cannot afford it. But I haven't been sick in a millenia or so. I pray to the nordic gods for strength and healing (while drinking an Amstel Light).

ms_canada 8 years, 4 months ago

I have never had cause to question the advice my doctor has given me so far in the 20 years that I have been under his care. He is a very caring, considerate man. After all this time he knows me well and I know him. He takes the time to talk to me and tells me what I need to know to feel confident in the treatment he has prescribed. If you don't have a doctor like that, look around, find one. Doctors were not all created equal, it is true. Your health and well being are, I guess, one of the most important aspects of your life. Don't mess with it.

Fangorn 8 years, 4 months ago

I've gone to the same doctor ever since I moved to Lawrence (nine years ago today, as a matter of fact). I trust him to listen to me and remember my health history. It's amazing how much he remembers, considering how infrequently I see him. It's always a good idea to do a web search on your symptoms and read the directions/precautions/side-effects/interactions sheet for any new medication (and for old ones too, if it's been a while).

l_eustacy: I had Chipotle's soft chicken tacos for supper last night. Avocados must be in season b/c the guac was especially good. // Hand-washing is the beset way to prevent the spread of disease. And if I may ask, where do you display your (ahem!) "color pictures"?

italianprincess 8 years, 4 months ago

I have questioned my kids doc before. Hes a great doc , but sometimes a parent has a different view. I still wonder what Amoxill does for kids other then taste really good ( bubble gum ).

I can't believe the city is trying to make Naughty But Nice move their store as of July 31st. I have been in there to buy a few things for a g/f's bach party. They sell cards, novelty items and other things besides sexual aides.

Mike Rundle says the city should enforce the move because kids can't go into the store. Its an adult store, not an ice cream store. Kids are not allowed in back areas of video stores where they rent out adult movies, so I'm not sure I get that. Moving to another location isn't going to make a difference in whether a child under 18 tries to enter the store.

I have met Richard who owns the store and he seems like a nice guy whos running a buisness that does well. I asked him why he decided to open an adult store and he said.......He and his brother were going to open a bar, but didn't want to be the 86th bar in town.

We have two adult stores in town here that I see aren't to bad compared to other cities. Are people that suppressed here to be that bothered by a store like this? I know city regs are city regs, but I feel something bigger growing from this...........A ban of all adult stores maybe????????

neopolss 8 years, 4 months ago

BAN THE ADULT STORE!

Wow, such comments on doctors, we need to eliminate the confusion.

BAN ALL OF THE DOCTORS!

Wait! I'm getting an even better idea!

BAN AMSTEL LIGHT!

BAN BARS!

BAN CHIPOTLE SOFT CHICKEN TACOS!

Whew! I feel better getting that off my chest. Now our Lawrence society will be much safer without all of these distractions.

acg 8 years, 4 months ago

My mom went to her doc several years ago with a sinus infection. He gave her an experimental antibiotic that had just been released by Pfizer. The manufacturers recommendations on this drug were very clear. Only give it to someone in an inpatient situation. Watch their liver readings closely and only give it for 5 days, one dose per day. This moron wrote her a script for this crap for a bottle of 30 pills with a 5X refill! A week later she's in LMH with a malfunctioning liver. His excuse? He doesn't have time to keep up on all of the literature put out by the drug companies.

italianprincess 8 years, 4 months ago

No cunfusion here neo. I answered the question for the day, but the article about the store caught my eye.

I see a future ban coming here for all adult related stores to be gone. Kinda crazy and someone has way to much time on their hands to be so bothered by this.

Lawrence is going in reverse.........waiting for yet more bans to come. Maybe a copy of " Footloose " with a ban on music, dancing, and FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

Redneckgal 8 years, 4 months ago

Okay I'm glad we're on the subject because here is a question I've had for a long time. Has anybody else noticed the high rate of breech babies that are born lately? I've had a couple of friends co-workers co-workers daughters and a niece have babies with-in the last year or so and 9 out of 11 of them have been found to be breech right before delivery and delivered c-section. Does that seem odd to anyone else? Is there something in the water making all these babies turn breech? Is it just our small hospital? Is it just that a c-section is a lot easier for the doctor (no middle of the night wake up call) and more profitable? Whats the deal?

enochville 8 years, 4 months ago

I have heard of doctors turning the baby out of breech during a sonogram reading a couple of months before birth when the baby is still small enough to turn. I don't know if they still do that. It would be interesting to see if there really has been an increase in breech births or if it is just an illusory correlation. I don't think doctors are lying when they say the baby is in the breech position. I do think that c-sections are done too frequently based on some criticism within the medical profession.

italianprincess 8 years, 4 months ago

I'm glad my boys were both born the reg way. Long labors of course and no drugs, but born into the world without any stomach cutting.

I have always wondered also why some docs at times rush you in and out. I know they are busy, but it seems like they just simply want to hurry the day away.

Liberty 8 years, 4 months ago

Doctors may be okay if an insurance company or corporation is not involved. Their medical conclusions can be skewed or "tailored" to match up with what the insurance company or corporation wants to pay for. For example, if you think you need surgery, (a high cost item), and you get an opinion from your doctor, he is likely to be a "conservative" doctor (because he gets paid from the insurance company or a company if you are hurt at work) and recommend a non-surgical solution that doesn't really fix the problem but saves the insurance company/corporation money. If you visit a "liberal" doctor, he will insist on surgery (as more money can be made). So the doctors have become political according to who is paying for your care and who's bread needs to be buttered. It is probably better to seek a "liberal" doctor as he is most likely to give you the better fix for your situation than a "conservative" doctor who may be being controlled by who is paying him. So the answer to the question of do you trust your doctor is; it depends on who is paying for your treatment and how much they are willing to pay. Not will this really be the best fix for your situation.

Liberty 8 years, 4 months ago

Correction, the last sentence should read: Not whether this will really be the best fix for your situation.

acg 8 years, 4 months ago

Hey, guys, first time pregnant lady in the room. Ya'll are scaring the hell outta me. As if I can be any more scared than I already am of this whole birth thing. I'm actually thinking of asking for a c section. Will they do that? I just want to drift off and wake up two hours later with baby in hand.

italianprincess 8 years, 4 months ago

acg,

Theres nothing like giving birth the regular way if possible. I went through 18 hours of labor with my first, then my second was to easy. I would never want to be drugged up and have a baby, or be put to sleep either.

Don't be scared, the pain may be the worse but the joy of a baby in your arms makes up for all the pain you went through.

enochville 8 years, 4 months ago

sorry acg, we don't mean to scare you. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your doctor, but I would not encourage you to get an unnecessary c-section. Read up on it. Although by the sounds of it Italianprincess would be against an epidural, many women have them and they greatly reduce the discomfort. Some women try water birth or different positions to ease the pain as well. I am just saying their are lots of alternatives. But, what do I know about childbirth; I am a man.

Redneckgal 8 years, 4 months ago

acg..its really not that bad. My first one took about 8 hours and the second one only about 2 hours. The third one took about 6 hours. IP is right. There is nothing to be scared of. The joy of it is all worth. Also there are a lot of other ways besides being put to sleep to ease pain now like epuderal (spelling?) thats an option that wasn't open with my first 2 older kids( at least not in our tiny hospital) and I decided not to have it with the last one (its a needle thing). But I understand from several friends who have had them they are about the best thing since sliced bread :)

hottruckinmama 8 years, 4 months ago

acg..i was scared to death with my first one too. it'll be okay. its all worth it.

lori 8 years, 4 months ago

It is common for a baby to be breech before the last two months of pregnancy; they have plenty of room to roll around in there. If they are breech in the 36-37th week of pregnancy, an external version may be performed (but ony if you are private pay or have private insurance; a state medical card won't pay for it. Can't understand that, as a c-section is a heck of alot more expensive than a vaginal birth, and a version doesn't cost that much). A version is done in a hospital setting with an obstetrician. It's pretty successful.

I work at the Birth and Women's Center - the one in the article -- and I would say we see about a breech near term about 3-4% of the time. We try several methods to get the baby to turn, including a version, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Most physicians won't attend a breech birth, or will only under specific circumstances. Usually a breech ends in a c-section, though. This, like the "once a section, always a section" philosophy, is due more to the hospital lawyers and insuance companies. There are still doctors who attend breech, but they are few and far between.

acg, I recommend getting a great, positive book about childbirth. The Birth Book by William and Martha Sears is a good place to start. Talk to some people who have had happy birth expriences (believe me, they are out there). Giving birth can be a wonderful, empowering experience for you. Hope that helps.

enochville 8 years, 4 months ago

Thanks, lori, for your comments.

spacystaci8 8 years, 4 months ago

I trust my doctor, he has been accurate on everything for the 15 years I have been going to him. Some times I do feel rushed but then the next time he redeems himself by being really thorough. He is even a DO. I guess I am lucky. I have went to specialists for a 2nd opinion only to find he was right on. I agree that doing research is an excellent way to stay on top of your health. I use WebMD alot. ACG--Get the epidural, I was glad I did, it is the best thing since sliced bread!!!

J Good Good 8 years, 4 months ago

Had both natural and c-section - the c-section might seem easier, but the recovery is MUCH longer and more painful. Recovering from major surgery (which it most definitely is!) while caring for a newborn is pretty rugged.

Most people bounce back pretty quickly from regular childbirth. And the pain is bearable if you don't fight it....

happyone 8 years, 4 months ago

Yes I question the Dr. they see too many patients to trust that they are focused on my care.

acg: make sure you pick a VERY GOOD ob/gyn and you'll be just fine (stay away from the women's healthcare group on wakarusa) I had an old school ob/gyn (he was excellent) and had lots of problems with both pregnancies (sp?) but wouldn't trade it for the world!! The first was 36 hrs of hard labor that ended in c-section(knock out cold for surgery) the second my body still didn't cooperate so scheduled c-section (epidural and awake) if I could change any of it I would have been awake for both!! The pain after surgery is Pretty bad so go natural if you can! :)

christie 8 years, 4 months ago

Of course I do. Before I go to any doctor I research my complaints and discuss with the doctor what may or may not be ailing me. I discuss treatments I've discovered and discuss the prescriptions he's writing me. I want to know side effects and alternatives, and most important, do I have to take the drug or will it hurt me to just let the condition go away by itself.

Information is power. You must take a pro-active approach to medicine. The doctors usually appreciate it, and if they don't, then they probably have personal problems.

All 3 of my kids were delivered C-Section. It's the best thing all around. No ripping, no funny heads. I think all babies should be delivered C-Section. We set a date, and did it. All relatives were advised, the house was set it was perfect all around.

hottruckinmama 8 years, 4 months ago

had my first 3 natural and then the last one c-section. it wasn't NEARLY as bad as what i thought it would be. as far as a scar they do a bikini line thing now and you can barley see it after a year. nothing to dread either way. think natural is better as far as getting around afterword maybe. its all good though long as the end result is a nice healthy baby.

happyone 8 years, 4 months ago

acg the best thing I can tell you is to be educated about what will happen and make sure you trust the Dr and his staff and everything will be great! Once you see that beautiful baby its all worth it

acg 8 years, 4 months ago

I had a great Doc, at Lawrence OBGYN, but then she left to go to a position at KU Med and my last appt. with her was last week. It blows because now I have to use a new doc for the last 2 1/2 months of the pregnancy. :( I've lost my general practitioner (moved to Dallas) my dentist (went off to be a full time entymologist) and now my OBGYN--all in the last two years. I'm starting to think it's me. LOL. I will most likely do the natural thing for this baby but I have to admit it's scary. Women all have these awful horror stories about 12 or 18 or 24 hours of hard labor. I'm kind of a wimp. Don't know if I'm up for all that. I guess I'll soon see, won't I? Thanks for the words of encouragement though, guys. It helps, a lot!

italianprincess 8 years, 4 months ago

Nah.........try it natural first. Yes, there will be pain, but its so worth it when the baby is born.

papa_smurf 8 years, 4 months ago

Normally yes, If I had cancer and he recomended medical Marijuana, I would take his expert advice as a doctor over the federal governments irrational outdated propaganda based on lies and bad science from the 1930's.

Ceallach 8 years, 4 months ago

I have a great doctor, she has been very successful in getting my migraines under control in a relatively short period of time, considering all the years other doctors "treated" them by knocking me out with drugs for several days at a time. I do not question her in an aggressive, "are you sure you know what you are doing" sort of way. We talk about what is wrong then discuss treatment options. I also use WebMD, and I always check out any pharmaceuticals I am given by looking them up on Mayo Clinic's website. (I seem to be a poster child for drug "side effects." )

acg: The horror stories you have heard from other women are not new. Women have been "out suffering" each other as long as I can remember. However, if it was really that bad -- no one would have more than one :) I had three, the last being accompanied by surgery -- earlier posters were right -- the delivery pain you save by having surgery is much less than trying to take care of a newborn and your tummy at the same time. Hopefully you have a good support system that will provide you with assistance either way. When you hold your baby, how it got here will no longer seem important.