Who is ultimately responsible for your health?

You. Of course.

Especially when you have a chronic condition like kidney disease. I have found that you absolutely need to know it all. If you don't, find out. There is so much happening in the world of medicine every single day. Yes, doctors are there. But they are very busy. More so in a country like India where the ratio of nephrologists to patients is horribly low.

Nephrologists, in spite of their best intentions have very little time for individual patients. So, though they will be able to advise you on general things, there will be many things specific to your condition that they will not have the time to read up on. It is really up to you to figure out. Yes, discuss your findings with him or her. Hope that your nephrologist is open to such discussions (mine is).

Even on general things, it is important for you to be aware of the different options. You know your body best. You know your mind best.

Another thing that I have learned over the years is that the advice you are given is not necessarily in your best interest. In this industry there are a lot of factors at play. A lot of non-medical factors. This is sad but true. As patients we must be aware of this reality. Read up as much as possible. Talk to as many people as possible. Only then take a decision.

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