My advice? Don't go to a hospital. Ever. I know you have insurance. Still. What do you think they're going to do in a hospital, rescue you, bring you back from the dead? Medical protocols are the 3rd leading cause of death in the US. Bite that one good and hard. It's true. Think of those times in your life that have gotten you through hard times, like injuries or serious illness. What got you through? What about those living in threatening climates like the Arctic, or Antarctica. How did these tribes survive through Ice Ages? Fat. Fat and protein. Do likewise. Doctors don't know how to heal themselves.
⚠️🥼 Always consult a trusted provider for personal medical decisions.
— 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐗🐦🔥𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍 (@XPHOENIXDRAGON) February 22, 2026
Most people walk into a doctor’s office or hospital totally unprepared, and that’s exactly when they are most vulnerable to unnecessary testing, procedures, surgeries, and medications. pic.twitter.com/7pjKqfrtXl
If you don't have an advocate for yourself in the doctor's office or the hospital, the system will walk all over you. I'm going to give you some Insider tips that you probably haven't heard before.
TIP #1: Always, always ask your doctor to put their answers and refusals in your chart. If they say, "No, that test isn't necessary," you can respond with, "Okay, can you note in my chart that I requested it and it was denied?" That one line now creates accountability.
TIP #2: Slow down like a conveyor belt. Doctors are rushed, and the system is built to rush you through. You can say, "I'm not ready to move on yet. I have more questions," and that forces them to pause instead of rushing you out or into unwanted meds, tests, or procedures.
TIP #3: Don't go alone. Always try to bring a second set of ears and eyes, a spouse, friend, even your phone recording with permission. [You don't need permission in California.] In high stress settings, like the emergency room, you'll miss details that they count on.
TIP #4: Reframe the language. When they say this is a standard protocol ask is this required or is it optional those words matter optional means you have a choice standard protocol doesn't always mean it's what's best for you.
TIP #5: Ask about alternatives and risks. Don't stop at "What are we doing?" Always ask, "What are the alternatives and what happens if I wait or do nothing?" Doctors are trained to present the next step like it's some simple thing with no risk involved. But you deserve full informed consent and all of your options. These aren't the typical surface level tips. These are ones that protect you from being rushed, silenced, or taken advantage of. And I'll be sharing how to use the same strategies to advocate for your kids next.
