@dorma You've taken a major step in recognizing a learning opportunity! Just as many of us struggled with accepting therapy as a medical modality, many of us learned to simply accept what medical "authorities" have told us without question. A big stride in taking ownership and autonomy is becoming our own health care advocate - it's certainly okay to question and one way to do so is exploring options, writing them down before your appointments and then prodding your provider by asking, "What about" or "Can we explore" -- or even in the case of when they may say, "You're too old" inquiring, "What exactly do you mean by that, what impact does my age have to do with the [treatment/medications/modalities] you could offer?" Or even saying, "Help me understand your reasoning here".

Sometimes people feel they're taking up too much of a doctor's time by asking questions but be assured that's your right. Try not to think so much of yourself as a patient - as that in itself puts you in position of being somewhat subservient, or less than -- but as a client obtaining paid services, which is exactly what you are doing. You're essentially employing a professional to provide you with services.

Do you think these suggestions help you feel more empowered?