12 Common Lies We Tell Our Doctors (And 5 Doctors Tell Us)

By Editorial Staff in Facts On 11th January 2017

Visiting the doctor can be daunting, filled with fear and anxiety. Some people are afraid to go to the doctor or hospital even when deathly sick. When it comes to doctor visits, you are definitely not alone. This is something that tons of people can relate to. Your health could suffer if you don't have a good communication with the doctor and tell the truth. But that goes both ways. Sometimes, and not always with malicious, doctors lie straight to our faces as well. Here are the most common lies we tell our doctors and five that they tell to us.

#1 “I’m In So Much Pain.”

There are many people who can manage their pain on their own and have a high threshold for tolerating long term pain, but then there are others who visit a doctor so often for the slightest thing that some professionals believe they are just trying to get medications to misuse. This is becoming very common, and the doctors are aware of it. These are just as dangerous as street drugs and sometimes impossible to get away from, leading to other higher level drugs when the prescriptions disappear. It's not a good thing to lie about your level of pain.

#2 “I Stay Away From Junk Food!”

It's pretty embarrassing to tell your doctor that you much on chips and candy all day and your dinner consists of a Taco bell value meal, but lying about it won't help either. Plus, your doctor can tell by examining you that you are not eating properly. Many people lie about this because they don't want to waste time on a long lecture about nutrition. So if you think it's embarrassing to be forthright with your doctor about how much you love junk food, imagine when you have to fess up after you're caught because there's literally too much junk in your system after they run the lab tests.

#3 “I Don’t Have An Eating Disorder.”

Eating disorders are nothing to lie about and are psychological, not physical. Being in denial or lying about your bulimia or anorexia is never a good thing, though many find it embarrassing to talk about such a secret. But your doctor can tell by looking at you and examining you. An eating disorder is a serious problem and shouldn't be ignored or lied about, even though this is a common occurrence. Your doctor can be a great confidant and give you resources to help you if you just tell the truth.

#4 “I Usually Get A Good Night’s Sleep.”

It's been proven that a lack of sleep can lead to problems, such as overeating, lack of concentration, sickness, fatigue, etc. So if you're suffering in any way from insomnia, don't hold back. Be sure to share that with the doctor. He or she is likely to have tips and resources, regarding the importance of a good night's sleep, to provide you. You probably already know the consequences and don't want to hear that lecture so you lie about it. Most people know that staying up late on a cell phone or with their head buried in a computer is not good for them, but they do it anyway. So, you might as well be honest about it up front.

#5 “I Completely Trust You.”

You may or may not like your doctor, but giving them total trust is another story. It's always good to ask questions and get a different opinion in many cases. You have the right to discuss any and all information provided to you during your visit. And you don't have to take their word for it to spare their feeling either. It's your health and well-being at stake. If their treatment is not satisfactory, you can always change doctors if you're not comfortable or confident in his or her background and knowledge.

#6 “I Never Knew That.”

We're bombarded with information on a daily basis. We all know what we're supposed to do and what's bad for us by now. We've all seen the articles and commercials about smoking, unprotected sex, drinking and driving, fast food, exercise, and what your brain is like on drugs. Lying to the doctor and telling them you were not aware that something was harmful can only make you look silly. Now maybe there are some things you weren't aware of, such as a rare condition or illness you may not be familiar with. But for the most part, you should have some sort of knowledge about any health problems you have prior to your doctor's appointment.

#7 “I Always Take The Right Dosage.”

Most people think nothing of taking a little more than the recommended dosage says if it will help that migraine or sore foot pain. The truth is, any time you take a higher dosage of medication you putting yourself at risk for a potential complication. So when your doctor asks about the medications you're taking, your best bet is to just be honest. This is especially important for prescribed meds, because whatever you're "on" was dispensed to you, because you, in one way or another, showed that you may need it. Lying about it doesn't help and blood tests show the results are different, so fess up and be honest about it.

#8 “I Always Have Safe Sex.”

Sex, protected or not, is not an easy topic to discuss with anyone, including your doctor. Whether you have the occasional one-night stand without protection or have had those once-in-awhile "uh-oh" moments with your significant other, talking to a medical professional about unprotected intimacy can be embarrassing and feel almost too private to discuss. So lying about it and saying that you always have safe sex may be the easier, guilt-free route to take. But just like most things you should disclose to your doctor, doing so sooner than later is smart, especially when pregnancy and STD's are in question.

#9 “I’ve Only Had A Few Partners.”

When it comes to telling your doctor the number of intimate partners you currently have, or have had since becoming sexually active, you may feel a bit tongue-tied. But remember, the reason for providing these details is for the doctor to learn if you regularly practice safe sex. If you currently have more than one intimate partner, then naturally, the doctor will want to know how careful you are with these people. If you're promiscuous, there is no need to feel shame and embarrassment, just tell the truth. Many men choose male doctors and women choose female doctors because it's easier to discuss this type of situation with the same sex.

#10 “I Don’t Smoke Or Drink.”

This is your business, but you can smoke too much and drink too much, and yes, it is the cause of many health issues, as everyone is surely aware of. Truthfully answering your doctor's questions is super-important. He or she may have links to resources and support groups you might need, statistics to help wake you up, and x-rays that could reveal the true quality of your health. You're hardly alone when it comes to having unhealthy vices, and visiting your doctor is time to face the truth about it, not lie about it.

#11 “I’m Regularly Active.”

If you're like most people, you may exaggerate about your workout routine just a bit. Yes, you have a home treadmill. But have you made it clear that you actually use it as a shirt rack instead? We know the benefits of moderate exercise on our physical, mental, and emotional health. It helps with circulation, weight control, and your wellbeing. Not to mention it can help to prevent illness so you don't have to wind up at the doctor's office as often! Whether it's walking briskly or gardening, moderate exercise on a regular basis should be such a natural part of your daily life that you wouldn't need to even think about lying to a doctor. But a lot of us do because we're scared of how being sedentary can actually affect us.

#12 “My Medical Background Is Pretty Clean.”

Going to the doctor, especially a new one can be stressful. You have to disclose all of your medical history, again. You're in the waiting room with a clipboard that has a neverending set of questions that you have filled out before or have long forgotten. And once finished, you'll have to go in for the examination where all of these same things will be discussed in detail. It's a pain in the neck and sometimes more hassle than it's worth. But no. The doctor needs to know your history to be able to treat you properly. Every detail actually does matter. Similar to lying about your family's medical history, you are only doing yourself a disservice by lying to your doctor about your own personal background. But a lot of us do it âÂ€Â˜cause a lot of us just want to make it through the appointment!

#13 THE TOP 5 LIES THAT DOCTORS TELL US

Yes, they lie to us as well. Sometimes on purpose or sometimes from lack of knowledge or neglect. As stated before, if you are not happy with the treatment provided or your doctor's bedside manner, it's better to find a new doctor than to feel your health needs are not being met.

#14 “I’ve Seen/Done This Before.”

We put a lot of blind trust in our physicians. Considering that we know very little about them or what they know or do not know about certain areas. Hearing something like "I've seen/done this before" might make you feel less alone, knowing that there are other people who have what you have, but it doesn't necessarily mean this is true. Remember, some doctors are fresh out of med school. Hopefully, most doctors admit when they are unfamiliar with a certain condition or problem, but don't hold your breath! If you do your research beforehand, however, you'll at least go into an appointment armed with enough knowledge that will help you ask educated questions!

#15 “Don’t Worry”

When a nurse or doctor says "don't worry" it can calm you dow when you are freaking out over a diagnosis or health issue, or in extreme pain. But you should worry. The extra adrenaline is good for you. But doctors need to say something to you, especially if you're overreacting or in severe pain. They try to calm you down so you can be treated, knowing very well that their words mean nothing at the moment. Maybe your x-rays showed an abnormal growth or maybe your rash is spreading like rapid fire. Either way, be sure to ask the physician why he or she thinks you shouldn't worry. Ask for the details and don't feel bad about needing more information.

#16 “It’s Not That Big Of A Deal.”

This is similar to "don't worry," the saying "It's not that big of a deal" can also be calming and reassuring, but should not be said by your doctor unless they have given you reasons as to why. But if you know, after doing much research on your own, that a certain problem you have may actually is a big deal, ask yourself why the doctor would say that, is there something you overlooked or never considered? Is his or her body language a bit odd during the visit? Do they seem to be dodging certain questions? Your instincts will give you insight to the sincerity of the doctor, and do not be afraid to speak up about your questions and concerns. You have surely heard of stories when patients were misdiagnosed or brushed off by their doctor, this is something that should never be taken lightly.

#17 “Everything’s Going To Turn Out Fine.”

it sounds too good to be true, but it's the most ideal thing a doctor can say to their patient. Just because they say it, doesn't make it so.There are many different variables to a treatment. This is something that a good doctor most likely will not tell a patient because it's guaranteeing a little too much. Providing someone with hope is one thing, giving false hope is another thing. Do your research.

#18 “You Have (Insert Diagnosis).”

Receiving a diagnosis of any sort can be nerve wrecking, especially if your condition is rare and/or considered terminal. This is when getting a second opinion is very important! Although the medical industry can help to save lives and improve the quality of one's life, it is also big business that makes money off of operations and prescribed medications. So before you say yes to surgery or certain drugs, keep in mind that is one doctor with one diagnosis. And be sure to have a trusted friend or loved one with you when major decisions are being made. Not only for support but for a second pair of eyes and ears.

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