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Took my dad to the doctor today for a non existent fungal infection. He was upset on the way home because the doctor because the doc wrote a prescription for Nystop (which I have on hand already) in case it gets out of control. The dermatologist said I was treating his groin and breast area fine with soap and water, apple cider vinegar (it neutralizes the yeast,) and keeping it dry with Gold Bond powder. Dad says I didn't get it right and he wants "salve" NOW! My dad has his wits about him, this is the zillionth time in the last year I have taken him for something that is not there. I just keep making appointments rather than argue, then I get the stink eye from the doctor and the ensuing argument for the rest of the day. Any ideas on how to approach this? Do you guys experience this too? Help!

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I too have an elderly father who lives with me. He has compression fractures in his lower spine which causes him pain when he walks. He wants surgery and no doctor will touch him. (he is 90) My suggestion would be to call the doctor and discuss this with him and have the doctor be straight forward with him. Sometimes making the doctor the bad guy is easier than getting the stink eye or taking the abuse. I feel that some people when they get older like the attention and maybe this is the only way he feels he knows how to get it is by creating an illness. Good luck and hugs to you.
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I agree with Daddyskeeper. Tell the doctor to be straight up with your Dad (since he is of sound mind?) with a very no-nonsense manner, and also ask him to back you up by saying to your Dad. "listen to your daughter, she is doing the right thing, and you don't need to come back for at least 3 months (unless condition gets worse)". When your Dad gives you a hard time, just remind him "I'm following doctor's orders!"
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Your dad does not sound like someone who has his wits about him if you keep taking him to the doctor for very little wrong.
My grandfather went through something like this from my grandmother and found the perfect thing that actually helped: M&M's. Yep, he waited until she was asleep and went into the kitchen with a damp paper towel. Took all the red M&M's out of a bag and gently rubbed the M's off the candy. Took an old prescription bottle, filled it up and said that it was something the doctor gave to him and that it had "worked wonders" for him.
Within 48 hours, my grandmother said she felt better and had more energy.
According to your post, his dermatologist is saying that you are treating the condition correctly, so if he says it one time or one hundred, your dad has his mind made up because he keeps going for repeat visits.
Find an empty jar and mix up that "special salve."
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Thanks for the responses to my topic! Orangeblossom5 and Daddyskeeper04, I will take your excellent advice and have the doctor be straight up with him. If dad doesn't want to accept it, oh well. It would get the monkey off my back. And joycews, that's an awesome idea. I could put some lotion in a jar, put it on and he wouldn't know, wouldn't hurt him either! I agree, going to the doctor is an attention getter and outing for the elderly, my dad is bummed because the calendar has no more appointments until September. I told him he is so lucky, because that means his maladies are under control! But, if I have to go again, I will follow your advice. Going to make "salve" right now! Hugs to all, great ideas!!!
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