On Monday, I went to a doctor appointment with one of my good friends from our pain support group. Sometimes it’s good to have a second person there to take notes and listen – without the pain, ownership and expectations of the patient. And I’m a good listener and note taker.
Because of screwed up thyroid test results, she went to see an endocrinologist. I was impressed that he spent a considerable amount of time with her and gave detailed explanations of his thoughts. His take on her hypo-thyroidism – it’s a result of the prescription medication she is taking to boost the anti-depressant medicine. I don’t know if this is true or not (she is going to get doctor consent, get off the thyroid medicine and get re-tested), but it raises the issue of too many medications and too many different doctors creating more problems.
My neighbor has a multitude of issues – heart, failed surgery, blood pressure, stroke, and who knows what else. He told me about all the different pain medications he is taking and all the side effects he is having. I am all about taking the right medicine to help me feel better, but I try hard to limit the number of different medicines I take. Every medicine has potential side effects and, in my opinion, taking TOO many medicines can’t be good … even if the doctor said everything will be OK.
Doctors, please take the time to review ALL our conditions and medications and get ALL the medical records so you can make informed diagnosis. And patients, don’t just rely on doctors, you need to be your own advocate. YOU are in charge of your health, not some doctor(s).
One thing I do know that works is a twisted Frosty (chocolate with M&Ms) from Wendy’s on the way home from a doctor’s appointment. YUM!
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