Posted by Racer on August 7, 2005, at 17:21:29
In reply to Re: meds?, posted by Lorne on August 6, 2005, at 22:35:24
Let me give you another example, one which explains why I think it's worth exchanging information on this site:
I was uninsured for ten years, while working in a situation that did not have health insurance benefits. During that time, I got to see the doctors available to "medically indigent adults" under the county system. Aside from things like the PA who apparently missed the huge neon pink label on my chart showing that I was allergic to PCN (leading to a night in the ER), I also had doctors who apparently figured "informed consent" only mattered for *paying customers,* so they didn't bother talking about side effects, etc. Just a simple, brusque, "Take one of these every day. Don't ask any questions, just do it."
Obviously, I can check the PDR online, or rxlist.com, but that only gives me the basic list of "any or all of these may happen." And we all know that those lists are never complete. It may not tell me what I'll experience on a medication, but at least it helps me get a better picture of which side effects might be more likely than others to occur. It also helps ease my fears of these medications to know that others have taken them successfully.
What's more, while we can discuss medications here, WE CANNOT PRESCRIBE TO OURSELVES! There will always be a doctor involved, and if the medication is not appropriate for us, we will not be given a prescription for it.
While your stated intention, to "save lives," is laudable, a little more understanding and gentleness would be quite appreciated.
Peace
poster:Racer
thread:537421
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20050722/msgs/538799.html