How Dr's Think - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

famnd · 05-13-2009, 09:48 PM

by Jerome Groopman, MD. A must read for those of us who have had multible DR's in the pursuit of a healthy b/p.

He suggests ways of providing info that is essential for one's Dr. while he decides on a diagnosis.

I can really relate to the examples Dr. Groopman provides given my numerous drug reactions. Often I was told that these reactions were not related to the drug I had just started. Thank goodness I had the courage to disagree with my DR. when I had the Cozaar reaction which damaged my body extensively. Fam

flowergirl2day · 05-14-2009, 08:39 AM

Thanks for the information!

Have you ever noticed that doctors don't always seem to communicate very well with each other? This seems to be an on-going problem and can probably be blamed on the very limited amount of time our doctors have to spend on administrative issues and correspondence. However, important medical information, such as test results and changes in medication should be shared with other doctors treating the individual. It should not be up to the patient to inform his family physician about these changes.

I agree with you that there are times when we have to disagree with our doctors. It never hurts to get a second opinion. If the issue at hand is drug-related, a pharmacist's input is always appreciated. I rely on their opinions heavily, because pharmacists have a thorough knowledge of drugs and their effects on the body. They are also more willing to acknowledge the existence of adverse effects.

flowergirl

famnd · 05-14-2009, 09:04 PM

I've given up on Dr's communication. It's almost nonexistent in my case. I go to my Dr's visit armed with recent labs etc. & quickly inform the Dr or nurse what is pertinent.

I haven't had good luck with pharmacist with the exception of a conversation with a Walgreen's pharmacist in the midst of my HCTZ mystery. I called her late one night in desperation for someone to talk with who could give me a profession opinion regarding my detective work. I told her that I wasn't a customer of the Walgreen Pharmacy because of my insurance issues & my med requirements. I find my pharmacists are just overwhelmed with work so they have very little time to spend with patients.

That book would have helped me so much when I was going through the b/p merry-go-round. Although I probably wouldn't have been able to appreciate the advice as much as I do now after going through so much. Thank goodness we live in an age when so much info is available. Fam

flowergirl2day · 05-14-2009, 11:46 PM

Fam,

Quote:

Thank goodness we live in an age when so much info is available.

I think many people would agree. It has become necessary for us, the patients, to take the initiative and become informed about our medical issues. It is expected of us. Have you ever been asked to read a specific article or a study? Some doctors even send us the articles they want us to read - homework, I guess.

Beats trying to explain the issue in two minutes.

FG

ACE28 · 05-15-2009, 07:27 PM

Flowergirl - I believe all doctors should get a taste of their own medicine before they dispense drugs like candy. They want you take high dosages of multiple medications and feel normal?? Let doctors sample the medicines they
take for about 4 weeks. I assure you, they would be taking numerous sick days. They would probably need a doctor.