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Doctors Open Enough?
Thu, 09/14/2006 - 22:33Topic: Medication Issues
Yes, I've had epilepsy most of my adult life. And yes, I've gone from one prescription to another. Had surgery. Been a participant in umpteen social service discussion groups. Even had articles published. However, I remain frustrated that most neurologists (at least the top-notch ones I've seen in New York City) aren't all that realistic with us when they prescribe pills, whether they're long-standing drugs or ones just being released. Is it because some of the "patient warnings" or "could happen" facts about the pills might just scare us off? Or are neurologists and epileptologists afraid that we'll suddenly decide to stop taking the drugs they've determined are perfect for us? That, of course, could put them into a legal battle they'd rather avoid.
Do you come right out with it and ask your doctors what you can expect your pills to do, as well as what negative possibilities there are? If you don't, you should. Let's hear how you handle this matter.
--George
Comments
Re: Doctors Open Enough?
Submitted by jmccand on Fri, 2006-09-15 - 10:33
My daughter's doctor has alway been very straightforward with the side effects of drugs. He goes over the good and the bad, and really wants our input on the decision making for what drug to try next. We have already tried 2, which have not worked, so back to the drawing board.
Lori
Re: Doctors Open Enough?
Submitted by MsMedz on Fri, 2006-09-15 - 13:25
George, after taking AC's for 25 years, I lost count the amt. of times "new med" reactions landed me in the hospital, surgery or docs office. Most recently (1/06) Topomax (s/b Torturemax) gave me kidney stones and required a surgical stent implant. After that it was onto Keppra. My speech and thinking became severly delayed & docs thought I had a stroke but it "wore off" and they chaulked it up to the meds. I begged for Dilantin and decided to have epilepsy surgery on 7/31/06.
Its a decision that requires a dose of courage and patience. Best Wishes!
Sherri
Re: Doctors Open Enough?
Submitted by fzMousie on Fri, 2006-09-15 - 09:39
I did. My doctor told me what to expect. Then when it happened, he told me it happened because I was expecting it. To which I scratched my head and resisted the urge to slap him about.