Reposted 11-04-2011
I thank God for doctors. I truly think that doctors and nurses are amazing people! This post is not meant as an attack on doctors and nurses, so much as it is a vent against the health-care industry which looks for complex diagnoses while ignoring obvious signs. (All the health problems below are real problems, I just disagree with the solutions.)
Cases in point:
1 - My Father in law was recently diagnosed with "restless legs," and put on a pill to help the condition. My first question, "Did he advise you to stop drinking caffeine before going to bed?" The answer: "No, that stuff does not affect me at all."
OK. So we have a man (who is diabetic, as well), drinking regular Pepsi with a late dinner. And, the solution to his restless leg problem is - pills. Lovely.
2 - In the past, I have terrible heartburn. None of my doctors have ever advised a change in diet. I am always put on pills. And, formerly, I have been content with this solution.
All the while, I refused to give up my soda and coffee. I would eat right up to the minute I laid down. I think with many cases of indigestion, diet is a HUGE factor. Drinking water in place of soft drinks is a fabulous way to cut back on heartburn and indigestion! Neither Paul nor myself is taking Tums during the night for occasional heartburn.
3 - My mother in law has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. And, I will grant you that she is always tired. But, I do not think a label is sufficient for dealing with the problem. And, I see some clear connections. For example, she lives in a house with more exposed black mold than my own. As a result, she takes Benadryl around the clock! Not only does Benadryl make people tired, but it dehydrates. And, my MIL drinks only tea and soda all day long. And, she also drinks caffeine right before bed.
Do you see all the red flags here? I think she would listen to the doctor... if he only knew to ask the right questions.
This is just a small sampling. I am frustrated when I see my loved ones suffering, but the doctor does not seem to be offer (what I think is) real help. I know - who am I to criticize? I have no formal training in the field of medicine... all I have is a head crammed full of everything I read in books.
I am just thinking out loud, wishing that I could offer help to my family. But, they think I am crazy. What do you think?
I thank God for doctors. I truly think that doctors and nurses are amazing people! This post is not meant as an attack on doctors and nurses, so much as it is a vent against the health-care industry which looks for complex diagnoses while ignoring obvious signs. (All the health problems below are real problems, I just disagree with the solutions.)
Cases in point:
1 - My Father in law was recently diagnosed with "restless legs," and put on a pill to help the condition. My first question, "Did he advise you to stop drinking caffeine before going to bed?" The answer: "No, that stuff does not affect me at all."
OK. So we have a man (who is diabetic, as well), drinking regular Pepsi with a late dinner. And, the solution to his restless leg problem is - pills. Lovely.
2 - In the past, I have terrible heartburn. None of my doctors have ever advised a change in diet. I am always put on pills. And, formerly, I have been content with this solution.
All the while, I refused to give up my soda and coffee. I would eat right up to the minute I laid down. I think with many cases of indigestion, diet is a HUGE factor. Drinking water in place of soft drinks is a fabulous way to cut back on heartburn and indigestion! Neither Paul nor myself is taking Tums during the night for occasional heartburn.
3 - My mother in law has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. And, I will grant you that she is always tired. But, I do not think a label is sufficient for dealing with the problem. And, I see some clear connections. For example, she lives in a house with more exposed black mold than my own. As a result, she takes Benadryl around the clock! Not only does Benadryl make people tired, but it dehydrates. And, my MIL drinks only tea and soda all day long. And, she also drinks caffeine right before bed.
Do you see all the red flags here? I think she would listen to the doctor... if he only knew to ask the right questions.
This is just a small sampling. I am frustrated when I see my loved ones suffering, but the doctor does not seem to be offer (what I think is) real help. I know - who am I to criticize? I have no formal training in the field of medicine... all I have is a head crammed full of everything I read in books.
I am just thinking out loud, wishing that I could offer help to my family. But, they think I am crazy. What do you think?
6 comments:
all I could think was... you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink...
enjoyed all the pictures and posts today!! :O)
You have no idea how much I agree with this post. I have had so much frustration with doctors over the last several years. Like the fact that no one knew about or brought up the link between gluten and infertility. Or one time when I had a doctor tell me that sugar didn't have anything to do with my recurring yeast infection...hello--yeast feeds off sugar! It's so frustrating--my dad is actually going to nursing school right now, and he is being trained in the same mindset. Don't worry about digging for the cause of the symptoms--just treat the symptoms. Ugh...I could go on and on, but I won't. :)
I too agree with this well thought out post Bethany. It is a lot like Christians who have "all things pertaining to life and godliness in Christ Jesus," but continue to walk in the ways of the world and flesh--wondering why they are so miserable.
I think you know where I stand :-) BTW, one of the 'side effects' of Benadryl is bladder cancer! someone from a past church of ours was afflicted with it. Her dr. put her on round the clock benadryl and a few years later she got the cancer. When she did her research, she found in the actual benadryl literature (not sure where she got it) in the fine print is the warning that it can cause bladder cancer.
When it comes to health issues you really do need to be your own advocate and do your research because otherwise you will not be getting the information you need to actually get healthy.
Blessings,
kerri
April,
You have had some bad experiences. Have you ever thought about looking for a DO or a naturopath? We actually go to a DO, but he is still very mainstream in his philosophy. Just not *as* bad as most.
Transformed,
Wow - that is quite an analogy.
Kerri,
Bladder cancer!? I will research that this minute! Thanks for the heads up!
Bethany
This is EXACTLY the same kind of stuff I shared a while back on a similar post. I completely agree with what you've said. I've had too many bad experiences with ignorant doctors to believe everything they say any more.
http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2009/05/dont-be-afraid-to-question/
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