Number 25 of 52 Lifelong Communication Lessons: Take two aspirin and call me in the morning
June 22, 2015 |
| (Lance Armstrong admits to doping, Photo credit CNN) |
The year was 2013.
Lance Armstrong admits to doping and Rob Ford confesses to smoking crack cocaine. In B.C., police bust an international drug ring that smuggled $35 million worth of cocaine and methamphetamine from Canada to Australia. A big year for drugs.
My husband has been through a rough patch of medical issues for the past six years. As one problem gets solved, another one pops up. A bit like the Whac-a-Mole game. We never know when the next one will rear its ugly head.
At one point, he was prescribed anti seizure medication from our neurologist. A brilliant specialist, not strong on bedside manner but we like him. He is thorough and seriously diligent about the interaction of meds.
When my husband first started taking the pills he felt quite ill. His stomach was constantly upset. These drugs were taking their toll. Two in the morning and two at night was making life rough.
During our first check in with the doc we asked if he could spread out the doses in the hopes it would ease up on the ill side effects. "Absolutely," he says, "we only prescribe them that way because we don't think people will remember to take medication four times a day". Wow! How crazy is that? Three months of discomfort because they don't think we are smart enough to follow directions. I suppose taking pills four times a day might be difficult for some people but at least he could have given us the option.
I have learned a lot in the last six years about medical advice and still get stumped by the communications challenges in this area. We tend to think the advice is complete and there are no options. I am learning to ask more questions and get other perspectives. And, not necessarily from Dr. Google. That source can be helpful but can also steer you wrong. Material for another day, another blog.
For example, we had a complete medication review at the Pharmacists Clinic at UBC and it was the best hour of advice - ever. While we like and respect the many doctors in our lives (five, presently), we also found great value in talking to a pharmacist in a private setting for an hour. Our local pharmacist is great but there is never the time nor environment to allow for this type of in-depth discussion. If you or someone you know has a chronic condition involving many health professionals and lots of drugs, check out this resource here.
Communication Lessons:
- Don't be shy about asking questions.
- Don't assume there is only one way to treat a problem or there are not more options.
- Make sure you share your concerns... fast.
Fast Forward to 2015:
Has anybody checked Donald Trump's meds?
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1 comments
That's a great tip re the pharmacist one-on-one . . hope I never need it!
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