1 March 2012
In the Information Age, we have access to near limitless sources of knowledge and insight on every conceivable topic one could think of. The Internet alone provides the primary source to this access for billions of people. As I advance in age, I am particularly thankful for the Internet and the wealth of information it provides to me, specifically in the area of health care.
I take a very active role in what goes on in my healthcare. In addition to changing my lifestyle and habits to my current state of health, I try to learn as much as possible about the conditions that affect me today. What better way to do that than the internet? At the click of my mouse, I can gain the insight and advice of countless qualified and well respected medical professionals. If I am choosing a doctor, I can check out their practice and read reviews of their performance and conduct. I can detect trends from those reviews and make a determination if that particular doctor is the best choice for me.
When I am sick and my family doctor provides me with her diagnosis and prescribes her treatment, you can bet I am researching that diagnosis as well as the treatment. I especially look up the information on any drugs that she recommends I take. I have a lot of earned faith in my doctor’s judgments but sometimes, with the medications I am on and my conditions, an oversight may occur and a drug may not be the best choice for me. From time to time, I have called my doctors requesting a different medication be given so as to avoid it interacting with my existing medications.
I have also requested certain tests be done so as to provide a better determination of my health. Recently, I have been having headaches and had pains in my neck. I consulted with my Cardiologist who scheduled a battery of standard tests to include a heart monitor, Echo Cardio Gram (ECG) of the heart and a Cardiac Stress test. I asked for an Ultrasound of my Carotid arteries, the arteries in my neck. My cardiologist referred me to my family doctor for that procedure. My wife and I both thought that was irregular. My Cardiologist in Kentucky would have already had that test scheduled. When I saw my family doctor a few days after seeing the cardiologist, she felt that was strange the test was not scheduled. My wife and I both made the decision to cancel any further testing with that particular cardiologist and are now going to be seen and tested by a different cardiologist.
The point I’m trying to make here is that you can take an active role in your own healthcare. You have that right. Yes, respect your healthcare professionals as they are trained professionals but also respect yourself and ask questions if you have questions to ask. Voice your concerns if you have concerns and read up on your medical conditions and prescribed drugs. Research and discuss your findings with your doctor. Take an active part in the decisions made concerning your own healthcare. The bottom line, you learn more about important issues and conditions concerning your health and that can not be wrong.
Have a Blessed Day Ya’ll!
Related Links:
Webmd:
The Mayo Clinic:
Healthgrades.com. I haven’t used this site much but it seems to be a great source for seeing historical info and patient reviews for participating doctors and hospitals.
Today’s “Did Ya Know?” Today is a special day and we have 2 observances that are near and dear to my heart. Its “National Peanut Butter Day”! Today is THE day to whip up a good ol' PB&J or just open up a jar of peanut butter and have at it!!! Grab a Reese’s Cup!!! Celebrate the gooey sticky goodness that is Peanut Butter. This day should be like Christmas to me. It is also “National PIG DAY”!!!!! Time to celebrate all things piggy!!! I’m thinking BACON, HAM, and SAUSAGE!!!! If I lived near some pigs I would go kiss them on the cheeks!! But alas, I will have to content myself with a trip to the local grocery store and smooch on a pack of hog jowls!!!!!
I still cannot believe that doc wouldn't schedule that important test. so glad we found another doc fast.
ReplyDeleteYour wife,Terry Devine