Medication mishaps in the USA

You are absolutely correct!

by USMC-Pacer - 2024-04-11 23:44:57

We really do need to advocate for ourselves. Do our own research. I agree we shouldn't have to as they are the ones with years of education, training, and experience.. but here we are!

They should also be doing a kidney function test on you within a couple of weeks of starting Entresto. It can have an adverse effect on the kidneys in some. My function dropped some, but it wasn't concerning... to them at least :(

You are doing a tremendous job to help yourself

by Gemita - 2024-04-12 02:21:08

Janene, from what you are telling us, it does appear that your doctor hasn’t always been as watchful or caring as he needed to be and I would normally suggest finding another doctor when trust has broken down, but you are living in such a rural area and I am not sure that you have much choice.  

In fairness, “most” good doctors do not train to cause deliberate harm.  They sometimes have to work in difficult circumstances, especially when patients present too late with symptoms they were hoping would resolve with time.  It is all about listening to our body, knowing ourselves and getting help at an early stage when a cure might be possible.  You have admitted to us that you have not done always done this in the past due to a number of factors, some completely outside of your control.

Unfortunately it is often trial and error with medication until we find something that suits.  This can sometimes be at our expense particularly if we have mounting health problems that may adversely be affected by even the smallest change or increase in our meds.   I am having to face this difficulty all the time Janene caring for my 85 year old husband with many complex health conditions.  We saw our family doctor again yesterday and she commented on this fact and has now referred him to see a vascular and nephrology consultant.  Even so, she said he was looking extremely well! 

I have had some success by closely watching for early changes in his symptoms, changes like behaviour, mood, hyperactivity and then checking blood pressure, glucose levels, temperature and looking for signs of infection and then taking early action.  We have been given rescue antibiotics to keep in stock for any early signs of worsening chest infections due to his chest condition, although the downside is, it can worsen his kidney function in a flash, causing acute kidney injury, so it is a real balancing act and not at all easy to manage. 

It is all about really knowing ourselves or the patient we are caring for Janene.  We are indeed our own best doctors sometimes and you are doing a tremendous job to help yourself, so I am proud of you.  So go ahead, keep learning, your life may just depend on it

I Am With You All The Way

by SeenBetterDays - 2024-04-12 07:30:00

This absolutely chimes with me.  At one time there would be an ongoing relationship with your GP and they would have a good handle on your medical history, medications etc.  Now if I am lucky enough to get an appointment, it is often with a locum or a doctor who I have never met before.  I do sympathise with the time pressures imposed on medical professionals but when you have a complex history, it is highly unlikely they will have the time to fully review your medical background.  I often find the onus is on me to provide all the information needed (this is generally okay but can mean a lot of preparation and a slight concern that I will miss a critical piece of the story!). I do worry however that, for some, this may prove challenging and there is a potential for something to be overlooked. 

I always do my own research and am not afraid to challenge advice if I come across contradictory evidence.  I might be considered a difficult patient in this sense but I need to have confidence that I am doing the best thing for my health and I will not blindly accept advice even if the person on the other side of the desk is much more highly qualified than me.  Mistakes can happen and this is inevitable when health systems and medical professionals are under pressure.

I think you are doing a fantastic job of advocating for yourself, doing your howework and making full use of your pharmacist (they have a wealth of knowledge which can be called on to supplement the advice of other medical professionals especially with regard to medications and potential contraindications). Whilst we should have faith and confidence in our doctors, it is always wise to keep asking questions and only proceed when you feel you have the answers and depth of information that you need. 

100%

by Tracey_E - 2024-04-12 10:01:09

I feel for the elderly who don't have anyone to do advocate for them. We have to do our homework and advocate for ourselves. 

I'm a big fan of double checking everything with the pharmacist when there are changes. I use a small local pharmacy rather than one of the chains. 

Being proactive

by Julros - 2024-04-12 15:39:25

I echo what Tracy_E says about working with my pharmacist. I too, use a small, local pharmacy that is happy to answer questions. 

As a former health care worker, I understand the pressures of time, and feeling like every day being pushed to do less with more. This can lead to overlooking a crucial instruction about how to take medication. I think the provider thinks the pharmacy will do it, and pharmacy thinks the provider has done it, and the patient doesn't know what questions to ask. And then they hand you a book of information that gets set aside but may contain vital info. 

I have had providers give incomplete and or incorrect instruction. When it became a pattern, I changed offices. This means I have to travel 1 1/2 hours for visits, but I its worth it, to me. 

I also research every new medicine I get, looking for action, interactions, and any ongoing testing needed. I also do this for my sister, and have caught some errors for her too. I don't hesistate to use the online portal to ask questions. 

I would definitely follow up with the provider about taking potassium and monitoring kidney function. Low potassium can lead to arrhythmias.