With the deluge of information hitting our brains today from multi-media sources, the patient is being spun into a state of confusion. Herein is the marketing key: The goal is to create so much confusion over what to believe that the only option left is to trust what we think is a “trusted” source of information. This “trusted” source is typically the physician; however, even physicians are being led down the deceptive path to fuel drug manufacturer’s sales. Remember the Vioxx ® fiasco or Baycol®? A lot of patients suffered because of deceptive marketing practices and poor analytical data presented to unsuspecting physicians who prescribed these medications without reservation to their patients.

On this note, I had the privilege of meeting and befriending an elderly gentleman. He is a retired teacher with a PhD in engineering. On the day we began talking, he brought in his refills and new prescriptions to be filled. As I looked over his list of drugs, I asked him if he knew why he was taking all of these pills. He replied that he tried to ask his physician, but was told not to worry about it. “It is too complicated”. Realizing that he was primed to listen, I took the time and explained to him his duplications and indications of what was prescribed. At the end of my little educational session, the patient became an enlightened patient. I wrote out the questions he needed to ask his physician, the explanations required from his physician on treatment rationale, and which medications he could discontinue as he no longer had the condition needing treatment. Armed with this new information, he told me what he wanted filled for now until he cleared up a few issues with his physician.

Fast forward one month… in walks my elderly friend with a smile on his face. He had just come from his doctor’s office with a list of medications to discontinue. He looked like he hit the lottery. His monthly medication list was cut by three drugs as he only had to take five drugs instead of eight. His health was on the right track under his physician’s watchful eye, and he was saving money on medications he no longer needed every month.

So what’s the bottom line? Know who to go to when you want specific information. You would not go to a carpenter if your plumbing was broken, or an electrician if you lawn was overrun with weeds. We all have our limits and knowing those limits causes us to seek specialized help when those limits have been exceeded. You, the patient, must take ownership in your own health and assemble your healthcare team of specialists to help you live a rich, fulfilled life. If you don’t, then you’re at the mercy of someone who doesn’t really care all that much.

Until next week,

– Dion