Are You a Fighter or An E-patient?

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First, I take umbrage with the termfighter. Until a few years ago, I would probably have agreed withyou or used the word manager. I now prefer the term e-patient. Thismeans empowered patient. It takes the aggressive nature that fighterimplies out of the equation. In its place we use empowered. Thisequates to being a patient with knowledge of the chronic disease orillness, knowledge of the medications utilized, and a desire for moreknowledge. It indicates a willingness to be in charge of or takeownership of the disease and work with the medical profession wherepossible.
I say where possible because there aredoctors that are unwilling to work with or even treat patients thatare proactive to say nothing about being empowered. When empoweredpatients interact with excellent doctors that want them as patients,the relationship for both can be very rewarding. Respect for eachother is apparent and discussion is the hallmark of thisrelationship. There is give and take, but neither is trying to outdo the other. They each know their place in the relationship andwork together. It may not be complete harmony, but the respect ispresent at all times.
Even though this blog by David Spero isfrom August 1, 2012, and I may not like his word usage, the ideas hepresents need discussion. David highlights a topic I wrote aboutrecently. I know that many patients take medications blindlyfollowing their doctor. David says that they do not understand whythey are taking the medicine(s) or what the side effects may be. This is true for many patients across all ages. This is a case forwhat you don't know can kill you in today’s medicine.
This is why we need to become proactivein our diabetes care and then become e-patients. We need to learnall we can about the medication(s) we are taking and even those thatwe are not taking. We need to know the possible side effects andwhat the medication(s) do for us. It does not bother me that you maynot be able to pronounce the name of the medications. It does matterthat you know what each is for and how they may affect your body. Itis even more important that you know that you are experiencing a sideeffect and whether it is a minor side effect that has littleconsequence to your overall good health, or is a serious side effectthat may be life threatening or debilitating. Then you must contactyour doctor immediately and discuss the side effects and beknowledgeable about the possibilities of changing medications.
Too many people end up in the hospitalbecause they don't know the possible side effects or ignore whatcould be a side effect until medical intervention is necessary. Withmost medications on the market today, it is not wise to assume thatyour doctor will give you the information necessary or even prescribethe correct medication in every instance. With the growing shortageof physicians, more physicians employed by profit driven hospitals,and many medications entering the market that have more severe sideeffects, patients of today would be well served to become moreproactive in their care. This means using Internet sites like WebMDto check out your medications and learn about the side effects. Or,you may try this website. You may also use your search engine forseveral terms like “learn about medications” or “learn about rxmedications.
This may be a lot of information todigest, but you have the time to do your research and learn. Youwill need assistance for diet and nutrition unless you have a lot ofknowledge or a degree in nutrition. It is best to get professionalhelp. Most physicians do not have the information and most educatorsdo not have enough. I would recommend considering a nutritionistfrom one of these groups - Alliance for Natural Health, USA, or theAmerican Nutrition Association (ANA). I have only had dealings withnutritionists from the ANA. While they will suggest plans, they willnormally work with you and develop a plan based on your needs or whatyou want to accomplish. They will generally work to make sure yourmeals are nutritionally balanced or that the meals for that day arebalanced. There are other nutrition groups as well that do notoperate on mantras, mandates, and dogma.
I challenge you to become an e-patient. This means listening with respect to your doctor, but not beingafraid to respectfully disagree or challenge your doctor if needed. Learn about the medications you are taking and the reason you aretaking them. Discuss these medications with your doctor and becomefamiliar with his reasons for prescribing each. Then research eachto see if you agree with your doctor's decision. Then learn about theother medications that could work for you. Learn about the sideeffects of those that you are taking and those you could take. Research medications in the same class of each and see if somethingmight actually fit your circumstances and possibly be more effective.
Please consider becoming an e-patientand realize the benefits. Good doctors will appreciate that you aretaking ownership of your disease or illness and become more willingto discuss the different treatments. You will be less likely to needto be a fighter as your doctor will be more willing to fight for youinstead of with you.