It seems to me that we need to take it into our own hands to do research on whatever drugs our doctor may send us home with. I once had a doctor give me a script because I had heartburn. When he asked what my diet was like, I didn’t lie. I told him I drank Pepsi all day (very little water) and most of the time, one giant meal at the end of my day. Either way he told me to take the pills.
I suggested to him that maybe I should eat better and see if that didn’t straighten it out. He didn’t seem to think that was a good option and continued on about the pills, with an added emphasis that I “do not stop taking the pills or it could lead to serious complications.”
I was frightened. Not only did he not want me to try a simple alternative first, but he told me I couldn’t stop taking them once I started. Now, I’m not saying all doctors are like this, but this was one of many experiences I have had.
Needless to say I went home and looked up everything I could on this prescription he gave me. The side effects were astounding. We are accustomed to commercials where some hired speed-reader runs through the list of side effects and we usually make jokes about them with our friends. This was one of those drugs.
I decided not to fill my prescription and try my own alternative medicine. So I began eating a healthy diet and cut way back on the Pepsi and drank a lot more water. Within a few days my continual heartburn was gone. As an added bonus I began to lose weight, I had more energy, and I was all around feeling better about myself.
I have continued on my alternative to this prescription medication for about three years now. My heartburn is gone and hasn’t returned.
I hope that anyone else who finds themselves in this predicament will do their own research and choose for themselves like I did. Maybe they could start listing side effect of taking care of oneself and remind people they can choose for themselves. Well, that doesn’t make anyone richer except the patient, but that’s another story.