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Side Effects - you won't be told - you have to ask!
Colin Ifield
Some of our readers will already be aware that on New-Years eve, I suffered a stroke that put me in hospital for about ten days. During my stay in hospital, I had every test that I could imagine but no cause of the blockage could be found. So I returned home with a hand-full of prescription drugs to lower my blood pressure and cholesterol. This was only as a precaution, because the stroke had not been caused by elevated blood pressure but my blood pressure had increased alarmingly, as a result.
For the next two months or so, I was so ill that I couldn't move around for more than a few minutes at a time. My mind was not capable of handling the simplest of tasks and my coordination was so poor that I could hardly walk or complete the simplest of normal physical actions. All of these symptoms seemed like they were probably related to the stroke and I was despairing that I might never recover.
Over time, I discussed my symptoms with my partner, Katherine and we became very sure that the drugs had brought about my dilemma - not the stroke. I asked her to accompany me to my General Practitioner to help me, in my clouded state, to discuss the problem. He, My GP agreed and weaned me off some of the prescriptions.
Within two days, I was doing things that had been impossible since the stroke - walking, some light work in the garden, socialising and much more.
Why would someone like me, who is well informed about the side effects of such drugs actually get involved with their use? The answer is that when one is hit suddenly with a life-threatening problem, one is glad to listen to someone who brings hope by demonstrating his/her expertise. Sadly though, rarely do these experts inform the patient of the possible side effects of the drugs they prescribe and therefore, when these side effects do occur; we, the patient, often think that the symptoms are those of the ailment; not "THE CURE".
So, what am I trying to pass on to you, my readers and, what are the answers to these side-effect problems? Simple! - When we are prescribed anything at all, we must always ask, "what are the potential side effects?". If you fear that, perhaps because of your current mental state that you cannot remember the answers, then be sure to take a loved one or close friend, who can take notes for you. If any of the side effects become evident, then report these to your health care professional, immediately.
A sure way of keeping informed is to obtain a reference book such as "The Australian Drug Guide". By having such a reference book at hand, you can look up what you need to know, when you need to know it and thereby protect yourself against the chemical effects of such prescribed drugs.
This article is intended to be informative and interactive. Readers are invited to participate, by writing to us with their thoughts or comments and to request topics of interest, relating to health issues.
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