First, do no harm

[jaminhealth]

We have an MD on our radio every Saturday and this is one of his mantras. I've had Harm done on me with 3 issues I can think of in my 80 yrs.

https://www.thoughtco.com/first-do-no-harm-hippocratic-oath-118780

((The takeaway point of "first do no harm" is that, in certain cases, it may be better to do nothing rather than intervening and potentially causing more harm than good.))


Sciatic Nerve Damage from Hysterectomy in the early 80's, still live with it 40 some yrs later.

Trip to ER with a stomach ulcer from a anti inflammatory pharma drug in the 80's.

3 major complications from Hip Replacement in 2010.

So I'm pretty thankful that nothing worse in my 80 yrs and hope I can keep my record and doesn't climb.

And thank you great supplements for helping me manage my health.

 

[Warrigal]

That expression goes back to Hippocrates and is something physicians should keep front of mind at all times.
However, advances in medicine do require some risk taking, which is why a good surgeon or physician will advise patients of risks associated with a procedure or medication. It is up to the patient to decide if the risk is too great.

I try to assess the risks and I always submit to general anaesthetic knowing that there is a small chance that I might not wake up again, or that I might wake up damaged from something such as a stroke. However, there is also a risk that I might have a heart attack or a stroke tomorrow anyway so I figure the plus side of the operation is more than worth the chance I am about to take.

 

[Chucktin]

"First do No Harm" was the Mantra in every emergency/first aid course I took (several). When you or someone near you has their life in the balance your first tool is clear thinking.