The Problem of Over-medication and Multiple Co-morbidities

StarSong said:
Pantoprazole (Protonix). However, I'd guess most GERD Rx would have similar effects.
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I take Omeprazole for GERD. I have Barrett’s Esophagus, so I make sure I don’t miss a dose. I get an endoscopic examination every few years just to make sure the BE isn’t advancing.
 

911 said:
I take Omeprazole for GERD. I have Barrett’s Esophagus, so I make sure I don’t miss a dose. I get an endoscopic examination every few years just to make sure the BE isn’t advancing.
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My PCP is referring me to a gastroenterologist because the meds aren't working as hoped. My sole symptom is periodic chest pain that is neither prompted nor worsened by exertion. Sometimes it awakens me in the middle of the night. I never have acid reflux or heartburn.
 

Ted01 said:
Have you considered a "patient advocate"? I understand that they can be very helpful for this type of situation.

I deal with a bit of what you seem to be talking about and was told about patient advocates to help me wade through all the medial things involved that have been difficult for me to understand in regard to what options are out there, choices offered, things not spoken of, conflicting meds and advice... for me though, I don't seem to have the option of acquiring their help through my insurance (which sometimes is available) and paying their fees out-of-pocket is beyond me... I think... I'm still checking into it all.
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I hadn't heard about patient advocates and will have to check them out. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
oslooskar said:
I have to tell you I have grown extremely leery of American medical professionals because it seems to me they are more concerned with pushing pills and enriching the pharmaceutical industry than they are with my overall well-being. So, if you don’t mind me asking, does your regular doctor know that you're taking so many different drugs, and exactly what they are? I just watched this video and found it informative, especially the part about taking so many medications. (Note: I'm not suggesting that you stop taking your medications, I'm suggesting that you make sure your regular doctor is familiar with all the drugs that you take and that he or she knows if they might interact with each other.)
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My take is that doctors have no direct interest in enriching PHARMA (big or little), but rather that they're looking for fast and easy answers to get you out of their office more quickly and process more patients every day. Pills are easy to prescribe, far more easy than working with the patient to craft a treatment plan that minimizes drugs. The only way they can increase their own productivity and wealth is by speeding patients through. Their dollar rates are controlled by insurance companies and Medicare. Pill solutions to our questions and problems are how they control their own lives.
 
Bushrod said:
My take is that doctors have no direct interest in enriching PHARMA (big or little), but rather that they're looking for fast and easy answers to get you out of their office more quickly and process more patients every day. Pills are easy to prescribe, far more easy than working with the patient to craft a treatment plan that minimizes drugs. The only way they can increase their own productivity and wealth is by speeding patients through. Their dollar rates are controlled by insurance companies and Medicare. Pill solutions to our questions and problems are how they control their own lives.
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My doctor is part of a large HMO (Kaiser Permanente). He works with me on treatment plans - believe me, there was more to him dealing with my chest pain than handing me a few pills. Lots of dietary instructions (no caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, carbonated beverages, fried foods, and more.) meal timing, and so forth.

Truth is though, most people WANT a pill. They don't want to hear about adjusting their smoking, drinking, eating and exercise habits. The proof is in our grocery stores. Most aisles are stacked with processed foods that are high in fat, sodium and sugar.
 
I take a lot of meds too, between the eye drops and pills. I find that sometimes the pharmacist (who's familiar with your meds) is a better option for figuring out contraindications and drug interactions. Couple that with a serious discussion with your doctor about possible ill effects of certain medications (after getting the pharmacists' take) is probably in order.
 
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