FukDatShhh.CoM

My dad is in the hospital for the fourth time in a year. Yesterday, a specialist finally admitted that Dad’s chief problem has likely been inappropriate drugs prescribed by his family physician.

Ten years ago, Dad was in good health and took no medications. Then he started seeing “Dr. Jones.” Dad’s cholesterol and blood pressure were slightly elevated, so Jones put him on a statin and a blood-pressure drug. Over the years, Dad’s cholesterol and pressure continued to go up and he began having other unexplained health problems. Every time, Dr. Jones denied any connection to the drugs and instead increased the dosages and prescribed more.

Several times I begged Dad to get a second opinion, but he trusted and liked Jones. He told me I worried too much, and that he was simply getting older. Two years ago, Dad began having serious problems and was put on a blood thinner and diuretics. When he collapsed, the ER doctor told him to stop taking his cholesterol meds. Dr. Jones said the ER doctor was an idiot and instead diagnosed Dad with an unrelated muscle inflammation, for which he prescribed a high-dose steroid. When Dad began showing severe side effects, Jones claimed they were unconnected.

The upshot is that Dad lies in a hospital, too weak to move and not knowing what day it is. His kidneys are barely functioning and he refuses to eat. The doctors and staff (bless them!) are genuinely concerned, but his system is such a pharmaceutical cesspool that they are having a difficult time figuring it out.

Dr. Jones’ haste in reaching for a prescription pad seems to be standard medical practice. But I’m just as angry with myself for not being more forceful. Maybe then, Dad would be out tending his tomatoes today, not dying on me.
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It is always wise to get a second opinion. Please stop blaming yourself. No matter how hard you kicked and screamed, your father would most likely have continued with the regimen he was taking from a doctor he trusted. And not all doctors are willing to admit they have misjudged their treatment protocol. If you think Dr. Jones is guilty of malpractice, he should be reported to his state medical board.