My number one rule!

If there is one lesson that I try to impart upon all my readers it is to take control of your own health care.  A doctor can give you information during a consultation.  A nurse can treat you while you are in hospital. But there is only one person who is with you all day everyday.  There is only one person who knows how you feel all the time.  There is only one person who knows exactly where you have been and what you have done.  That's you.


Doctors are a great source of information, but every piece of advice, or instruction they give you, you should query and research.  98% of the time you will probably agree with your doctor, but there is the two percent of the time that you may not agree with him (or her).  This does not mean your doctor is wrong, it may just mean they have chosen the wrong option for you.


Even if you do take the doctors advice, you should still know what you are trying to achieve from the treatment, mechanism of action, side effects, restrictions etc...  After all, if you have a reaction to a treatment, your doctor is not going to be there to monitor you.  It will be up to you, so you should know what is going on.


And this advice is not just for people with a chronic illness.  This is for everyone.  Did you know what the number one cause of liver failure is?  You probably think it's alcohol.  You would be wrong.  It is paracetamol, aka acetaminophen most commonly known as their brand names Panadol and Tylenol.  Check out the following link about OTC medications.


Pain Killers More Dangerous than you Think


Please don't get me wrong, I think paracetamol is a fantastic drug, but shouldn't you know exactly what you are taking and what the side effects are so you can keep an eye out for them. The same goes for any drug.  Until next time, stay well:)