What are the goals of your medication?

When was the last time (if ever) you questioned your doctor about the medication you are on? I am not talking about the medication errors you often hear about. It is believed in the USA, that preventable medication errors impact more than 7 million patients. Medication errors are an underreported burden that adversely affects patients, providers, and the economy.

Make sure the correct medication is prescribed to you, especially after you had your stroke. When I was hospitalized because of the strokes, I was started on two medications (a statin & a blood pressure medication). I kept on these two because I never have questioned them. I have never had an issue with high cholesterol and high blood pressure, before the strokes and the 11+ years since the strokes. I was a pawn in the medication algorithms that affect so many people. 

It is important that you understand the medication that your doctor (or doctors) has prescribed for you. What is it supposed to do to you? What are the common side effects of the medication? When I looked into statins (cholesterol level controller) and found that they were toxic, it explained the muscle soreness and cramps. For me, I discontinued it with a discussion with my doctor. You need to do the same kinds of talks with your doctor. If something does not make sense to you, investigate further.  

 I was hit with a bug yesterday evening just when I was going to write my blog post. It came fast. I talked with my wife and decided to go into the emergency hospital. It turned out to be probably a virus. Subsequently, a few episodes over the 11+ years since the strokes and the strokes have taught me that it is better to be safe than sorry. 

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5016741/ 

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