Hello milkmaid & jaireeves,
I've walked in your Moccasins... when I was diagnosed (by the Physicians Assistant in my GP's office) of having A-Fib, & then talked to my Dr., (her boss) they both explained, potentially It Can Be a fatal cardiac condition ... & they put me on a Toxic blood thinner. I too was traumatized + had 5 or 6 side-effects to that drug including Insomnia, (a big part was due to my fear & super-anxiety)! I had to ASK to be referred to a Cardiologist who was more understanding but couldn't change the prescrip. ordered by the other Dr. "That Was It!" - I left the GP practice (I'd used for Years) & found a New GP. The New GP then "soothed & smoothed my feathers"! She told me these types of Cardio abnormalities Can be a natural part of the Aging Process (I was 84 at the time), & that properly managed "Life Can Go On" with a few adjustments. Over the next 2 years when I felt Dr.'s weren't REALLY listening to me, prescribing an Alternative drug rather than doing a little research to find the Right drug FOR ME, I'd Find A New Cardiologist! I came to realize Dr.'s are Very Busy these days & their Clinics push them to 'get the patients In & Out A.S.A.P.'! In addition, when a Patient doesn't Really Doesn't Need an expensive Pharmaceutical, the Dr.'s are probably told, "Prescribe That Patient SOMETHING anyway!" I later learned that for a very-few number of Patients with Certain levels of Cardio Abnormalities, prescribing Low Dose Aspirin is Sufficient, Particularly if the Patient cannot tolerate the toxic Pharmaceuticals that are now available. And I have a Very Basic Policy, I WILL NOT Take A Drug to "fix" another Drug I'm taking (PERIOD). Please Find A Right Drug For Me!
Just yesterday a Physician Assistant with 30 years of experience admitted Pharmaceutical Companies commission or reward the Dr.'s OR their Practice for every Prescription written.
So There It Is! Ca-Ching$ Ca-Ching$ Ca-Ching$. It's the Tail (Big Pharma) Wagging The Dog (MOST Doctors &/or their Practice)! It took me 4 Years of asking Credible Medical People before someone would confirm My Greatest Suspicion! You wouldn't believe all the "Dodge-Ball" answers I'd get when I'd Ask Dr.'s this question (over the past 4 years ... some even Denied it.). And the PAA smiled when he said, "You're a pretty smart Cookie to have figured that out. Most patients Never make that connection or are afraid to ask the question.)