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Stopping ALL Medications
This is a serious question.
Has anyone ever thought about discontinuing the use of all medications other than those specifically prescribed for pain?
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Good topic. I would like to know what brought up this question for you.
I take two prescription medications. The eye drops for glaucoma keep my eye pressure low and prevent nerve damage that can cause blindness. The anticoagulant I take for blood clots helps keep me alive. I will keep using them until I die.
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5 ReactionsYes. One time taking 8 pills and two IM shots daily, after spilling the daily pill container, not remembering what pills were for which day and time , strongly considered stopping the out-of-control merry-go-round. Eventually talked w/APRN w/advanced pharmacological training. Reduced/reconfigured down to 4 daily. Was 70, now 78. Generally do better. I think considering reducing med intake after medical consult including Dr, pharmacist is warranted. So is caution. Would never suggest total,abrupt stopping. Best wishes.
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3 Reactions@mir123
A friend of mine in her 60's at the time (not in hospice) quit her thyroid medication, wound up in the ER and almost died. In her case, she was following an article that a loved one read, that made her believe she didn't need the thyroid medicine.
Of all the things I'm grateful for, my thyroid medication tops the list! Without it I'd be exhausted and ill. I hope you friend recovered fully.
@grannytrucker
Perhaps death, maybe not via the ER was the objective. I believe that is her decision. The journey she takes is hers alone.
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1 Reaction@westwoman3698
Thank you for this thoughtful, non-judgemental reply. I recognize it and appreciate it.
How did you connect with a medical person APRN with pharmacological training? I have been searching for just such a person.
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3 Reactions@mikebiker
IMO you are one of the lucky ones and I sincerely hope you stay that way.
Many of us find ourselves taking 10 or more perscriptions written by multiple different specialists filled at varying pharmacies. IMO its a receipe for disaster because despite the newest communication tools like MyChart, it appears to me that the right hand doesn't know what the left one is doing.
Further with the number of side effects with many drugs, it can be downright dangerous,
How many of us carry a list of current perscriptions with us?
It's been my experience that the current medications being taken section on MyChart is much more times wrong rather than right.
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1 Reaction@gravity3
Thank you for asking.
I'd suggest you follow this thread. It is bringing forth many thoughtful responses.
Briefly, its been my education and experiences coupled with an overflowing of intrinsic responsible.
If you'd like to communicate further, I invite you to reach out privately, outside of this public forum.
@gravity3
Good question.
Not that I am unwilling or unable to share but it's complicated.
Please consider following this thread. You may find the answer or another way to ask it.