Posted by jay on November 27, 2001, at 16:17:42
(Please just note...I am FAR from being "anti-med"...but...)This seems to be such a consistent theme. I am not talking about little changes over even a couple of years...but MASSIVE changes over say 10 or more years.
Should doctors now be *forced* to consider these unacceptable risk factors in the long run? Yes, I know that mental illness et al should be unacceptable, but say when you spend a marriage or a long term relationship almost NEVER being able to, or enjoying sex, and become obese because of the meds (I don't mean an extra 10, 20 pounds...I mean when you get up to 50-100 pounds)?
Most augmenting 'meds' or herbs seem to prove to be of very, very little help. Sex is a basic drive, wired into our bodies and minds for many reasons. It seems we are messing around with a fundamental element of human existence. To 'zap' it out of existence is to kill a basic part of being human.
Second, with the weight, there are a couple of factors. One, being obese (and I mean people who often gain 20-50 percent of 'average' body weight on meds)is JUST not healthy and is life-threatening. Doctors of course know this, but seem to disacknowledge the role the med plays in this.
Two, being obese is mentally very disheartening. I have been, and almost am again, and you can't just blame society for being 'prejudice'. That's bull...and feeling good about your body (I don't mean being in some kind of tip-top or body-building shape, either) plays a massive role in depression. There is a further role for this to, as it plays a role in mate selection, and perceptions from others, That sounds Darwinian, but it is true, even if it is not p.c.
Having said that, should doctors not help provide the tools for us to keep these two things under control while on meds? No, I don't mean just them saying to "exercise and eat right." That has proven little value when on medications. Many on meds do, with no help. Should augmenting meds, even if 'addictive', not be an obligation for all doctors to try for these problems considering the weight/sexual side effects potential as life-threatening?
We need discussion and answers, and I'd like to get Dr. Bob's take as a medical doctor, as well as others. Maybe Dr. Bob could seriously invite other doctors to discuss this issue. It is really at a 'critical mass', and I think an epidemic that is reaching levels of intensity as mental illness itself.
Thanks,
Jay
poster:jay
thread:85329
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85329.html