Posted by Chris A. on January 24, 2002, at 2:05:45
In reply to Re: Rx incidence reports » Chris A., posted by medlib on January 23, 2002, at 20:32:21
> Hi Chris--
>
> My pdoc asked the local sales rep to contact the Geodon researchers. He wanted to see if they had any suggestions that would allow me to resume taking Geodon (minus the EPS). Though I never took more than the lowest dose twice a day, I'd experienced complete remission of my depressive symptoms (unlike any other rx I've tried)--before the EPS hit. Withdrawal, no matter how gradual, produced severe panic attacks (which *felt* life-threatening--the first one sent me to the ER with what they termed "false suffocation syndrome"). I'd never had an anxiety or panic attack, but these came twice a day (12 hours apart, like clockwork) each lasting 45min-1hr. for 10 days. It was like visiting heaven and hell both in the same month.It's amazing how we are all so different. My panic/akathisia immedicately subsided when we withdrew the Geodon. My pDoc hasn't mentioned trying to revisit it. Sorry you had to go through all of that.
> Drug companies have the highest profit margins of any industry world wide.Perhaps investing in Pfizer would cure us all :-)
>
> From my viewpoint, the average healthcare consumer has about 3 options, s/he can say no, can fire his/her doc and/or can seek help in another country.The big question then, is when to say "no." It seems like I have blown it on that one.
> Re ECT: The manufacturers of ECT equipment, like those who make surgical devices, are liable only if their products fail to operate as specified. They have no other responsibility for patient outcomes; primary liability is assigned to those who order and/or administer the procedures--and then only to the degree that their actions deviate from standard medical practices.I would really like to see complete neuro testing done on every patient that is able to complete it prior to ECT. There are factors that cause some of us to be at greater risk for permanent cognitive side effects. That risk could be graded to enable the patient to make a more informed decsion. How about neurological consults being required prior to administration of ECT? I guess there's no place to go where my concerns/ideas would be taken seriously. It is frustrating. Perhaps I should just talk openly with my pDoc about it. We are both a bit shy, but after 6 1/2 years I should be able to tell him what I am thinking. I am wondering if he has changed any pre-ECT evaluation procedures in his department. I don't believe in litigation because there's been a bad outcome. I would just like to see practice standards scrutinized and reviewed so that there will be fewer bad outcomes. That probably has to be done at the APA level when it applies to ECT.
Coming from a medical family I find almost impossible to criticize a doc. (Hubby probably wishes I'd apply that rule to him). They make tough calls everyday.>
> Bottom line? There are no guarantees; "professionals" are paid for their time and services, not their results. Caveat emptor! Any wonder why more and more people are researching their own healthcare concerns?I am really weary of trying to figure it out. My brain just can't think it through anymore. Pour on the Excelon!
>
> Well wishes---medlib (now climbing down from the pulpit)Some of us like it when you're in your pulpit - we learn something and feel cared for at the same time.
Blessings,
Chris A.
poster:Chris A.
thread:90736
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020116/msgs/91377.html