Comments: What Do Underperforming Meds Mean for Bipolars
I don't know much about this, but isn't this problem of switching meds and meds not working and patients suffering -- isn't it all true regarding physical conditions and illnesses as well?
For example, I have a friend who had cancer and doctors tried everything they could to get her better. They did chemo, radiation, surgery, bone marrow transfusions, anything and everything to get rid of it. Despite all this, she ended up dying. So, isn't it this problem of treatment not working, universial, no matter what the condition?
And if it is, why get so profoundly angry over it? Now, I know you're saying all this to push for better treatment...but don't you think you need to chill?
Posted by Gwen Davis at December 23, 2005 12:32 PM
So many of us are tired of this system. And you are correct- when do we demand something else? Maybe I feel so strongly about this right now because I'm in the middle of switching meds. I've been in this game 19 years and I haven't seen much change. The entire process is exhausting and dealing with the insurance companies is even more so. Recently on the phone with a new potential drs office- they asked for the mental health phone number on the back of my insurance card. Why? Why is this still a question? I've seriously debated over the years calling all of my contacts and recruiting a celebrity to speak out on the many issues the mentally ill still fight. AIDS has Bono. The UNHCR has Angelina Jolie. NCCRA has Katie Couric. Cancer has Lance Armstrong. And now we have a very powerful celebrity speaking out against the use of psychiatric meds. Or maybe rounding up thousands to march the streets would work. Unfortunately in today's society, I doubt it. Either way, something must be done. We need better research. We need understanding. Patients need to demand more from their doctors. We need a voice.
Posted by kim at December 24, 2005 07:17 AM