Originally Posted by
Dr. Johny Dodge
and google research your meds
I had three stints done the spring before last (right femoral artery , right hip and left lower aorta )
they prescribed plavix and me not knowing better went for the generic version - which was a mistake
taking the generic plavix for about three days I developed a red spotty rash .. and a blister of fluid on my hip
I stopped taking it for a few days , tried again with the same side effect
researching the generic plavix brand and the company that produces it I found it's noted that company has a reputation for contaminants in their product
switched to the "real" plavix" and that issue went away
then I noted the large number of coronary incidents associated with plavix so I quit it too and made a few lifestyle changes - mostly diet related
quitting smoking is still getting the better of me but at least it's not 1-2 , maybe part of the third pack a day now (green pack export --A's - so "real cigarettes")
my father had an issue with his legs swelling during the day , it would go back down overnight
this went on for years and years until he lost his mobility and I started taking care of him at home
then he had the issue of his legs swelling and not going back to normal
the doctor changed him off the plavix and put him on coumadin and weekly inr tests
not only did the swelling go away , but it never came back - the many years of daily routine of swelling were over
only real difference was a new doctor and the change in medication he prescribed
if our family doctor of 50 years haven't past away we might never have seen the issue resolved by the new doctor
so second opinions really are worth checking too
and , "weigh" the opinion against the doctor , so to say
the old doctor was of my father's generation
the new one was from mine
sort of an old standard treatment vs a new idea
apply as you see fit in your case
to add
if you're fortunate enough to find yourself in a position to give home care to a parent , even considering the many past differences and arguments - try it I doubt you'll ever regret it
yes it will be frustrating and as we get really old sometimes our worst characteristics intensify ...
sitting doing not much for 5 years beyond waiting to hear "JOHN" yelled from the end of the hall is something that although frustrating as hell .. I will always be thankful for that
"extra concentrated" time together
and in my case it gave me an interesting "life's ruler"
same house 47 years later , same lime green bathroom where as a tiny little kid I talk with Dad first thing in the morning as he shaved and got ready for work
to
prying him outta bead , hoisting him up and hugging him from behind a I held him up to waddle into the bathroom .. the same unchanged forever one .. and standing in the same spot so he wouldn't fall ..gives one a unique perspective to be sure
not to get political , but after sitting looking after dad for five years , I was in no position to have to pay for those three stints - yeah I did the cost research..
our system may be far from perfect but my total cost was a day of my time and the gas it took my truck to get to and from the hospital twice
I saved the 16 bucks for parking had a buddy pick me up with my own truck that afternoon
- and they had no idea I needed the stint in the left lower aorta until they had me on the table ready to start - so it was an add on in the moment
Dad also had a few instances when he had to go to hospital for TCI (?)
temporary reduced blood to the brain
if someone says something that makes NO SENSE AT ALL , repeatedly
call 911
I sat dinner in front of him and he asked "where's the nickels and dimes ...?"
over and over