How much do we really know as it relates to our health

Nov 15, 2010 Letters

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Dear Editor,
There are times lives can be saved, but the amount of money you have or don’t have; the part the world you are in; the facilities and equipment; the experience of surgeons, and the doctor in whose hands you fall all play a great role.
When you ask yourself or others, is it really his time now? Was everything done that should have been done to save him? When you blame yourself or feel haunted because you lost someone you loved during surgery, or shortly after the said surgery that was supposed to save his/her life; the above conditions should be taken into consideration.
Time and time again we hear of, or know people who died even though they were being treated in hospitals, or given special attention by private doctors. There have been many cases of fatalities from conditions and diseases which were thought of as casual, nothing crucial or severe.
Many people take the fact that doctors are just humans lightly, many people fail to realise that the old saying, “doctors bury their mistakes” might just be true, and why? Because when in pain or sickness one only wants relief, one prays and hopes, but one gladly entrusts ones body in doctors’ care to get their help, to have relief from pain, to be healthy and normal again. And thanks to doctors and other health care providers all over the world, millions of people’s lives are saved, millions are regaining their health.
But do we know or even think of those that do not get well, who die while in surgery, or while being treated for complications or diseases.
Doctors’ errors are more prevalent than you may realise, admits a seasoned practioner. His prescription is to become informed and share in decisions that affect your health. Iatrogenesis, from the Greek Iatros (doctors), means “doctor-induced.” It refers to any illness, injury or fatality that is the direct result of medical intervention, ranging from incorrect diagnosis or inappropriate treatment to harmful drug interaction, misinterpretation of a lab test, or a fatal reaction to penicillin or other medication, surgery or the effects of anesthesia.
It is hardly likely however, that doctors will be eager to expose such cases to the public. Thanks to a few doctors who participated in interviews, who wrote books and such, we are better informed and educated today.
I wish therefore, to provide some insight into how lives are endangered in modern health care. From research, analysis and profound observations by professionals, it can be concluded that the primary risks include: over prescription of potent drugs, questionable use of medical tests and x-rays, hospital incubated diseases, incorrect diagnoses and surgery.
Firstly, too many drugs-adverse side effects and dangerous interactions between drugs are probably the most common types of iatrogenic illness. Is there any sign of this in our society? Secondly, too many tests – some doctors are responsible for turning medical testing into a giant growth industry. Hospitals too, bear a major responsibility. Expensive testing facilities, when idle still cost a lot of money, so administrators encourage their use. Modern tests do facilitate early diagnosis, however; each step in an elaborate procedure of testing and treatment increases the chance of error, and of iatrogenesis!
Thirdly and most importantly ‘surgical slip ups’ – there is evidence too, that, more operations are performed than are justified. An operation should never be agreed to lightly. Any patient who subjects himself to the dangers associated with surgery – not to mention the many possible complications resulting from anesthesia and hospitalisation should receive more than the casual assurance that it is required. This is of significant importance, a second or even third opinion is advised.
How much do we really know as it relates to our health, the treatment we use, the tests we endure? How often do we meet doctors who would explain in details what may be our complications? How often do we even consider asking questions about our sickness or diseases? Do we ask about alternatives to surgery? Do we even consider a second opinion before undergoing surgeries? Do we find out about the drugs our doctors prescribe (usage, moreso their side effects)? I am sure there are many more questions you may add to the list.
Readers, I trust that you acknowledge the fact that; the number of iatrogenesis victims is rising. Maybe you are healthy and health conscious, so you may think this does not have anything to do with you, but I am certain you have loved ones, relatives and friends who may not be healthy (free of sickness, illness or diseases), therefore, it is your responsibility to make this your business.
I implore you readers, take life seriously – your health is of paramount importance, here are some suggestions: ask questions, become a self- advocate. You have the right to refuse an x-ray, a test or treatment that you are not convinced is necessary. Next, you should take only those drugs necessary (always check for or ask about the side effects of medications). Moreso, readers when surgery is recommended, ask why. Find out if there are viable ‘nonsurgical’ options available.
Ask, how often is the operation performed? How often has the surgeon performed the operation? Moreover, get a second opinion ‘in writing’ from a specialist who does not practice in the same office or hospital as the first doctor!
Finally, remember readers the quality of your health care and that of your family should improve as your communication with doctors, increase.
As you assess our health care facilities, and the system itself in Guyana you will decide whether or not “iatrogenesis” is absent, present or prevalent in our society. This letter is not to point fingers, but to make you become more aware and vigilant. Take control of your health today! Let your experience or that of your family be successful, be more informed of your own medical treatment, practice preventive measures and share health tips with others.
Luscina Prashad

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