Failure of America's Medical System

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   Kenna McHughposted 20 months ago

   A friend of mine discovered that one symptom of the utter failure of America's medical system is the vast number of forums where people share their medical problems and seek advice.
   She said she visited forums focusing on addiction, liver problems, neuropathy, cancer and other ailments. People ask each other for solutions, opinions, and answers to their questions.
   Drug addicts try to counsel each other on reducing their drug usage or getting through withdrawal.
   Those suffering from liver problems educate each other on what the treatment side effects are really like (that the doctor never told them).
   The word "doctor" comes from Latin, "teacher," from docēre, "to teach." These teachers are, by and large, falling on the job. Yes, there are exceptions, but they are too few.

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      Ken Burgessposted 20 months agoin reply to this

      We have two major problems with our healthcare system, it is designed to profit, and those Hospitals and Clinics that do not prioritize profiting fail or are bought out by those that do.
      
      The other problem is the control the pharmaceutical industry has on doctors and hospitals who profit off of using and prescribing their drugs, one the one hand... and on the other it "lobbies" the politicians that write the laws and regulations controlling prescriptions, Medicaid funding, etc.
      
      In Hospitals today, patients are handled in similar fashion to the way McDonalds handles making its meals.  Care is based on what insurance you have and what you are approved for, more often than not.

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         Kenna McHughposted 20 months agoin reply to this

         I try to work with functional doctors, and they want nothing to do with insurance, which makes it challenging for the consumer. My chiropractor, bless his heart, takes all insurance.
         Insurance companies are getting bolder and refusing certain drugs and hormonal therapies. Some people can't afford doctors, so they try naturopathic or homeopathic treatments, self-prescribed.

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            Ken Burgessposted 20 months agoin reply to this

            I do similar, have had the same doctor for about a decade, pay cash if the insurance doesn't cover it.
            
            He thinks outside the box when it comes to medicine, diet, hormones, stem cells... not drugs or joint replacements unless no other option.
            
            With him, I lost 80 pounds, got rid of my high blood pressure, and some other aches and pains.
            
            Modern medicine can be a racket if you don't take control of your own health, and leave it to the doctors and hospitals.

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               Kenna McHughposted 20 months agoin reply to this

               Sounds like you found a good doctor!

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                  Ken Burgessposted 20 months agoin reply to this

                  And a willingness to do research.
                  
                  For example, years ago I had a MRI that showed I had a torn achilles tendon, it was bad enough I couldn't walk.
                  
                  The doctor treating me told me I needed an operation, to take the ligament from my big toe and attach it. I asked if that was guaranteed to fix it, he said it was about 70% successful. 
                  
                  Imagine that?  Trashing your big toe, and maybe not even fixing the problem, maybe even making it worse if it gets infected.
                  
                  I did some research, if you put your foot in a walking boot and keep it immobile, for about a year, it will heal itself, and then you go through a rehab phase.
                  
                  That's what it took.
                  
                  Zero operations... Zero doctor visits... Zero rehab appointments.
                  
                  I let the body heal itself, and then I worked the muscle back to normal.
                  
                  I have Zero issues with it today... but I'm not running any marathons to push it, either.
                  
                  .
                  
                  .
                  
                  You have to look out for your own interests, the Hospitals and Doctors may be looking out for theirs... and they have bills to pay.

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                     Kenna McHughposted 20 months agoin reply to this

                     That's well done. I healed my herniated back without surgery. It took a year but I did.

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                     Kathryn L Hillposted 19 months agoin reply to this

                     Wow! Congratulations on your wisdom, patience and faith in the body's ability to heal itself. The body is amazing.
                     Thank you for sharing your success.

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                        Castlepalomaposted 19 months agoin reply to this

                        There is no better doctor in the world then oneself. Except will go to a hospital if bleeding from a car accident emergency.

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      tsmogposted 20 months agoin reply to this

      My experience with medical forums is about 10% know what they are talking about and are truthful with their experiences. I  went to a few different ones as I have chronic diseases. I was seeking to learn as most.
      
      It didn't take long to discover there was a lot of embellishment happening. It was a task to sort through it. It only lasted a few months before I exited stage left. Only one had moderation to help decipher truth from fiction while they dispelled myths told. Most of the moderators had a medical background or were students of medicine.

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         Kenna McHughposted 20 months agoin reply to this

         You have to teach yourself about what is true or not. I try to help people on those forums. But they've experienced failed help so much because of the system that it's hard for them to trust anyone.

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      Nathanvilleposted 20 months agoin reply to this

      Wow, I’m quite shocked by the idea that people in America have to resort to forums for medical advice, rather than seeing their doctor?
      
      In Britain if we want medical advice, without seeing the doctor, not only does the NHS have a comprehensive medical encyclopaedia in their website listing just about every medical  condition, symptoms and treatment etc., but also, which I  find very useful is the 111 service.
      
      In the UK you Just pick up the phone and dial 111 (free phone call to the NHS) to get any medical advice and help for free, over the phone; so in Britain there is no need to resort to forums for such advice:  https://youtu.be/UwYmC1YK1vE

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         Kenna McHughposted 20 months agoin reply to this

         That's an excellent service. Some medical institutions offer such a service in America. However, I don't follow all the advice provided by a medical professional. The reason is I researched and studied the health concerns.

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            Nathanvilleposted 19 months agoin reply to this

            Yes it is an excellent service; it was launched in 2013 primarily to take pressure off of A&E (Accident & Emergency) – A&E being the UK equivalent of your ER.
            
            Over the decades A&E had become a victim of its own success in that it’s a free service (like the rest of the NHS), and although A&E was intended for Accidents and Emergency only it’s the policy of A&E never to turn anyone away regardless to how minor the complaint e.g. far too many people who have just minor complaints, that could easily be dealt with by their doctor or a pharmacist, just turn up at A&E instead. 
            
            Although A&E do prioritise e.g. people with genuine emergencies who turn up at A&E will be treated straight away, while those with minor complaints have to wait their turn – Nevertheless A&E are always very busy, even to this day, although introducing the 111 phone service has undoubtedly helped to alleviate some of that pressure.
            
            This short video is one of the public awareness campaign videos released by the NHS to educate the public to use A&E sensibly (all the absurd examples given in the video of trivial complaints where people have gone to A&E unnecessarily are taken from true cases):  https://youtu.be/ffT1orYXdcI
            
            Is A&E for me? https://youtu.be/HV8r3Hy82_w

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   abwilliamsposted 20 months ago

   I am currently going through this, eligible for Medicare now and my primary Dr. wants me to have a procedure done. 
   The problem, my particular insurance provider (yes, beware you must still carry and pay for an insurance plan to basically piggyback your medicare plan) and/or, the specialists aren't taking on any new patients and/or, the offices are so busy you can't  even get through to a live person, much less, make an appointment.
   I have been trying for 6 months now!
   All involved should be receiving a letter from me, today.
   Sign me,
   Beyond frustrated

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      Kenna McHughposted 20 months agoin reply to this

      It's tough for a lot of people. It sounds like you have a solution in place.

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