SYMPTOMS OF A DRUG PRESCRIPTION
Obtaining knowledge can often be difficult thereby clouding our awareness. This is especially noted regarding a prescription drug treatment plan. While there is a place for prescription medication, the need to be observant and knowledgeable when taking a prescribed drug is very important to your wellbeing.
This week we continue telling our journey to awareness.
The information in our journey can help you obtain the awareness needed to find your correct treatment path.
Although we wrote this post together, we have chosen to present the following story through mom’s experience.
Let’s begin!
Mom's Story:
Journey to Awareness (Part 2)
September 29, 2023 by Nikki and Anne Heart
After years of misleading information and blinding trust regarding my daughter’s prescription drug treatment plan, a new approach was taken by us — awareness.
With awareness came the decision to withdraw from a prescription drug treatment program.
Soon after the withdrawal, came Nikki’s diagnosis of Graves’ disease and a new recognition of her extreme sensitivities to chemicals.
Sensitivities and Prescription Drug problems
Living with a hyperthyroid for some time, Nikki was given the advice to have her thyroid ablated.
She was informed prior to the ablation she most likely would need a thyroid hormone replacement medication — a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone thyroxine to restore and stabilize thyroid hormone levels.
Of course, after everything my daughter went through on prescription drugs, she was cautious to once again be on a prescription drug for the rest of her life.
First, Nikki and I discussed her past history on prescription drugs with her endocrinologist.
Second, we took into consideration Nikki’s dad being on thyroid hormone replace medication for years without any problems.
Finally, after weighing the pros and cons, Nikki agreed to the ablation.
Unfortunately, soon after Nikki began a thyroid hormone replacement medication, she had severe reactions.
The endocrinologist who was treating Nikki, stated it was very unlikely what she was experiencing was reactions from thyroid hormone replacement medication.
And in fact, refused to speak with her or answer her questions over the phone until her next scheduled appointment.
Being in pain and unable to increase her medication to a level needed, we were again faced with the challenge of finding another doctor who would provide proper medical assistance to Nikki.
My daughter and myself eagerly waited several months for an appointment with a new endocrinologist we believed could help.
At the first appointment with him, the endocrinologist stated, “If you don’t increase your medication, you will die.”
Still to this day, I can’t get his words out of my head and the idea that he didn’t even truly evaluate Nikki’s situation before making this statement, infuriates me.
Once again, it took several months to get an appointment with a different endocrinologist. Hoping this one would be the one.
Within minutes of meeting Nikki, the new doctor tried to dismiss Nikki stating there wasn’t anything she could do.
As she was getting ready to leave the exam room without helping my daughter, I, with tear filled eyes, insisted on her help.
Nikki went through seven endocrinologists from the time her blood work indicated a hyperthyroid until it was finally stabilized.
Moreover, it took our family to research different thyroid hormone replacement medications and inform the doctor of our findings. Reluctantly, the doctor eventually prescribed the medication, Tirosint.
Containing only only three inactive ingredients gelatin, glycerin and water along with the active ingredient levothyroxine sodium, Nikki was able to tolerate the dosage she needed.
Although Tirosint has the FDA approval date of 8/2007, years before Nikki had a thyroid condition, no doctor ever suggested prescribing Tirosint to my daughter.
It took our awareness and insistence to have a doctor listen and prescribe what can possibly help.
Nikki still takes Tirosint. Noting that we still have to inform the doctor of current dosages new to the market that may be more beneficial to Nikki’s treatment.
Awareness of any chemical sensitivities is extremely important to your wellbeing.
So, what are chemical sensitivities?
A negative reaction to something in the environment around you, something you may put into your body or on your body.
Some of the things that can cause chemical sensitivities are:
- Smoke
- Perfume
- Cleaning supplies
- Chlorine
- Bleach
- Dyes
- Paint
- Preservations
- Gluten
- Lotions
- Bug sprays
- Sunscreens
- Shampoo
- Propane fumes
- Etc.
How can chemical sensitivities affect your wellbeing?
- Chemical sensitivities can mimic mood disorders along with other conditions.
- Sensitivites can cause extreme reactions, such as memory fog, confusion as well as physical difficulties.
- Many health care providers do not acknowledge nor understand chemical sensitivities.
The key is to be aware to your sensitivities.
Nikki was being treated on prescription drugs for depression, mood disorder, bipolar disorder, etc., with doctors constantly changing the diagnosis.
However, the true facts weren’t looked at.
We now know Nikki had Graves’ disease, but unsure when she actually began to have a hyperthyroid.
It is known that certain medications can mask the true levels of the thyroid.
I was aware of Nikki’s sensitivities to food, chlorine, bleach and numerous other products prior to her being on prescribed drugs and always mentioned this to the health care provider.
But the information was never looked at with much interest or concern.
Another awareness I had prior to Nikki’s prescribed drug treatment plan was her having clear-cut obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
I remember numerous occasions discussing this with her health care practioners.
Sadly again, no one seemed to listen.
The drug treatment program Nikki received most frequently counteracted with her OCD. In general, making her negative thoughts worse.
We believe that her medication also increased her OCD contributing to excessive alcohol consumption.
Henceforth, the inappropriate prescription drug treatment plan contributed to past years of pain.
However, it has also undeniably added to future years of pain trying to correct problems made worse by a so called “quick fix.”
It is important to remember:
Questioning, helps you obtain knowledge.
Knowledge becomes the key to awareness.
And awareness leads you to a successful journey for a happy and healthier lifestyle.
Weekly Posts Every Friday: Journey Forward
October 6, 2023
Learn more. Live healthier!
“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
– Albert Einstein –
FROM THE BLOG
Mom's Story: Journey through Wellness (Part 1)
Mom's Story: Journey through Wellness (Part 2)
Mom's Story: Journey through Wellness (Part 3)
Nikki's Story: Journey into Prescription Drugs
Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
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