Community Chat

[Q4u]

Trinity11, I am SO glad you spoke up and are feeling good again .... and that's the reason for my lengthy post, to give those reading here food for thought.

[Q4u]

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@willdob3 wrote:

I've been reading today in a book called, The Obesity Code, by Jason Fung, MD. It has a lot of valuable - and current - info/science on obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. I highly recommend it to anyone with any of these issues of who is concerned about them. The info is also available on his website/blog which is easily found by googling his name.

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I looked at a review of the book and it's interesting....

I have always had trouble losing weight.  I stayed a good weight (not thin) the years I was physically involved with Karate and teaching, but still a solid size 12 (I'm 5'8").

My parents got sick and passed away within 11 mos of each other and I gained over 30lbs that year.  It was only after being diagnosed with Diabetes years later did I get ultra serious about what went into my mouth.

I've lost a total of over 45lbs now (another 15lb this year) by strictly following a Diabetic diet.  I don't know if Hormones were responsible at all back then and once in awhile I just don't feel like eating so I'll have a Glucerna shake and I guess that might be called fasting (along with water, some coffee and other liquids).

I think that any diet that doesn't harm, or make an existing condition worse is always worth trying because we all are so different.... 

[Moonchilde]

I would think most peoples' doctors have accepted samples, therefore $ from Big Pharma. They often save patients money and doctors get valuable feedback from their own patients.

But only you can decide how much you think your doctor is involved, or in bed with, drug companies, by the doctor's behavior.

When I was working I had HMO insurance. As a complication of a hysterectomy I had femoral nerve damage in both legs. It was VERY painful at that time. I got a referral to the HMO neurologist - the ONLY one I could go to.

This guy was in his office 2 hrs twice a week. I never waited less than 90 min. He spent 5 min. with me the two times I saw him. The third time it was almost 2 hrs and I threw a fit and walked out, never to return. He was doing nothing to help me anyway. HE WAS ALWAYS WITH DRUG REPS. I SAW THEM.

He first prescribed Neurontin (brand new, no generic) which cost me $75 10-12 years ago. Within a week my hands and feet swelled like balloons so I had to stop taking it. Without skipping a beat he prescribed Lyrica - for which my co-pay was $150.  At this point I read up on Lyrica and decided I'd rather be in pain than take it.

This doctor, whom I was *forced* to see by my HMO if I wanted a neurologist, spent a grand total of about 10 min. with me. He neither knew nor cared anything about me. He was simply a paid shill for the drug companies and all his patients were the clinical trials - both drugs had only been out a year or two. I was utterly disgusted. A co-worker had the same feelings about him that I had; we discussed our anger that such a creepy bozo was our only choice.

[ValuSkr]

I'm sorry to hear about this.  But people need to wake up and support politicians who are committed to reform.

[Tinkrbl44]

I've told my doctors that I want only tried and true drugs that are effective (in their opinion) and have been on the market for at least five years.    No exceptions.

I feel if it's been on the market for at least 5-8 years, there's usually a generic .... and, more importantly, everyone knows the drugs' performance track record  since coming on the market.

How many times have we seen some new drug advertised as the greatest thing since sliced bread ...... and then 18 months later some hustler Attorney At Law is telling you if you have taken this drug and your left arm fell off, then call us at 1-800-Ambulance Chaser.

Nope, no brand new drugs for me .... I want the old school, been around for a while drugs.   JMO 

[Moonchilde]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

I've told my doctors that I want only tried and true drugs that are effective (in their opinion) and have been on the market for at least five years.    No exceptions.

I feel if it's been on the market for at least 5-8 years, there's usually a generic .... and, more importantly, everyone knows the drugs' performance track record  since coming on the market.

How many times have we seen some new drug advertised as the greatest thing since sliced bread ...... and then 18 months later some hustler Attorney At Law is telling you if you have taken this drug and your left arm fell off, then call us at 1-800-Ambulance Chaser.

Nope, no brand new drugs for me .... I want the old school, been around for a while drugs.   JMO 

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This is me as well. Once upon a time, we could count on the FDA having *thoroughly* tested a drug before it was given to humans, with only rare disasters (google thalidomide). In today's world, however, the FDA seems to have decided it believes whatever Big Pharma tells it about new drugs and more or less rubber stamps drugs without sufficient TIME to get a track record. That is just hinestly giving me the creeps, more and more.  NO ONE is watching out for us, drug-wise, any more. People should understand that and look out for themselves accordingly.

[ROMARY]

I know a couple of people wherein after being prescribed a certain drug by a specialist, their long time family doc switched it/changed it to a 'tried and true' medication instead.  Their docs told them that they KNOW how the 'tried and true' version works, and not so sure about the 'new' one, etc., etc.   I'd say, go with the long-standing meds, unless absolutely necessary and if/when there aren't any other long-standing versions. 

[ROMARY]

Why do 'they' pick just one category?  Who decides to single out diabetic drugs across the line?  I don't get it............Does some panel or person just awaken one morning and decide that they will raise the prices across the line in just one category?   Seriously, I'm clueless.

[willdob3]

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@ROMARY wrote:

Why do 'they' pick just one category?  Who decides to single out diabetic drugs across the line?  I don't get it............Does some panel or person just awaken one morning and decide that they will raise the prices across the line in just one category?   Seriously, I'm clueless.

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@ROMARY - I suspect they plan to increase the cost of all/most drugs. It appears that they may simply be doing it one category at a time & diabetes drugs are one of the most prescribed categories. - They also increased cost of epipens - a huge number of people need them. 

So happy the new healthcare plan provides for everyone... lol Watch out because they are probably going to try to sell us a bridge next!

[handygal2]

Unfortunately, l'm realizing more and more that with the big drug companies, it's not so much about helping people get well or stay healthy, but rather all about the $$$$$$. Too bad if people don't have insurance, or if their insurance doesn't adequately cover what they need to stay alive. Greed has won out over ethics. Disgraceful...