[skygray]

Hello,

I just joined this forum to find out about post concussion syndrome, but after reading some threads, I've come across at least five or six references to doctors as "pushers" (assume this means pill pushers). I've also seen tons of threads about how evil medication is.

I want to know if this forum tends toward viewing doctors and medicine in a negative manner or if these were just anomalies? I would rather not participate in a forum that held these views, personally. Not because I love my doctors, but without them, since I had cancer, I wouldn't be alive, and also, I've spent a lot of time in developing countries where doctors and medication were welcomed. Even if doctors aren't perfect and medications aren't perfect, at least we have treatments at all.

At any rate, it struck me as odd and out of place on a forum of this nature. Most medical forums are opposed to this sort of disparaging talk.

I would like to know what the official site policy -- if any -- is about this?

And beyond official, is this just my perception? I admit that I'm here because my thinking is a lot slower than usual and not as sharp as normal since I had a concussion four months ago that was pretty dramatic, and I'm not seeming to recover well at a cognitive level.

[Jomar]

Hello,
I prefer alternatives if possible , but sometimes drs & meds are very necessary...
Many have gotten burned, misdiagnosed, or ignored by drs/medications/treatments , so some bad feelings are normal.

We are more a patient based site, a community for people with medical conditions to share & learn.

As long as posts do not violate our guidelines
guidelines link at bottom of our pages..

[Chemar]

Hello skygray and welcome to NeuroTalk.

I do think perhaps you may have reached a wrong conclusion about how our community functions.
In fact, if you look around a bit more, you will note that for most of our members, the norm is their medications and they value having caring physicians. For many, medications are essential.

We do allow all points of view here however, and so yes, there will also be threads by members who prefer an alternative treatment protocol, and even some who want nothing to do with conventional medicine. They are allowed a voice here as well.

All we ask is that everyone be respectful of others and not try to negate the individual choices made for treatment.

We have no "official" policy on treatments. The forum is for the members, and they can post about anything, provided it does not violate our guidelines. (which you will find here: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=1293 )
We also have a clear disclaimer on all pages

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.

So perhaps you may have read a few more emphatic posts or threads by some members who feel strongly negative about conventional medicine, but reading more, you will surely find many posts and threads that state the exact opposite viewpoint.

I hope that answers your question and that you will find information and support here at NeuroTalk.

[skygray]

Maybe I just read some strange posts. I appreciate the reassurance. I'm frustrated beyond belief, but I'm also grateful for the care that I do have and to be alive.

[caroline2]

A good reason for me to be here, this group does not attack/bad mouth alternative/holistic healing. I have been working with alternative/holistic healing for about 25 yrs and I can't go back. I've had damage from a drug as has my daughter, too much.

We all have our choices and I am not here to change people's minds, but do offer options and if they choose too work with them fine, if not that's OK too.

I've ended up with a mess from a hip replacement, femoral nerve damage, so I'm not a happy camper on this issue. The nerve issue is what brought me here and then I see a lot of other health issues discussed. I am much more than OA, hip mess and Fibro. C

[EnglishDave]

Hi skygray,

This Community is wonderful in that it allows our Members to discuss freely concerns about medications - a very popular topic, rather than the Drs who rx them. But we can also talk about our general experiences with the Medical World. After all, we spend a lot of time with them, or directly affected by them.

I frequently heap praise on my wonderful PM Team and my GPs, while simultaneously marvelling at the ignorance and arrogance of all but one of the many Neuros I have had the misfortune to see. Nothing derogatory, just a short statement of opinion which can be discussed, disagreed with…

This really is a warm and friendly place, I am an Anxiety-wracked introvert with multiple health issues and nothing to say, in 6 months here I have been drawn out to make over 800 Posts and comments. Explore some more, you will see the full picture.

Dave.

[Littlepaw]

Welcome Skygray,

You will certainly find a wide range of opinion on different treatments here. I believe that overall we balance each other out. Certainly we all get frustrated sometimes with our illness, with needing to try new meds and experiencing side effects, with not getting the degree of relief we desire. It is wonderful to have a safe place to express that frustration.

Our doctors are only human and as in need of acceptance and forgiveness as the rest of us. I am sure if they could wave a wand and fix all of us they would. it is not that easy. Along the way mistakes may be made. I had a devestating nerve injury that resulted from an ortho procedure and required lengthy, complicated operations to address. But I know that the original surgeon did not hurt me on purpose. It was the last outcome anyone wanted for me. I still like this man. I wouldn't have surgery with him again but I harbor him no ill will. in spite of what happened, I know he was trying to help me.

I fall in the camp of those extraordinarily grateful for care received. Without the team that worked on my repair I would be in agonizing pain and largely crippled. Instead I am walking. medication that keeps my nerve calm is part of why. It is difficult to adequately express gratitude for such gifts.

Come and see us sometimes. There is much support and companionship here. And by all means if negativity is over the top send a line to a moderator. Also there is a handy feature to block the content from certain users if you find there is one or a handful that are particularly irksome.