Dr. Thompson's Blog

Getting a Second or Third Opinion On-Line

If you have a question about advice or a diagnosis you have been given by a physician, it  is always wise to get a second or third opinion. It could even save your life. There is a lot of misinformation on the Internet, but also some excellent information. One of the best resources is the Mayo Clinic at www.mayoclinic.com. I now refer all neuromuscular cases to Dr, Selcen at the Mayo Clinic because there are few well trained neuromuscular specialists in the U.S. Other countries do a far better job than we do with these patients. For information about cancer, the American Cancer Society is worth checking but I would want to check with another oncologist about any cancer diagnosis. I did this for my daughter when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sadly, the care she received at the Cancer Center ins New Mexico was very bad resulting in her death. WebMD is usually an excellent source www.webmd.com. Specific diseases have web sites such as the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org.

If you can get a second opinion from a MD, who is a specialist in the disorder you want to know about, that is best. Never be afraid to do lots of research and ask a lot of questions. When I was in private practice and wanted answers, I always called one of the top specialists in the field. I  found this an easy thing to do. Usually the top experts are most generous with their time. I still help people around  the world find specialists for children or  adults with neuromuscular disorders and am glad to do so.  

Interesting Articles for Parents on the Internet

Several individuals have sent me articles they thought would be of interest to parents who read my Blog. One that Sonny Griffin sent me is how to prevent choking in children. In reviewing it, I told her I disagreed about letting little children have hot dogs, even if they are sliced. i think hot dogs can be dangerous and would  not have them in the house if you have a small child. The Web site she sent is www.nannywebsites.com/blog/pop-quiz-how-you-can-prevent-choking-in-children.

Sophia Nelson kindly sent me a Web site about how kids are ruining their hearing with their loud music. I agree with this, but also wish that more doctors treated ear infections appropriately. If a child is having frequent ear infections, I would urge parents to see a pediatric ear, nose, and throat doctor. I always opened and drained bulging, infected ear drums and always got a lot of pus.  Many parents are convinced I saved their children's hearing. The Web site about hearing is www.herzan.com/resources/articles/hearing-loss-and-musicians.html.

The third article  was sent by Rosa Ray about what parents should know about TV time. The link is www.onlinecollegecources.com/2012/02/28/the-truth-about-tv-time-15-findings-every-parent-should-know/ Another good site to check is Up and Away. This site discusses Keeping Young Children Safe Around Medicine. Michelle, Valerie, and Kendra kindly sent this information. My thanks to all and I hope the articles will be helpful.

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Certificate Health and Nutrition Practitioners

A friend sent me a new book a neighbor had written about what we should eat based on Biblical sayings. The friend knew how concerned I was about people who acted as experts without adequate medical training because we had had many long discussions about this. I had also shared with her accounts of the great harm some practitoners' advice had caused; some patients even dying. 

I think patients must be extremely careful not be be taken in by an indiviual who offers advice when they have had, for example, just a few weeks course leading to a certificate, but not the many years that physicians or dietiticans spend in training. A two weeks certificate, plus time spent working with a practitioner of alternative medicine does not equip anyone to give advice about medical treatments or diet. In glancing through this new book, I was appalled at some of the recomendations. They were exceedingly dangerous. Yes, there are far too many physicians who don't practice good medicine, don't listen to patients, and don't seem to care. I think the answer for patients is to always get a second opinion if there is any doubt about medical care and not to rely on people  who have just a certificate from a questionable training program. There is also a great deal of misinformation on the Internet, though there is also some good information. So by asking lots of questions and finding an M.D. you  trust and who knows you and your family, you should  get the best care.

Health Care and Voter Registration

With all the Republicans' efforts to suppress votes, be sure you are registered to vote and VOTE, if you care about your health care, Medicare, and Social Security. Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan both want to give the insurance companies more money, get rid of contraceptives, abortions, Medicare and Medicaid and the Health Care Act. If you look at the Ryan budget plan, it is very scary. Mr. Ryan has plenty of money, excellent health care for himself and his family, as does Mr. Romney, so why do they care about the rest of us?

I was talking to a friend, who has worked all of her life  directing  a non-profit agency caring for kids. She has never made a lot of money, but has done a tremendous amount of good. She pays for her own  health care, lives in a house she pays for, continues to help others as a volunteer and yes, does receive Medicare and Social Security. However, she has paid into both since she started working as a teenager. Both Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan would say she wants the government to support her, but when you look at the good she has done in her life and what Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan have done with their lives, which of them would you care to know? 

I think we have a real problem in this country. Hard working people without lots of money seem to be treated as less than important and should be on their own, according to the rich Republicans. How can anyone possibly vote for Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan if they value their health care, their future, and their lives?