The Power of Patient Community: Educate, Encourage, Empower

Sounds like an interesting session - thanks for sharing it with us!

First, thanks for sharing.

I find this sight as well as many others very informative. I learn from others and hope my personal experiences can benifit my readers. It is much easier and more satisfying to converse with those who can relate to you and you to them since you share the same disease. Experience is everything.

I do believe is is imparitive that patients take an active roll in their disease. Knowledge is power. Who better knows how you feel than you.

I too am annoyed by the commercials and over advertisement for RA type drugs. Im sure that $ could be put to better use. Although I understand some advertising is necessary I feel as if many of the drugs are being shoved down our throat with little regard to the long term effects or individuality of the disease. I notice when I enter my Rheumy's office the drug paraphernalia signs on the walls, the clocks, pens, notepads... encouraging use of certain drugs. This really ticks me off. My doc seems to push certain drugs more than others and I have no doubt its due to kickbacks and free stuff received by these drug companies that so often visit doctors offices. Why is this permitted? Its very scary when you cant totally trust your doctor and have concerns as to whether or not they are really putting your best interest first. 

I learn more from the internet by my own research about medications and their side effects than I do from my doctor or my pharmacy. Doctors no longer take the time to really listen to you or to explain all your options. For them, its on to the next patient to make that $. It frustrating and leaves patients with questions and concerns. No wonder we all turn to the internet for support and answers. My view is the system really needs some modification in order to better aid the patients. 

I enjoyed your post ! This is very interesting !