Self-medicating

Today I want to talk about self-medicating, and must remind you that I am speaking as a patient; I am not a doctor. Although as chronic patients we often recognise instinctively when something is wrong; know much about the disease from which we are suffering, thanks to Internet easy access of information, and as I have said before, “you know your body better than anyone.” However, I can’t stress enough – DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE. No matter how well you think you know your health status, the medications you are on, and how you actually feel, this does not give you the wealth of experience and knowledge of a professional doctor. I can’t say it any plainer; it is HIGHLY DANGEROUS to stop taking or alter dosage of medications without first consulting your doctor. Parkinson’s medications need to be finely tuned, and admittedly much patience is needed on our part until the doctor has found the right combination of pills, the correct dose and various time intervals between drugs. Messing around and thinking that you know best or can do better by yourself, can lead to serious ramifications. I have the utmost faith and confidence in my doctors, and value their advice and opinions. If you are unsatisfied with your doctor, then see if you can change to a different doctor. I do not talk lightly on this matter, so please take heed. DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE!