Sometimes when I start a new course of treatment I can feel and notice the changes within myself. Anyone who has been on a course of antibiotics should understand this. After a period of time experiencing the effects of an affliction suddenly they start to ease, whether it be over a few hours, days or weeks the effect would be similar.

Sometimes however, it is hard to notice any effect at all until the treatment has stopped. Whether this be because the symptoms of the initial ailment weren’t as noticeable, if at all, or that any consequent side effects are subtle and developed slowly over an extended period of time. In the case of these more dissociated side effects they may at first appear unrelated, inconsequential or manageable.

Either way this highlights how important it is to firstly be aware of what the medication you are taking is supposed to do, how it works, what affects it and what may happen whilst on it. Secondly if you are unfamiliar with it, or be aware it may have effects on diet, immune system and/or blood and bone marrow production then it may be best to keep a diary. Simple things only need to go in it like sleep patterns, exercise habits, social activities (alcohol and drug use), pain occurrences and incidents which bring your body into contact with solid objects or other people. By this I mean manly exposure to possible viruses or contagions and body contact sports as well as getting caught in the rain or snow or sunlight regularly or for a while. For women menstruation is also a big one to watch, as the body’s main focus during this time is its own recovery so it will be more vulnerable.

I am not a doctor. I do not pretend to know more about your own body than you do. Nor do I presume to think I know how correct your doctor is in the treatments they prescribe, or how effective they will be. Mostly I cannot say what is right or wrong for you morally, ethically, spiritually or emotionally.

Too often I hear people complain that they don’t like to take the drugs doctors tell them to because they change the chemical function f their body. People don’t like this idea so they won’t take the prescribed drugs.

What I think people fail to consider is very simple and I say this realising the backlash on me may be strong.

You are sick. Your body is not functioning as it should. This means the chemical functioning of your body is already at an inbalance. The medicines heal you. They may make you feel different, but not all the differences are bad.

Doctors are not trying to hurt you. If you are honest with them about your feelings, concerns, reactions. If you keep a diary and notice everything that happens, ask the doctors any questions you have and honestly talk to them about your body (open up and be vulnerable) then the results will be the most effective.

Yes you may need to compromise. You may need to accept convoluted treatment routines on the way to finding the right course for you. But if you are expecting to live for 80+ years then you likely have the time to play that game. I say this because I play this game. I have been on treatments I hate, you know this. I have been in and out of alternative medications, you know this too. I am in the process now.  It can be tiresome. It can be emotionally draining. But if you want to live your life to the full extent of your capacity, whatever that may be, put your faith in the process. Be patient. The worst that can happen is likely what will happen if you ignore treatment, and you know what that means.

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