1cyderry
The theme and questions this month are in regard to Medical Advancements.
I don't know about you, but as I have been getting older (and it happens to us all) I realize how very fragile the human body is and watch as family and friends develop health issues. But then I also realize that the medical community has made tremendous advancements in my lifetime.
Cancer used to be a death sentence, yet many can call themselves survivors - myself included.
Often disease took lives prematurely but in this day and age, organs are transplanted, research is continuing and hopefully, will find treatments for stroke and other neurological diseases, including dementia, ALS, and multiple sclerosis to name a few.
Before the advent of medical imaging, physicians relied on their sense of touch, observations, and the patient's account of their symptoms to diagnose them.
X-rays were only developed in 1896, then ultrasound in 1956, and CT scans and MRI in the 60's/70's. Vaccines were developed for many serious illnesses, such as tetanus, diphtheria, measles, meningococcal, tuberculosis, chicken pox. We are fortunate to live in a time when serious illness doesn't necessarily mean the end of life.
But then I wonder, are all advancements good?
Are people/patients sometimes given false hope because of the changes in the recent past?
Premature babies survive but what if they have ongoing health issues for the rest of their lives?
What if someone needs an organ transplant, but the insurance companies won't pay for it or the medications afterward to prevent rejection causing the patient to know they'll die even if the ability to survive was there?
Do researchers really have the duty or responsibility to continue to push the button, or should there be a place where we stop and say enough?
Can continued use of antibiotics actually result in our bodies being unable to fight off disease?
What cure/advancement would you like to see?
I don't know about you, but as I have been getting older (and it happens to us all) I realize how very fragile the human body is and watch as family and friends develop health issues. But then I also realize that the medical community has made tremendous advancements in my lifetime.
Cancer used to be a death sentence, yet many can call themselves survivors - myself included.
Often disease took lives prematurely but in this day and age, organs are transplanted, research is continuing and hopefully, will find treatments for stroke and other neurological diseases, including dementia, ALS, and multiple sclerosis to name a few.
Before the advent of medical imaging, physicians relied on their sense of touch, observations, and the patient's account of their symptoms to diagnose them.
X-rays were only developed in 1896, then ultrasound in 1956, and CT scans and MRI in the 60's/70's. Vaccines were developed for many serious illnesses, such as tetanus, diphtheria, measles, meningococcal, tuberculosis, chicken pox. We are fortunate to live in a time when serious illness doesn't necessarily mean the end of life.
But then I wonder, are all advancements good?
Are people/patients sometimes given false hope because of the changes in the recent past?
Premature babies survive but what if they have ongoing health issues for the rest of their lives?
What if someone needs an organ transplant, but the insurance companies won't pay for it or the medications afterward to prevent rejection causing the patient to know they'll die even if the ability to survive was there?
Do researchers really have the duty or responsibility to continue to push the button, or should there be a place where we stop and say enough?
Can continued use of antibiotics actually result in our bodies being unable to fight off disease?
What cure/advancement would you like to see?
2cyderry
Here are our September totals. Remember, if you are not a member of the group, or have not set a goal, your name will not appear in the list.
The percentages will be calculated and a star awarded for those on target to reach their goals. More stars for farther toward their goal. If anyone's number is incorrect, please let me know and I will make the necessary adjustments. So go out there and dig those ROOTs.
Many tickers in the ticker thread are failing! Please go and see if yours is working and if not, edit the message with a new ticker. PLEASE DO NOT CREATE A NEW MESSAGE! JUST CREATE A NEW TICKER AND COPY IT INTO THE MESSAGE ALREADY DESIGNATED AS YOURS.
Thank you.
Ann_R 12 / 20 60.0%
atozgrl 17 / 40 42.5%
brakketh 13 / 46 28.3%
benitastarnd★ 72 / 72 100.0%
bumblesby 17 / 20 ★★ 85.0%
ca_dmv★ 15 / 12 125.0%
Caramellunacy★ 32 / 25 128.0%
Carmenere 3 / 25 12.0%
Cecilturtle 35 / 50 70.0%
clue 32 / 40 ★ 80.0%
Coach_of_Alva★ 32 / 25 128.0%
connie53★ 52 / 36 144.4%
crazy4reading 1 / 30 3.3%
curioussquared★ 83 / 60 138.3%
cyderry 54 / 84 64.3%
detailmuse 28 / 40 70.0%
DisassemblyOfReason 90 / 100 ★★ 90.0%
EGBERTINA★ 223 / 50 446.0%
enemyanniemae 40 / 65 61.5%
Familyhistorian 59 / 65 ★★ 90.8%
floremolla 6 / 40 15.0%
fuzzi 18 / 100 18.0%
HelenBaker 35 / 48 72.9%
Henrik_Madsen 24 / 50 48.0%
Jackie_K 37 / 52 71.2%
justchris 10 / 50 20.0%
kac522 61 / 75 ★ 81.3%
karenmarie 2 / 10 20.0%
Kristelh★ 49 / 30 163.3%
KWharton 8 / 12 66.7%
lilisin 46 / 100 46.0%
lindapanzo 73 / 84 ★★ 86.9%
LoraShouse 10 / 15 66.7%
madhatter22 33 / 50 66.0%
majkia★ 85 / 65 130.8%
Miss_Moneypenny 54 / 75 72.0%
MissWatson 58 / 75 ★ 77.3%
Nickelini 26 / 35 74.3%
nikolahall 1 / 50 2.0%
pnppl 34 / 42 ★ 81.0%
QuestingA 32 / 50 64.0%
rabbitprincess 43 / 50 ★★ 86.0%
readergirliz 10 / 24 41.7%
readingtangent 26 / 50 52.0%
rebeki 19 / 25 ★ 76.0%
Robertgreaves 72 / 72 100.0%
rosalita 46 / 48 ★★★ 95.8%
sallylou61 32 / 40 ★ 80.0%
si 27 / 30 ★★ 90.0%
torontoc 17 / 30 56.7%
vestafan 48 / 60 ★ 80.0%
wandaly 16 / 24 66.7%
We have achievers who have reached their goals.
EGBERTINA★
Caramellunacy★
Kristelh★
majkia★
connie53★
curioussquared★
Coach_of_Alva★
ca_dmv★
joined this month by
Robertgreaves
benitastarnd
Readers closest to reaching their goals, are:
rosalita 95.8%
Familyhistorian 90.8%
DisassemblyOfReason 90.0%
si 90.0%
The goal for month is 2,055, let's get reading!!
Stars are continuing to fade!
3Jackie_K
Interesting questions, Cheli! As someone who works in health research, I am in awe not only of the researchers who have the vision to set up the research trials in the first place, and ask the right questions to get to the nub of the matter, but especially of those research participants who altruistically volunteer to take part in research, even though they know it may not help them - but do realise that it will advance knowledge and hopefully treatment for people with the same condition in the future.
I don't think we're anywhere near the point where research starts having diminishing returns. A study I'm involved in at the moment is looking at an old question but with newer medication, as all the guidelines were based on old research with a much older drug, and nobody knows for sure whether the guidelines are still justified (it's looking at the timing of giving anticoagulation after an ischaemic stroke for people with atrial fibrillation). So either way, once the trial is over we will have much more certainty over the best timing of treatment to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. While research can still tell us if current best practice is actually best, or if it could be better, I'm all for it.
I don't think we're anywhere near the point where research starts having diminishing returns. A study I'm involved in at the moment is looking at an old question but with newer medication, as all the guidelines were based on old research with a much older drug, and nobody knows for sure whether the guidelines are still justified (it's looking at the timing of giving anticoagulation after an ischaemic stroke for people with atrial fibrillation). So either way, once the trial is over we will have much more certainty over the best timing of treatment to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. While research can still tell us if current best practice is actually best, or if it could be better, I'm all for it.
4atozgrl
>1 cyderry: Wow, these are some thoughtful and tough questions. For most of them, I need to do some more thinking.
The one that really worries me the most is the overuse of antibiotics. We've known for over 40 years, if not more, that use of antibiotics creates resistant strains of bacteria, so using them incorrectly or prescribing them for viruses where they are ineffective is a real threat. In spite of that, they've continued to be abused. We're running out of antibiotics that work for some serious illnesses. And apparently they're available over-the-counter in some countries. I find this all extremely worrisome.
As for a cure or advancement, I wish they could find something for Alzheimer's. My mom had that at the end, and she turned into a person we didn't recognize. I'm not sure that a "cure" is possible, but more something along the lines of prevention and early treatment, to stop it from progressing.
Thanks for maintaining this group, Cheli, I know it's been a difficult year for you!
The one that really worries me the most is the overuse of antibiotics. We've known for over 40 years, if not more, that use of antibiotics creates resistant strains of bacteria, so using them incorrectly or prescribing them for viruses where they are ineffective is a real threat. In spite of that, they've continued to be abused. We're running out of antibiotics that work for some serious illnesses. And apparently they're available over-the-counter in some countries. I find this all extremely worrisome.
As for a cure or advancement, I wish they could find something for Alzheimer's. My mom had that at the end, and she turned into a person we didn't recognize. I'm not sure that a "cure" is possible, but more something along the lines of prevention and early treatment, to stop it from progressing.
Thanks for maintaining this group, Cheli, I know it's been a difficult year for you!
5Robertgreaves
>1 cyderry: I would echo >4 atozgrl: 's comments about Alzheimer's which is slowly destroying my mother at the moment.
I would also like to see developments in the social context in which disease exists so that there is better access to whatever treatment is available and that more research is done on diseases such as malaria which are largely confined to poorer countries so that there is not so much financial motivation for research and development.
I would also like to see developments in the social context in which disease exists so that there is better access to whatever treatment is available and that more research is done on diseases such as malaria which are largely confined to poorer countries so that there is not so much financial motivation for research and development.
6rabbitprincess
Starting October off with a bang by reading a Doctor Who audiobook: UNIT: Extinction. Now at 44/50 ROOTs.
7cyderry
>5 Robertgreaves: I too would like to see access to "cures"/treatments on a more equal footing. I wish that there was someway to have the research done but not have the pharmaceutical companies be able to legally jack the prices so high that only the rich can afford them.
I would also like to see the insurance companies be unable to tell a doctor what drug to prescribe.
And research for diseases that impact a small population.
I would also like to see the insurance companies be unable to tell a doctor what drug to prescribe.
And research for diseases that impact a small population.
8atozgrl
>7 cyderry: Amen to all of that!
9clue
I read an article on AARP website a few days ago talking about vaccinations for cancer. The estimate given in this article was that some may be available in 10 years. A vaccination for colon cancer is looking promising and I hope that's one that will be available asap because the number of young people being diagnosed is increasing rapidly.
I also hope for a cure for Alzeheimer's. I'm the caretaker for my sister who was diagnosed about 2 years ago.
I also hope for a cure for Alzeheimer's. I'm the caretaker for my sister who was diagnosed about 2 years ago.
10EGBERTINA
Under the "advancement" topic - I would like to imagine a world in which those that need care can actually receive the care they need and assistance with basic needs actually being met, not just marginally met. I dont know how- but it seems we ought to be able to do better.
Similar to >4 atozgrl: and >5 Robertgreaves: I was my mother's 24/7 caregiver for a decade. She was a veteran and people imagine that means u have access to the greatest care system in our country. (snort and scoff)
Leaving aside all the other issues, - my quandary is unconventional grief. In that I was her responsible party, I've been left with no sense of grieving "my mother" I was not permitted the mother/ daughter relationship. Intellectually, I know that she was my mother- but my role was never as her daughter; instead, I was her caregiver, cook, banker, bookeeper, personal shopper, medical liaison, funeral director, etc. I was required the task of her final post-death cares (usually done by a nurse) and the removal of her body out of my home because the hearse didn't send enough people to transport her.
The system as I have experienced it is a purgatorial one. You are neither here, nor there. Allegedly, there are "systems" in place to help with care of the final years. In reality, they are on paper. They require employees and all manner of funding that dont exist.
End of life care is just one realm of deficiency. Imagine people with loved ones that battle mental health issues. There are programs for people that know they have a mental health issue- but nothing for those - that don't realize it, or their family members. We don't want a world in which people can be medically kidnapped or institutionalized against their will, but how can someone get help-when they dont see a problem, even as they become jobless, homeless, carless. (friendless) Shelters are not a solution for all instances. What if these people are parent and they live in a state where there have parental right advocacy- but they cannot access it- because in their minds- they dont have an issue. It seems we need systems in place that help individuals and the families that love those individuals, before worse things happen.
End of life care needs greater support than just nursing homes and in-home nursing. I don't know if it takes a village to raise a child- but it sure as heck takes a village to maintain exquisite end-of life issues. ... And a village would be welcome for many families with loved ones in mental health crisis. Bluntly, even finding "experienced" knowledgeable professionals that comprehend unconventional grief is non-existent. I dont care how much education your average college graduate has, until you have lived through it, you cannot possibly know what people need.
Similar to >4 atozgrl: and >5 Robertgreaves: I was my mother's 24/7 caregiver for a decade. She was a veteran and people imagine that means u have access to the greatest care system in our country. (snort and scoff)
Leaving aside all the other issues, - my quandary is unconventional grief. In that I was her responsible party, I've been left with no sense of grieving "my mother" I was not permitted the mother/ daughter relationship. Intellectually, I know that she was my mother- but my role was never as her daughter; instead, I was her caregiver, cook, banker, bookeeper, personal shopper, medical liaison, funeral director, etc. I was required the task of her final post-death cares (usually done by a nurse) and the removal of her body out of my home because the hearse didn't send enough people to transport her.
The system as I have experienced it is a purgatorial one. You are neither here, nor there. Allegedly, there are "systems" in place to help with care of the final years. In reality, they are on paper. They require employees and all manner of funding that dont exist.
End of life care is just one realm of deficiency. Imagine people with loved ones that battle mental health issues. There are programs for people that know they have a mental health issue- but nothing for those - that don't realize it, or their family members. We don't want a world in which people can be medically kidnapped or institutionalized against their will, but how can someone get help-when they dont see a problem, even as they become jobless, homeless, carless. (friendless) Shelters are not a solution for all instances. What if these people are parent and they live in a state where there have parental right advocacy- but they cannot access it- because in their minds- they dont have an issue. It seems we need systems in place that help individuals and the families that love those individuals, before worse things happen.
End of life care needs greater support than just nursing homes and in-home nursing. I don't know if it takes a village to raise a child- but it sure as heck takes a village to maintain exquisite end-of life issues. ... And a village would be welcome for many families with loved ones in mental health crisis. Bluntly, even finding "experienced" knowledgeable professionals that comprehend unconventional grief is non-existent. I dont care how much education your average college graduate has, until you have lived through it, you cannot possibly know what people need.
11sallylou61
I'm opposed to people being used as guinea pigs, especially without their knowledge. So far this year I've read The organ thieves: the shocking story of the first heart transplant in the segregated South by Chip Jones in which the heart and other organs were taken out of a black man who might not have even been dead without notifying his family, and Wonder drug: the secret history of Thalidomide in America and its hidden victims by Jennifer Vanderbes which shows that many Americans, including pregnant women, were given unlabeled thalidomide by their doctors, resulting in deformed babies. There have been other cases/studies where humans, often without their knowledge or consent and often in the lower classes, have been used in medical research.
Incidentally, I think I should have a star since I'm 80% toward my goal, and the cutoff should be 75%.
Incidentally, I think I should have a star since I'm 80% toward my goal, and the cutoff should be 75%.
13HelenBaker
>2 cyderry: Hi Cheli apologies my ticker was not up to date. I have completed 35/48.
