Knuckle Bones and Frog Toes

 

During my morning conversation with myself in the shower, I realized what a no-win situation it is to be smarter than my doctor. Now that we have the internet, it is more obvious than ever that I am.

Not that I know the multi-syllabic made-up word for knuckle bone, but with a moment's google, I can get a translation. And with that power comes the awesome knowledge that much of what is taught in medical school is memorization, not critical thinking. Adipose tissue means fat. Really? Nice to have that cleared up.

This leaves me with a big problem every time I translate my latest medical check-up. I can double check the things I suspect are misguided, but what about the things that I don't recognize as dubious? For instance, my doctor wants me to have a bone density test every two years. I am at risk for osteoporosis, no doubt. But what would be done with the diagnosis? The medication for it brings up the question of lesser of two evils. Should I bypass the test or just go along to get along?

Because my doctor does have the awesome power of prescription, and a lot of prescription medication is very useful, I don't want to get too smarty-pants. So far, the drug companies confabulate with made-up words that haven't yet been posted on the internet. But if I found out that statins are made from frog toes, would I still take them? Or would I substitiute the real thing? Okay, bad example.

Nancy Sherer

 

 


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