Productivity FTW.

[lassarina]

I went to the doctor to see about these headaches. He informed me that it was stress, that I have a very bad muscle spasm in my shoulders (WELL DUH I DID NOT NEED A $20 COPAY TO FIND THAT ONE OUT, THANKS) and that I need a new job. Gee. I feel like I--and my employer--have certainly gotten our money's worth out of this particular foray into

Comments

[owlmoose]

I used to take mega-doses of ibuprofen for my RSI problems (I was taking the equivalent of 4 pills three times a day), and the doctors told me that I needed to take it, even when I wasn't in pain, because it builds up in your system and keeps the swelling down, which is necessary for anything to heal. So that's probably why they told you to take what seems like a massive amount.

Still, it does not sound like the doctor is being that helpful, overall. :P I definitely endorse the second opinion from a non-asshat if that's an option for you. Good luck!!

[lassarina]

Icon! *squeals at kitty*

I mean, I will normally take 2 pills every 5 hours for about one day a month because otherwise I am utterly nonfunctional due to cramps, but I am of the school of thought that reaches for chamomile tea for headaches before painkillers, and the heating pad for my back before I'll even consider ibuprofen. In most cases I just sigh, deal with it, and move on. So the idea of being told to take *anything* on a consistent basis like that is very nervous making.

[noctaval]

I would feel uncomfortable taking so much ibuprofen unless you really need it. I'm told it can have serious long-term consequences for your kidneys (I have a relative with less than usual kidney function who has been completely forbidden to take it, because it might damage them further.)

[lassarina]

*nod* The other thing is that I'm fairly small - I'm 5'3" and a bit overweight (140 lbs.) - and my tolerance for substances is zero. As in, I'm tipsy after two drinks and in college, when I was still young and stupid enough to do this, I could pull an all-nighter on the caffeine in two 20 oz. bottles of Pepsi. I tried to express to him my concern with taking medications on a regular basis (the only thing I've *ever* taken long-term is my birth control) and I very much felt brushed off.

It's worth noting that even for my worst headaches - the ones that feel like ice picks in my eyes and I can't move without throbbing pain and I feel like I might throw up - I have never taken more than 2 ibuprofen. Usually I start with one and see where that gets me. But clearly, I don't know anything about my own body and what I respond to, because I don't have a medical degree. *snarl*

[oberndorf]

Well, strictly speaking, neither do I (yet). That said, the ibuprofen isn't that unreasonable a request, given a few caveats

[lassarina]

He's really not a great guy, to the point that I wrote an email of complaint to the medical group that he is a part of and will follow it up with a letter. I dislike being treated as though my 25 years of experience with how my body interacts with drugs is worth nothing; I mean, you've seen my reactions to caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. I am sure you know what I mean here.

I've more or less decided to go with one ibuprofen 3x a day and see how that goes. This is also my general dislike of medications talking, and I'm aware of that. Relatively speaking, I'm happier with the physical therapy referral.