Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
Most U.S. doctors fail to discuss alcohol with patients.
(Reuters) - Doctors are failing to find out if their patients drink too much alcohol, despite evidence that at least 38 million American adults consume an excessive amount, a U.S. health agency said on Tuesday.
An estimated 88,000 people die in the United States each year from drinking too much alcohol, but only one out of six adults overall and one in four binge drinkers have discussed their drinking habits with their doctors, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/07/us-usa-health-alcohol-idUSBREA0612320140107
(Reuters) - Doctors are failing to find out if their patients drink too much alcohol, despite evidence that at least 38 million American adults consume an excessive amount, a U.S. health agency said on Tuesday.
An estimated 88,000 people die in the United States each year from drinking too much alcohol, but only one out of six adults overall and one in four binge drinkers have discussed their drinking habits with their doctors, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/07/us-usa-health-alcohol-idUSBREA0612320140107
Marilyn I'm still asked by my Dr.s every year about alcohol consumption and they know I am HCV cirrhotic. It's just good interview policy. Some folks have a bigger problem with alcoholism than liver disease and are in denial. It's an opportunity for intervention.
People will choose unhealthy behaviors and no one can control anyone or force adults to do anything...nor SHOULD anyone be forced (except when their behavior is illegal such as DWI).
But a doctor NOT asking just adds to the problem and the excuses, IMHO. I think it is just as germane to his duties as it is to tell you the results of tests.
In other words..the doctor tells you have HCV. ** It's your choice to treat or not ** like its a choice to drink, smoke or whatever....
BUT how can a doctor properly treat without taking a full and accurate medical history? Including what you put in body. The questions are on most intake forms I complete at doc's offices.
A physician would be in violation of his oath NOT to tell you!! What you do about what what he tells you or asks you is still your choice.
I will duck now before getting attacked for my opinions.
I honestly think having the same DR for too long is detriment to my health. They become lax and rarely update information, or probe very far beyond "what brings you here today"? But maybe I just haven't found the right fit.
@ Rass ""BUT how can a doctor properly treat without taking a full and accurate medical history? Including what you put in body. The questions are on most intake forms I complete at doc's offices."
The questionnaire is generated at the first visit and only gives a snapshot of a given time. It's likely to contain errors and omissions.
Even though I've had the same HMO for over 30 years, I doubt any of my current doctors have read through my medical history. They all seem to rely on a few basic summaries: past/current diagnoses, current medications, current vitals, last blood test(s), and allergies/immunization records.
People who are overweight or have substance issues may also avoid going to DRs unless it's an emergency. I've done that. When you are writhing in pain, or have a serious injury/illness, they're not likely to discuss your eating habits or focus on your substance habits, except where it might pertain to your current condition.
It would be great if we could do an intervention for everyone that needs one. We could start with the food producing giants.
There are people out there fighting the good fight. Bless them.
I finally learned, when I was dx'ed with HCV, to be very honest with my docs about everything - stuff I wasn't proud of, but if they judge me for it, that's their problem, not mine. So yes, it's good for the docs to ask; however, people aren't keen about telling the truth about such issues. I wasn't - now I am. I don't want to be given any drugs that will flip me right on out.
But I lied about psych. issues - yet because of them I am very much NOT a candidate for Interferon, and probably Riba. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. I was lying because I wanted to either get into a trial or start tx right away - TRIPLE tx! I didn't know then about those two drugs - what they could do and usually did to people who were mentally stable (without meds). My creatinine clearance was too low for two trial screenings - I was saved from Riba on those. I came here when I was thinking about doing tx, having told at least two doctors that I was "just fine" mentally, leaving off my head meds on the intake forms, and I realized thanks to the people here that, um, no ---- I should never touch Interferon (and probably Riba).
Now that's the TRUTH. And "one drink is too many and a thousand is not enough."