SOMETIMES I JUST WISH MY DOCTOR WOULD TELL ME WHICH MEDICATION TO TAKE!
Why does my doctor make me choose my medication?
I decided to ask my neurologist about changing to a new oral medication, instead of continuing multiple sclerosis (MS) medications by injections.
For about 17 years, I was on two shots which were FDA-approved and showed MS progression slowing down using these meds. My doctor mentioned two pills that I might consider, and explained a little bit about them. I asked him, knowing my MS history, to recommend a pill that might be a good choice for me. I left the office still on my injection regiment.
The MS injections, which basically tone down the immune system, prevent the body from continuing to attack the immune system. MS is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system gets the incorrect message to attack the nervous system. If the immune system is toned down a little, symptoms will not be as severe and the damage caused by MS will not be as fierce.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that these FDA-approved pills although not a cure, had been proven to slow the progression of MS.
Disease-delaying medication refers to therapeutics designed to slow the progression, onset, or worsening of chronic, degenerative, or progressive conditions rather than curing them immediately. Examples for such treatments include Alzheimer’s, MS, or Parkinson’s disease that, through targeted mechanisms (such as reducing amyloid plaque in the brain), extend the time a patient remains stable.
I did my homework to look into what might be a good choice, asking about side effects, lifestyle changes and cost of the medication. Then I scheduled an appointment two months later. Although every person is different and some effect can be minor, I asked my doctor basic questions about the medication and chose a pill that seemed like a right fit for treatment. I discussed with my doctor if I wasn't tolerating the new medication, could I switch. He said, “yes.” And we could adjust next time if necessary. In the ability to make a decision to change my treatment with my doctor gave some control over my health to address my overall health needs.
I read up on why doctors might not immediately recommend a change of medication. The National Institute on Aging suggests that your doctor likely involves you in medi-cation decisions through a process called shared decision-making, designed to align treatment with your personal values, lifestyle and risk tolerance.
Rather than simply dictating a treatment, they present options (like choosing between pills, injections, or lifestyle changes) so you can decide which side effects, costs, or routines fit your life best.
Other reasons could include: Balancing risks and benefits For many conditions, several treatments exist with different trade-offs.
You are better suited than the doctor to decide if a 10 percent lower risk of a symptom is worth a high chance of daily side effects.
Lifestyle compatibility
You know your schedule better than anyone. You can choose a medication that fits your routine, ensuring better adherence and success.
Empowerment and adherence Studies show that when patients are actively involved in choosing their treatment, they are more likely to take it properly, leading to better outcomes.
Cost and insurance factors Your doctor might not know your insurance coverage or financial limits; by discussing options, you can choose a medication you can actually afford.
Personalizing care
Your doctor handles the medical science, but you manage the impact on your life, helping create a tailored plan rather than a one-sizefits- all ap-proach.
Sister Karen Zielinski is the Director of Canticle Studio. Canticle Studio is a part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH’s overall advancement effort and has a mission of being a creative center where artists generate works, products, and services in harmony with the mission of the Sisters St. Francis.
She can be reached at kzielins@sister sosf.org or 419-824-3543. ✲
