Faust's Study: July 2020

The Letter From Corporanon:

It is worth discussing, and weighing, the urgency of the procedure, on one hand, against the value of getting a second opinion (perhaps from a physician that is experienced in screening for toxics) on the other hand, before doing anything that is irreversible.

I care because Max does. As you make health care choices it may (or may not) matter what caused the health issue. Where one has failed to find another cause, environmental causes are worth investigating as part of a differential diagnosis [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_diagnosis], if one has had chronic exposure to certain toxic substances, even if one is no longer being chronically exposed. (For example, chronic exposure to cigarette smoke can cause health problems years later.) Chronic exposure may occur if has lived where air, land or water has been polluted by industrial processes, such as near a superfund site, or if one has been employed in an industry that uses toxic substances without adequate employee protection.

You can look up locations where you have lived for superfund sites here [https://www.epa.gov/superfund/search-superfund-sites-where-you-live#map], tap water here [https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/], and EPA hazardous waste sites here [https://www.epa.gov/cleanups/cleanups-my-community]. Note: The EPA link only lists sites under jurisdiction of the federal government. The state of Ohio has an additional list and public health resources. Maybe Kentucky does.

The effects of these toxic substances, according to the Centers for Disease Control, can be looked up by effect on the body here [https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/ToxOrganSystems.asp], and by substance here [https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/ToxHealthReferences.asp]. The CDC has guidance for physicians in how to go about screening for environmental causes of medical problems here [https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.html].

Of course, if it is urgent, or the effect of the procedure is not irreversible then that changes things. If it is not urgent, then your choice is not limited to an immediate yes/no. You could delay the irreversible part of the procedure to get a second opinion. It is your right. It is your body. Even if you are introducing this delay at the last minute.

If you do go looking for a second opinion, there are many ways to find a physician experienced with toxics. Your doctor can probably refer you. Also, for once, your interest may align with your medical insurer who would have a vested interest in referring you (since it could lead to another entity footing the bill besides them). Certainly lawyers who deal with toxic torts would know physicians that deal with toxics, so that’s another starting point in a referral chain. I mention these examples to say that you can find another good doctor to give you another look, if you decide it would be prudent to do so.

Your body. Your choice. Yes/no/partial/or another opinion. You know whether the above may apply, or not. You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers. Call if we can help or answer questions.

my links (not well organized)

Faust's Study

Sunday, July 12, 2020

DO NOT UNDERGO IRREVERSIBLE SURGERY WITHOUT A SECOND OPINION (for a friend)

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