I will wait for Moonriver as It will save a lot of typing, and moonriver is obviously a doctor.
That way I can answer the questions and you will have the answers.
Sorry Davidhobbs, I am not a doctor (of anything), I work in a hospital pharmacy and have certain training and experience but I would never presume to diagnose a condition, I dont have the legally required qualifications. Either ask a pharmacist, call NHS Direct or see your GP. There is a protocol in place by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain regarding the sale of 'P' medicines, whereby questions are asked in order to establish the best non-prescription medicine for the condition.
There are three catagories of medicines in the UK licensed for sale by the British Medical Association: 1) POM (prescription only medicines) 2) P (can only be bought over the counter in a pharmacy , this requires counselling and a qualified pharmacist must be present when selling these) 3) GSL (general sales list - can be bought in supermarkets without counselling. However, they too are not without risk to certain people, for instance, generally speaking, asthmatics or people with stomach ulcers should not take aspirin.... and there are others).
The above letters can be seen on the packets/bottles showing which catagory they belong to. Sometimes drugs are reclassified from POM to P, and can then be bought 'over the counter', or from P to GSL. The catagories are constantly monitored. However, I doubt that anitbiotics will ever be available without a prescription, the bacteria needs to be identified as different antibiotics target different bacteria.
A piece of advice to those of you in the UK. Prescriptions are currently £7.10 per item (some items are a 'dual-drug' and can be double) so if you pay for your prescriptions, always ask the pharmacist if you can buy it 'over the counter' (P med). Most GPs have no idea of the cost of drugs and often prescribe ibuprofen 200mg, on prescription you would pay £7.10; over the counter 49p.
Also, avoid brand names - it is the 'active ingredient' that does the job. Go for generic (non-brand names), the cost difference is phenominal.
Oh and the Trust I work for DOES NOT use homeopathy!
Well I have a lot of time for chemists. My local one is a homoeopath as well as a chemist.
That is , he was until he sold out to a big chain.
So I take it there is no point in me disscussing my healed skin complaint with you as you are not qualified.
'All through this short life we give of ourselves, giving and giving and slowly diminishing. Leaving a mark that will gradually fade, ash in the breeze, snowballs in negative.'
Some years ago I began to find red marks on the bottom of my legs. These spread quite rapidly until they covered both legs and began to flake. The itching was driving me mad, but I did the bloke thing, and told myself that it would go away soon, and all would be well. I was alarmed to find other patches spreading up my legs and then my arms back and trunk. I went to my GP he examined me very carefully. He told me that I had varicose eczema (excuse the spelling) He asked about my parents and I explained that my father, and grandmother, had very bad legs that looked pretty much like my own only theirs were worse as they had had the problem for years. The doctor told me that what I had was a hereditary problem for which there was no cure. He then told me that if I thought my legs were bad I should take a look at his. It turned out that he was also suffering from the same complaint. He said that he would prescribe me some cream which would help. My wife had seen a Vega allergy homoeopath in Essex about some allergy problems and had been helped greatly so I thought that rather than giving up I would go and see her. I explained that what I had was incurable, and she smiled and said well we will have to see. I must be honest and tell you that I did not hold out much hope but I was desperate to try anything before I clawed myself to pieces.
She tested me and told me that the problem was dairy. There were other thing that I was apparently allergic to but I cannot remember them all now. Anyway, she gave me some dietary instructions and several packets of little white pills. She also explained exactly how they should be taken etc.
I started taking the pills and stuck to her instructions and within three days I could see an improvement. The rash stopped itching for which I was more grateful than you can imagine and a few weeks later it had all but gone apart from some marks on my lower legs that faded away over the coming months. This was for the grand total of twenty five pounds.
So the thing is this. Did my doctor have it wrong?
Some while after this I had reason to visit the surgery and I bumped into my GP coming out of a side room. I asked him if he remembered my visit with the rash problem and he said that he did. I told him that I had been to a homoeopath and he said "don't tell me, your cured" was his response before turning on his heel and walking away.
Having had the same problem as myself and the accompanying discomfort I was dumbfounded that he didn't try it out for himself.
My legs are fine and I have been de-sensitised to the allergies so I can once again eat anything that I choose.
Question is this. Is this problem incurable, was the doctor wrong,or was I just lucky.
I'm surprised that the homoeopath told you that the problem was dairy. From what I can find out, varicose eczema is due to poor circulation, and is related to varicose veins. So my thought would be that the doctor misdiagnosed you, hence the disappearance of the rash, or that the homoeopath did, and your underlying problem has gone untreated.
'All through this short life we give of ourselves, giving and giving and slowly diminishing. Leaving a mark that will gradually fade, ash in the breeze, snowballs in negative.'
Maybe cutting out what you were allergic to got rid of the rash by not eating them and nothing to do with the little white tablets. Guessing what causes rashes with a few questions would give them a clue to say what to cut out of your diet.
I had a rash that went from the top of my legs to the bottom, it was unsightly. Simple questions asked by the doc solved the problem. I was allergic to all the plastering being done in the kitchen and with a little Aqueous and the kitchen being completed it went much the same as it came.
Sorry Davidhobbs, I am not a doctor (of anything), I work in a hospital pharmacy and have certain training and experience but I would never presume to diagnose a condition, I dont have the legally required qualifications. Either ask a pharmacist, call NHS Direct or see your GP. There is a protocol in place by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain regarding the sale of 'P' medicines, whereby questions are asked in order to establish the best non-prescription medicine for the condition.
There are three catagories of medicines in the UK licensed for sale by the British Medical Association: 1) POM (prescription only medicines) 2) P (can only be bought over the counter in a pharmacy , this requires counselling and a qualified pharmacist must be present when selling these) 3) GSL (general sales list - can be bought in supermarkets without counselling. However, they too are not without risk to certain people, for instance, generally speaking, asthmatics or people with stomach ulcers should not take aspirin.... and there are others).
The above letters can be seen on the packets/bottles showing which catagory they belong to. Sometimes drugs are reclassified from POM to P, and can then be bought 'over the counter', or from P to GSL. The catagories are constantly monitored. However, I doubt that anitbiotics will ever be available without a prescription, the bacteria needs to be identified as different antibiotics target different bacteria.
A piece of advice to those of you in the UK. Prescriptions are currently £7.10 per item (some items are a 'dual-drug' and can be double) so if you pay for your prescriptions, always ask the pharmacist if you can buy it 'over the counter' (P med). Most GPs have no idea of the cost of drugs and often prescribe ibuprofen 200mg, on prescription you would pay £7.10; over the counter 49p.
Also, avoid brand names - it is the 'active ingredient' that does the job. Go for generic (non-brand names), the cost difference is phenominal.
Oh and the Trust I work for DOES NOT use homeopathy!
Well I have a lot of time for chemists. My local one is a homoeopath as well as a chemist.
That is , he was until he sold out to a big chain.
So I take it there is no point in me disscussing my healed skin complaint with you as you are not qualified.
Shame.
Seems to me David that if you consult 'Homeopaths', 'qualifications' don't come high on your priority list. I would much rather prefer to discuss a medical complaint with someone like Moonriver who is qualified in her particular field of medication, rather than someone who deals in water.
Just imagine, she was lucky guessing with my wife too.
Even though she had been under the hospital and various doctors for 13 years
All that miss-diagnosing.
I think I may start to worry about doctors now.
Your sarcasm aside, do you really believe that 13 years of medical diagnosis was out-done by a bottle of water? You make all the right noises David, but you are far happier believing the 'woo- factor' than listening to anything rational.
Well I have a lot of time for chemists. My local one is a homoeopath as well as a chemist.
That is , he was until he sold out to a big chain.
So I take it there is no point in me disscussing my healed skin complaint with you as you are not qualified.
Shame.
Seems to me David that if you consult 'Homeopaths', 'qualifications' don't come high on your priority list. I would much rather prefer to discuss a medical complaint with someone like Moonriver who is qualified in her particular field of medication, rather than someone who deals in water.
Strangely enough Meercat what you would rather do doesn't excite me at all.
I would be interested in anything that you have actually done though.
Just imagine, she was lucky guessing with my wife too.
Even though she had been under the hospital and various doctors for 13 years
All that miss-diagnosing.
I think I may start to worry about doctors now.
Your sarcasm aside, do you really believe that 13 years of medical diagnosis was out-done by a bottle of water? You make all the right noises David, but you are far happier believing the 'woo- factor' than listening to anything rational.
Seems to me David that if you consult 'Homeopaths', 'qualifications' don't come high on your priority list. I would much rather prefer to discuss a medical complaint with someone like Moonriver who is qualified in her particular field of medication, rather than someone who deals in water.
Strangely enough Meercat what you would rather do doesn't excite me at all.
I would be interested in anything that you have actually done though.
David, the things I have done would not excite you at all. I refuse to be drawn any further into a discussion with someone who will only accept 'first person' examples. If we all thought the way you did David, people would have no valid arguments unless 'they have done it themselves'. We have had people like yourself here before, I understand one of them was still convinced Japan may be fictitious as 'he had not seen it himself' and refused to take anyone else's word for it.
You believe Homeopathy worked for you, it seems the only people who you will listen to is other people who have 'tried' homeopathy. The rest of us it appears have no say in the matter. I don't need to 'experience' bungy jumping with string to know it's not going to work, physics will tell me all I need know to save me the pain.
If homeopathy worked, every glass of tap water would contain the cure for every illness known to man. But, hey, I've never bothered to waste my money on it, so what would I know?....
Strangely enough Meercat what you would rather do doesn't excite me at all.
I would be interested in anything that you have actually done though.
David, the things I have done would not excite you at all. I refuse to be drawn any further into a discussion with someone who will only accept 'first person' examples. If we all thought the way you did David, people would have no valid arguments unless 'they have done it themselves'. We have had people like yourself here before, I understand one of them was still convinced Japan may be fictitious as 'he had not seen it himself' and refused to take anyone else's word for it.
You believe Homeopathy worked for you, it seems the only people who you will listen to is other people who have 'tried' homeopathy. The rest of us it appears have no say in the matter. I don't need to 'experience' bungy jumping with string to know it's not going to work, physics will tell me all I need know to save me the pain.
If homeopathy worked, every glass of tap water would contain the cure for every illness known to man. But, hey, I've never bothered to waste my money on it, so what would I know?....
Precisly.
The nice thing is that anyone can read this and come to their own conclusions it's called freedom of speech.
I am sorry you don't want to talk to me but then life is all about gain and loss.
Just imagine, she was lucky guessing with my wife too.
Even though she had been under the hospital and various doctors for 13 years
All that miss-diagnosing.
I think I may start to worry about doctors now.
Your sarcasm aside, do you really believe that 13 years of medical diagnosis was out-done by a bottle of water? You make all the right noises David, but you are far happier believing the 'woo- factor' than listening to anything rational.[/quote
Like I said before.
I try things out to find out.
I know it's an odd approach but it does seem to work.
I know it's an odd approach but it does seem to work.
'Trying things out' is all well and good. Refusing to acknowledge that people may have some intelligent input on the subject unless THEY have personally tried it, is foolish.
I know it's an odd approach but it does seem to work.
'Trying things out' is all well and good. Refusing to acknowledge that people may have some intelligent input on the subject unless THEY have personally tried it, is foolish.
I agree totally.
You seem to think that I am not accepting your input.
I am, and learning from it. Because I don't jump for joy you mustn't think that I am not taking on board your point of view.
David, do you not think it may be your approach that gets people's backs up? The problem with a forum is that reading what people have written you do not necessarily hear the correct tone of voice (so to speak ) therefore it becomes more important what you write. Liar Liar Pants on Fire also does not really invite people to listen to you.
It seems to me davidhobbs that your doctor diagnosed your condition but failed to prescribe suitable medication. I would change my GP if I were you.
He asked about my parents and I explained that my father, and grandmother, had very bad legs that looked pretty much like my own only theirs were worse as they had had the problem for years.
Family history is important in forming a diagnosis. However, medication has progressed greatly since your grandmother’s day.
The doctor told me that what I had was a hereditary problem for which there was no cure.
That may be, but the symptoms can be alleviated with correct prescribing.
She tested me and told me that the problem was dairy.
I’m curious how she tested you, was it ‘patch tests’?
Anyway, she gave me some dietary instructions and several packets of little white pills. She also explained exactly how they should be taken etc.
You took unidentified ‘little white pills’ from a non-medic?? Jeez I have been warning my kids for years against doing that.
So the thing is this. Did my doctor have it wrong?
If you’re asking, I would say no he diagnosed correctly by the sound of it. However, he failed to follow-up your progress (or lack of it). Or it could be that you did not return to him to follow-up your own progress. The GPs can only help you when you present to them with a summary of how your complaint is.
My legs are fine and I have been de-sensitised to the allergies so I can once again eat anything that I choose.
That’s good, but could there be other attributing factors to your improvement. Maybe you are exercising more, or changed your diet for perhaps weight-loss. You want to believe the unidentified ‘little white pill’ did the trick, perhaps it did. I’m sure the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of GB would love to know what it was, as well as 100s of pharmaceutical companies.
Question is this. Is this problem incurable, was the doctor wrong,or was I just lucky.
Evidently your problem was not incurable, as you claim to be symptom free.
So I take it there is no point in me disscussing my healed skin complaint with you as you are not qualified.
Correct davidhobbs there is no point whatsoever in discussing your healed skin complaint nor your wife’s recovery. You believe that homeopathy worked for you, that’s fine. I believe you have had faith in a placebo.
Meercat:
Seems to me David that if you consult 'Homeopaths', 'qualifications' don't come high on your priority list. I would much rather prefer to discuss a medical complaint with someone like Moonriver who is qualified in her particular field of medication, rather than someone who deals in water.
Thanks Meercat. Having worked in the NHS for more years than I care to remember; in dermatology, medicine, orthopaedics, surgery and now pharmacy I guess I have considerable working knowledge. As I said I am NOT a doctor but have studied enough to know a little more than a woo monger of ‘little white pills’. Davidhobbs and his wife are obviously happy with their homeopathy experience and will no doubt ‘sing its praises’ to all and sundry. That does not in my opinion validate any ‘cure’ they may claim. I will always present my ailments to a medical doctor who has a certified knowledge of the science of medicine.
It seems to me davidhobbs that your doctor diagnosed your condition but failed to prescribe suitable medication. I would change my GP if I were you.
He asked about my parents and I explained that my father, and grandmother, had very bad legs that looked pretty much like my own only theirs were worse as they had had the problem for years.
Family history is important in forming a diagnosis. However, medication has progressed greatly since your grandmother’s day.
That may be, but the symptoms can be alleviated with correct prescribing.
I’m curious how she tested you, was it ‘patch tests’?
You took unidentified ‘little white pills’ from a non-medic?? Jeez I have been warning my kids for years against doing that.
If you’re asking, I would say no he diagnosed correctly by the sound of it. However, he failed to follow-up your progress (or lack of it). Or it could be that you did not return to him to follow-up your own progress. The GPs can only help you when you present to them with a summary of how your complaint is.
That’s good, but could there be other attributing factors to your improvement. Maybe you are exercising more, or changed your diet for perhaps weight-loss. You want to believe the unidentified ‘little white pill’ did the trick, perhaps it did. I’m sure the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of GB would love to know what it was, as well as 100s of pharmaceutical companies.
Evidently your problem was not incurable, as you claim to be symptom free.
Correct davidhobbs there is no point whatsoever in discussing your healed skin complaint nor your wife’s recovery. You believe that homeopathy worked for you, that’s fine. I believe you have had faith in a placebo.
Meercat:
Seems to me David that if you consult 'Homeopaths', 'qualifications' don't come high on your priority list. I would much rather prefer to discuss a medical complaint with someone like Moonriver who is qualified in her particular field of medication, rather than someone who deals in water.
Thanks Meercat. Having worked in the NHS for more years than I care to remember; in dermatology, medicine, orthopaedics, surgery and now pharmacy I guess I have considerable working knowledge. As I said I am NOT a doctor but have studied enough to know a little more than a woo monger of ‘little white pills’. Davidhobbs and his wife are obviously happy with their homeopathy experience and will no doubt ‘sing its praises’ to all and sundry. That does not in my opinion validate any ‘cure’ they may claim. I will always present my ailments to a medical doctor who has a certified knowledge of the science of medicine.
I will ask my friend who is in fact a dermatolagist and GP aged 54 and, as luck would have it I will be seeing him tomorrow. His wife is also a GP and has years of experience.
On the hereditary side I recently visited a friend in New York who is assistant professor at the Einstein university, genetics being his field of endeavour. I have known him since he was a boy. He studied under a Nobel prize winner and went to both Oxford and Cambridge. I don't usually talk about medical or genetic matters with them as they are friends and also very busy people, but in this instance I will try.
If I get any input from them I will let you know. It may shed some light on this topic and I may find that you are correct.
David, do you not think it may be your approach that gets people's backs up? The problem with a forum is that reading what people have written you do not necessarily hear the correct tone of voice (so to speak ) therefore it becomes more important what you write. Liar Liar Pants on Fire also does not really invite people to listen to you.
I always try to respond to people as they respond to me.
But I do agree the pants on fire thing was childish.
Perhaps I need to check my ego.
Sometimes it gets the better of me and that is not good.
Here is an email that I have just sent. He will probably tell me that he hasn't a clue but I have tried as I thought it would be of interest on the forum.
Hello Marc
Dammit I miss your company.
I hope all is well and New York is being good to you. magi and I recently went to Madeira and had a great time with our Madeiran friends from the restaurant. The last two days were a bit Naff as they had six weeks rain in two hours and we were stuck up a mountain when it was going on.
How is the Job going.
Have you saved the world yet or do we have to wait until tomorrow?
I have to ask a question which may sound silly but some time ago I was diagnosed with varicose eczema which my doctor said was incurable and hereditary. I went to a homoeopath and they seemed to cure me because the problem has gone completely. Am I imagining this. I know that your field is genetic science and wondered what your thoughts are on the subject.
I am going to Alton Barnes this July and will be thinking of you while I am there as we have had some interesting experiences together there to say the least.
I am asking about the genetic thing because some friends want to know about it but if it is not you field of study I will understand.