Recently, as we went through the process to get Dave discharged from the hospital, the nurse looked at us and said, “They are recommending an OTC drug. I highly recommend you research it before you decide if you should take it.”
I smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I already have, but I really appreciate you saying something.”
It was a glimmer of hope in what had been a mostly frustrating experience with the medical personnel, and it sparked a fabulous conversation. During it, the nurse said something that has sat in my mind and on my heart for over a week. The words were, “A few years ago, I decided no matter what, I was going to make sure people had all the facts and could make an informed decision. I’m willing to risk the repercussions of that because people deserve the truth. Not everyone will be thankful for it, but I know I’ve done what I could to help.”
His straightforward honesty had a huge impact on me. I know fully well that I have become quieter and quieter over the past four years. Oh, I share one on one with a small group of friends, and I’m occasionally no-holds-barred on Twitter. But when it comes to most in-person gatherings, Facebook, or Instagram, I haven’t been sharing my whole authentic self (what I share is real, and not just the good stuff because that’s how I roll, but there is plenty I’ve kept under wraps.) That changes today because, just like the nurse, I believe people deserve the facts, even if they aren’t ready for them.
Oh, and I know it is hospital food, but really, eggshell in my salad did not help that situation.
So what was that OTC med?
A statin. I already knew going in I would encourage my husband to say “no, thank you” if this was pushed. This is a perfect example of having to be your own advocate and knowing how to dig for answers. Doctors prescribe statins every day, and Google will automatically tell you there are no links to mineral deficiencies or dementia. HOWEVER, if you research “myelin sheath”, even that search engine will immediately tell you cholesterol is needed for production of myelin, which protects brain cells and their functions. Statins also cause a CoQ10 deficiency, which the heart needs to function properly.
There are other serious side effects, but I don’t want you to take my word for it. Do a little digging around places like pubmed or nih, searching for statins in conjunction with minerals, the myelin sheath, neuropathy, MS, and more. And I’m certainly not telling you which decision to make. I simply want you to have all the information before you do.
