I know that I don’t want machines to keep me alive for months or years if I am in a coma or vegetative state. And if I am at the end of my life, suffering with no chance of getting better, I don’t want radical medical interventions that will prolong my suffering. I am guessing […]
Archive | Treatment Decisions
Researching New Treatment Options by Evaluating Clinical Trial Results
By zaggocare on February 19, 2018 in Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Are you trying to find information on new treatments? When you, or a loved one, have a serious medical condition, it is natural, and important, to want to learn as much as you can about the condition and potential treatments. When traditional, often-used treatments are not promising, or not working for you or your loved […]
What You Need to Know About Clinical Trials Before You Sign the Dotted Line
By zaggocare on February 12, 2018 in Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Is a clinical trial right for you? When you are dealing with a serious illness, there may come a time when you consider a clinical trial. Perhaps there are no known successful treatments, or perhaps you have tried all of the existing therapies and none of them have worked as you and your doctor hoped. […]
The Dangers of Too Many Tests and Treatments for Patients
By zaggocare on August 28, 2017 in Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Are Americans Being Overtested and Overtreated? Sadly, the Answer is a Resounding Yes! Have you ever insisted on a test or treatment when your doctor is suggesting otherwise? Has your doctor pressured you to get tested, or undergo a treatment, that you didn’t think was needed? The dangers of too many tests and treatments for […]
What, I Still Need Glasses? Issues to Consider Before Cataract Surgery.
By zaggocare on July 31, 2017 in Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
This post was written by a Zaggo team member. Do you know the issues to consider before cataract surgery? A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most are related to aging and are very common in older people, although younger people can have them as well. By the […]
The Importance of Shared Decision Making
By zaggocare on February 27, 2017 in Managing Healthcare, Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Whether you are dealing with a new medical condition, or one that is progressing, it is important to take the lead role in your medical team. Historically, a doctor would tell you your diagnosis and course of treatment, and you would do your best to follow the doctor’s orders. Fortunately, times have changed and most […]
Does Where You Live Impact Cancer Outcome? Sadly, Yes.
By zaggocare on February 6, 2017 in Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Do You Have Cancer? Your Zip Code May Influence Your Odds of Survival Getting a cancer diagnosis has got to be one of life’s scariest moments. We all hope we never have to hear those words. What if you found out that you had cancer and an increased chance of dying from your cancer because […]
Information Lacking in Reports on Side Effects in Clinical Trials
By zaggocare on October 24, 2016 in Managing Healthcare, Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Published reports often leave out important information on side effects in clinical trials. You or a loved one is sick. Like most people these days, you dive into your computer to learn about treatment options. An important consideration when evaluating any medication or treatment is the possibility of side effects. All medications and treatments have potential […]
Pharmaceutical Companies Are Influencing our Doctors’ Medication Recommendations
I think it is safe to say that all patients want to feel confident in their doctor’s medication recommendations. No patient wants his/her doctor prescribing a particular medication to fatten their own wallet, not to benefit the patient’s health. Same is true for medical devices. Unfortunately, studies show that we might not be able to […]
Are Patients Over Tested and Over Treated?
By zaggocare on May 23, 2016 in Communicating with Your Healthcare Team, Managing Healthcare, Medications, Patient Safety, Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
You, or a loved one, feel sick. You go to your doctor, or maybe even to the Emergency Room. During your appointment, you describe your symptoms and the doctor examines you. Frequently the doctor orders tests. Perhaps even a procedure or surgery is scheduled. Is all this needed? An important question for us all: are […]