Welcome to this week’s waffle where, inspired by the latest machinations at 10 Downing Street, we are musing on the theme of how to know when to “stick or twist”. Because in medicine, as in politics, it can be challenging to know whether pushing on with the current plan is better than throwing it all out and trying something entirely new — or is it a case of more subtle refinements that will reap greater rewards in the fullness of time?
Anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications are one example. In the early days and weeks of treatment, symptoms can sometimes feel worse before they improve, and your doctor should prepare you for this possibility and arrange regular reviews to ensure you are fully supported.
Hormone Replacement Therapy is another area of treatment where improvements may not be instant — or indeed linear. Some women notice quick wins, particularly with symptoms such as hot flushes, but this is by no means universal. Hormones take time to rebalance within the body, so most doctors recommend giving a new regime around three months before fully assessing its impact. We find that patients often really appreciate additional touchpoints during this time. Some well-timed reassurance can make all the difference between staying the course and enjoying long-term improvements, or giving up too soon.
Skin conditions such as acne are another good example where overnight results are simply unrealistic, despite what those Clearasil adverts used to tell us! Most treatments need at least six to eight weeks before any meaningful judgement can be made. In the case of retinoids, some unfortunate patients even experience a flare or worsening of breakouts before seeing longer-term improvements. Again, having access to a sympathetic, skilled and objective practitioner to ‘talk you down’ just at the point when you feel like giving up can be as important to your treatment plan as the medication itself.
Weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy can feel transformative almost immediately for some people, while others may need several months and gradual dose adjustments before noticing significant change. Equally, in the latter stages of treatment, when nearing your goal weight and perhaps contemplating stopping medication, it is well worth seeking further medical input to help ensure your progress is maintained.
The message in all this is that when managing longer-term conditions, it shouldn’t be a case of ‘prescribe and goodbye’. Regular check-ins with your doctor set you up for long-term success. Our subscription plans are designed to give you access to that support whenever you need it, in the most affordable way.
Wishing you well,
Gemma, Tom and all at Winchester GP
:-)
p.s. Anyone fancy a nice stroll?
We really enjoyed meeting the team of Blue Angel Care this week and thought that their regular Mental Health Walk, held every Thursday 11.30-13.30 meeting at the Cadence Clubhouse, Garnier Road Car Park, Winchester SO23 9PA sounded like a lovely idea.
What to expect: Gentle easy paced walk, Quiet company always welcome, Option to have a friendly talk, Peer support, NOT a. therapy session. Coffee and tea are served at the end for anyone who would like to stay, chat and unwind. Boost your mood, energy and health, one step at a time. :-)