Have you noticed that doctors seem to discriminate against young people when prescribing meds?

Question

I've suffered some really painful injuries that in no way could have been deliberate or faked, but the doctors were reluctant to precribe anything but cold paks. I'm a professional who has never abused anything, but I notice that doctors seem to develop "writers cramp" in dealing with anyone even close to being young. Meanwhile a senior citizen has a back ache or something and they get multiple prescriptions of painkillers like Oxycontin or Percocet. What is going on here????? Has anyone else felt that they have had to suffer needlessly? Any suggestions??? (maybe I should just resort to internet pharmacies or the black market!)

Answer 1

I haven't experienced this form of discrimination myself, but my husband has seen a huge difference in the way people treat him now that his hair is short. It's as if he's finally an adult, a professional (when he was all along- go figure). I guess we can thank the young people who ARE abusing drugs and the system- they're the ones who make older people think anything at all.

There might be a simpler, less offensive reason for it. When you're young, your body is able to recover much quicker from injuries and illness. You don't need as much in the form of medicine because your body is fighting things on its own. When you're old, your body is completely different, and the slightest bump can prove to be far more painful than you'd expect.

I learned from a dental assistant that taking a double dosage of normal pain reliever often has the same effect as the stronger stuff. I want to say that I used 800mg of Aleve when my wisdom tooth was removed. If the doctors are being stingy with their drugs, try the cheap stuff first.

Answer 2

I know exactly what you are talking about. Doctors think that just because you are young that you should be always healthy and not need medication for anything. It is quite annoying. Ive found that persistence works. If the doc doesnt listen to me, I give them a hard time and challenge them. Even if it takes two visits. I dont waste my time though after two visits. I would find a different doc. Dont let them get the best of you. You are in charge of your own health, not them. Good luck

Answer 3

Seems that way doesn't it. My brothers are dentists and are very conservative about drugs. They do this across the board, not just for young people. They just hate drugs. Another factor is liability. I could not get a regular doctor to give me a perspiration for an anti-depressant. No possibility of abuse there. I found out later that they wimp out because of liability issues.