HOW CAN BLOOD SAVE YOUR LIFE?

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE

A current medical approach  (called risk/benefit analysis) is making it easier for doctors and patients to cooperate in avoiding blood therapy. Doctors weight factors such as the risks of certain drug or surgery and the probably benefits. Patients too can share in such an analysis. 

Let us use one example that people in many places can relate to -chronic tonsillitis. If you had this problem, likely, you would go to a doctor. In fact, you might consult two, since health experts often recommend getting a second opinion. One might recommend surgery.  He outlines what that means: length of hospital stay, amount of pain, and cost.  As to risks, he says that severe bleeding is not common and death from an operation is very rare.  But the doctor giving a second opinion urges you to try antibiotic therapy.  He explains the type of drug, likelihood of success, and expense. As to risk, he says that very few patients have life-threatening reactions to the drug.

Each competent physician likely considered risks and benefits, but now you have to weigh the risks and possible benefits, as well as other factors that you best know.  (You are in the best position to consider such aspects as your emotional or spiritual strength, family finances, effect on the family, and your own ethics.) Then you make a choice. Possibly you give informed consent for one therapy but decline the other.  

This would also be so if it was your child that had the chronic tonsillitis.  The risks, benefits, and therapies would be outlined for you, the loving parents who  are most directly  affected and who will be responsible to cope with the results. After considering all aspects, you can make an informed choice on this matter involving your child's health and even his or her life. Perhaps you consent to the surgery with its risks. Other patients might choose the antibiotics, with their risks.  As physicians differ in their advice,m so patients or parents differ as to what they feel is best.  Such is an understood feature of making informed (risk/benefit) choices. 

Next time: HOW CAN BLOOD SAVE YOUR LIFE?/Conclusion of: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE

From the Watchtower magazine