I'd like to share an interesting observation with you.
When we have some health problems,
we often don't go to the doctor.
Sometimes we're too busy,
sometimes we're embarrassed,
sometimes we're scared... Time goes by,
the problem doesn't go away,
something needs to be done,
and we go to the pharmacy.
We arrive,
wait for our turn,
then we let those who were behind us go ahead,
we lean towards the pharmacist and shyly whisper: "Please give me something for hemorrhoids...". The pharmacist, with a wide smile, confidently hands us the medicine,

which:

- nearing expiration date - needs to be sold;

- overstocked - needs to be sold urgently;

- part of a promotion for pharmacists - the pharmacist who sells the most will receive a bonus;

- advertised on TV and in magazines,
more recognizable to those
who watch commercials.

(underline the necessary)

In this case, the pharmacy network employee is not interested
in what exactly is bothering the patient – bleeding in drops or in a stream,
constant pain or occasional,
burning or dull,
are there any lumps or new growths in the delicate area... Here's the medicine - and case closed!
- Will it help?
- It'll help, I told you - it's good, imported!
Then another week or two of taking the medication,
then calls with friends, neighbors, and other "competent" people,
gathering information on the Internet… And then,
on average by the 2nd to 4th week of suffering, the idea is born: "Maybe I should actually see a doctor?!"
I've also had cases in my practice
where patients have suffered like this for several years.
Sometimes,
you ask a person
what's bothering them,
а он в ответ уже только плачет…
What’s the moral of the story? - you may ask.
I'll tell you: the path from the pharmacy to the doctor,
and then back to the pharmacy is longer and more expensive
than if you first go to the doctor,
find out the cause of your problem,
then go to the pharmacy for a specific remedy and receive quality treatment.
The sooner the patient goes to the doctor, the simpler,
faster, and even cheaper the treatment may be.
Don't delay,
you only have one health,
seek help in a timely manner!
Sincerely yours,
Proctologist Olga Ryabchinskaya