New Google AI called Bard

[Midnight_Voice]

I’ve been trying out Bard with various questions. Still beta, so US spelling and orientation, but I think it made a pretty good fist of this one:-

Why don’t doctors treat Pernicious Anaemia properly?

Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that is caused by a lack of vitamin B12. It is a serious condition that can lead to a variety of health problems, including fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of why doctors don't treat pernicious anemia properly.

However, there are a number of factors that may contribute to this problem.One factor is that pernicious anemia is a relatively rare condition. This means that many doctors may not have seen many cases of it, and may not be familiar with the latest treatment options.

Another factor is that pernicious anemia can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of pernicious anemia can be similar to those of other types of anemia, and there is no one test that can diagnose the condition. This means that doctors may need to rule out other possible causes of anemia before making a diagnosis of pernicious anemia.

Finally, pernicious anemia can be a lifelong condition. This means that patients with pernicious anemia will need to take vitamin B12 supplements for the rest of their lives. This can be a burden for some patients, and some doctors may not be comfortable prescribing lifelong treatment.

Despite these challenges, there are a number of things that doctors can do to improve the treatment of pernicious anemia. One is to educate themselves about the condition and its treatment options. Another is to be aware of the symptoms of pernicious anemia and to rule out other possible causes of anemia before making a diagnosis. Finally, doctors can work with patients to find a treatment plan that is comfortable and effective for them.

[Jillymo]

I cant help wonder where patients like ourselves find a Dr who is prepared to listen let alone work along side us.

I cant say I agree with PA being a rare condition. I feel that in this day and age all Drs and consultants should be knowledgable with regard to the devastating effects the condition can have on the patient.

In regard to life long treatment ? What is the diference between treating PA to life long treatment for thyroid, diabetes or blood conditions ? None what so ever. The fact is panpharma get a rake off with regard to the dishing out of various drugs where as they dont get paid for vitamins.

Its all about money. 💰

[newlandvale in reply to Jillymo]

Yes, it is all about money.

Doctors' surgeries do not get extra financial incentives to diagnose and treat B12 deficiencies unlike diabetes. Hence they are discouraged from spending money on administering jabs.

Big pharma doesn't have a problem in other countries

Put the blame squarely where it belongs - the control freaks at the top of our wonderful NHS

[Hidden in reply to newlandvale]

Same here in Ireland, everyone is being diagnosed with diabetes, and the hell with what's actually wrong with you...

they've changes the guidelines over who gets B12 injections, so basically you'd have to be half-dead before they'll inject you

And our Social Welfare is going down the same route as the Social Welfare in Britain -they're blaming the changes on Ukrainian refugees 🙄

[Technoid]

not bad. Would be interesting to compare ChatGPT's response.

this part seems to assume pernicious anemia inevitably presents with anaemia, a common misconception:

"Another is to be aware of the symptoms of pernicious anemia and to rule out other possible causes of anemia before making a diagnosis. "

[wedgewood]

” Pernicious Anaemia can be a lifelong condition” . NO! It IS A LIFELONG CONDITION “ This is an undisputed medical fact

And why should doctors not be comfortable prescribing lifelong treatment? They do this all the time for other conditions .

[helvella]

It is a serious condition that can lead to a variety of health problems, including fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

And death.

Just what does Bard not understand about the word pernicious? (Tongue in cheek.)

take vitamin B12 supplements

On its own, I'd read that as popping a tablet or similar. It would not suggest the need for injections. Nor for any special "loading doses".

One is to educate themselves about the condition and its treatment options.

And (specifically) testing options! Most particularly to realise that a serum B12 test shortly after an injection is inappropriate.

[Jillymo in reply to helvella]

Well said helvella. 👏