Posted by cybercafe on May 13, 2004, at 4:16:54
In reply to Re: UK board?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 27, 2004, at 21:08:18
> > Many UK doctors are extremely unpleasant, not to mention backward in their understanding of mental illness.
> > some ideas that are standard in the US, such as combining meds are almost unknown in the UK.
> > Plus most UK docs think stimulents are evil.
>
> So wouldn't it be good for UK patients, at least, to be exposed to other practices? Which they wouldn't be if they stuck to a UK-only board?Of course, but why would they be "stuck"? We would read the regular boards just like everyone else, and then when we want UK chat move over to the UK board. The same argument could be made for the removal of many of the other specialty boards (which I DO think has been a good idea and give props to Dr. Bob, for the record).
One problem is that if you post a question about the UK no one seems to respond on the regular boards. I have been in real need (i.e. determine the course of my life) of information about the UK but just havn't been able to get a response. Even simple questions like "is abilify available over there yet?". People seem to miss over other UK posts... rarely do you see a group of UK posters getting into a discussion on a single topic. I think having a UK board would be an EXCELLENT way to get UKers together.
And trust me dude.. they need the support ....
Canada has a ridiculously horrible system and it really really upsets me, but I would never ask for a Canadian board because as bad as we have it, the UK is really in a much worse state. I think such citizens certainly need to stick together, to get that UK information, really desperately.
Let's put it this way. I decided to start studying medicine (non-registered, just bought textbooks) because the Canadian system is so bad in terms of waiting times I figured I could teach myself psychiatry faster than it would take to be diagnosed/cured through 6 or 7 15 minutes appointments a year. And I finally succeeded after several years.
Now as bad as that may sound, I wouldn't even compare the canadian system to how horrible the UK system is. Everytime I went into emergency with real problems I was basically told "go private, go away" ($300/session). Ug... so eventually I did..
On the bright side, I was manic for 8 months and when no one is willing to treat you, you do end up leading quite an interesting life.
:)
poster:cybercafe
thread:340108
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040307/msgs/346368.html