Getting my prescription online almost killed me

NOTICE

For many Australians, going to the doctor has become time-consuming and expensive. We’ve seen a decrease in the number of medical centers offering bulk billing and an increase in online prescription services, which provide a very convenient alternative for those of us who are too busy to take the time.

I developed a urinary tract infection and decided to use an online scripting service for the first time in 2022, thinking it would go away in a few days. Little did I know that I would be rushed to the hospital and become septic within a week.

Quick and easy

I had never used an online scripting service before, but when the familiar pain of a urinary tract infection (UTI) started, I decided that this time might be good.

The website was easy to use and provided standard information about my infection and what I thought I would need. After a $17.50 charge was deducted from my credit card, my prescription was sent directly to my inbox.

I stopped by my local pharmacy on the way to work and was only asked if I had used the antibiotic before and if I needed to be informed about its use. I declined and left thinking how quick and easy the process was and how I would use it again.

Something is wrong

As many women who have had a UTI know, symptoms usually begin to subside within a few days. Mine doesn’t. I wondered why the antibiotics didn’t work, but I stayed the course, thinking maybe it was just a really bad infection this time.

I went to work and shivered throughout my shift. It was Mother’s Day and I knew everyone would be with their families, but since my parents live in another state, I decided to grab one for the team and spend the day. My lips were turning blue and no matter what, I couldn’t get warm.

Being a Sunday and knowing something was wrong, I went to the hospital emergency room and asked to be seen by a doctor. After a wait of almost eight hours and a few blood tests, I was told my white blood cell count was good and I should go home.

The story continues

Barely 24 hours later, after experiencing chills, fever and hallucinations of my deceased grandmother, my father and my first boyfriend, my roommate rushed me to the emergency room where I was He said I was becoming septic. The infection had spread to my blood and I was admitted to the hospital right away.

Bad antibiotic

After four days of treatment, lots of tears and hours of sleep, the infection finally broke and I was told what was wrong. Before I was discharged, a doctor explained to me that the virus in my system was E. coli, a common cause of UTIs resistant to the antibiotic I was given. No wonder my infection didn’t go away after taking it.

Since my ordeal, I have spoken to several other women who have experienced the same thing as me, or who know someone who has.

The price of convenience

Although convenience is often cited as the reason people use online scripting services, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) says face-to-face consultations are still best. “If a patient has a health problem that requires follow-up, such as a complicated urinary tract infection, they will receive safe care from a GP who is familiar with their medical history,” confirmed RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins .

“Face-to-face is always the best option because there are clinical issues that are difficult to detect even through the telehealth service,” she explained.

If you are too busy to see a doctor in person, it is best to make a telehealth appointment with your regular GP. “It’s best to get telehealth from the GP you usually see or another at the same clinic who can access your medical history and coordinate with services in your area,” Higgins added.

Never again

A year after infection, I don’t feel like my health has ever been what it used to be, but I’m slowly starting to bounce back.

My experience has completely stopped me from using online prescription services. These days, if I’m feeling unwell, I make an appointment with my local GP and take the time to review my medical history.

Inline scripts can work in many cases, but I never want to go through what I went through again.

Do you have a tip for a story? E-mail: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tic Tac, Twitter And Youtube.