Why Do I Suffer When Others Seem Fine? Understanding Personal Health Differences

The phrase "He is fine despite so much, then why am I suffering?" has troubled many patients and their families.

What does this lead to? Confusion, fear, wrong decisions, and deviation from proper treatment!

Here are some common examples seen daily in OPD:

1. "My uncle of the same age had 3 stents placed but still cycles regularly... then why do I get breathless?" Heart function, LV function, and other co-morbidities differ even if age and stents are similar.

2. "My friend has Diabetes but eats sweets!" She might tolerate sugar spikes or have no complications yet. But no one can see how much residual insulin your pancreas produces.

3. "His sugar is 250 but he is on no medicine, then why was I given insulin?" Type 1, LADA, MODY, Type 2 all look like Diabetes but are different. Medicine is personalized, not standardized.

4. "A patient in our ward has 90% blockage but no bypass!" Artery anatomy, collateral supply, symptoms, EF are all important in decision-making. Blockage % is just one factor.

5. "Doctor, my neighbor stopped medicines and does yoga... can I stop too?" Lifestyle reversal is great but only under supervision. It is important to ensure you are not heading towards harm.

6. "My mother's BP is controlled, so can I take the same pills?" Even in the same household, bodies and diseases differ. Copy-paste treatment is dangerous.

Comparison is blind faith caused by lack of information.

This worsens patients' health, causes doubt in doctors' guidance, and leads to decisions based on incomplete information.

"Your case is your own case! Comparing with others increases medical errors."

- Possibilities, risks, medicines, reports—all are personal. - Your doctor makes decisions for you, not for your neighbor.

Where in your life have such comparisons been obstacles? Share in comments to help others learn.

Exchange experiences, not comparisons, cooperation is needed!

Dr Ravindra L. Kulkarni, MD, DNB, FSCAI (Cardiology) Just For Hearts