How Much is Not That Much?

A response I hear every day is “Not that much!” My problem is I don’t know what “Not that much” is!

Question:  “Do you drink alcohol?”  Answer:  “Yes.”

Question:  “How much do you drink?”  Answer:  “Not that much!” 

Question:  “How much is “Not that much?”   Answer:  “A few drinks a night.”

Question:  “How many is a few and what kind of drinks?"  Answer:  “Five scotch and waters.” 

Question:  “How many ounces of scotch?”  Answer:  “Four ounces per drink.”

In this case, “Not that much!”  is 20 ounces of scotch. In my book, that’s a lot. It also accounts for my patient’s liver disease, anemia and weight gain.

Vague terms like “Not that much,” “Just a little,” “Not that often” and “Occasionally” can lead to confusion and misdiagnosis. They are also a great way to hide from, or mask, the truth.

A few days ago, I published an article on telling the truth. On a busy day in the office, any doc taking a history may fall for one of these vague and misleading dodges. We all have our own preconceived idea of what “Not that much” is. By default, your doc may miss one of the most important pieces of your medical history. Please, tell the truth. It may be your life you save.

Question: “Do you drink alcohol?”   Answer: “Yes. I drink five scotch and waters a night with about four ounces of scotch in each. Doc, do you think that has anything to do with why my skin is turning yellow?”

Posted by Live Wellthy at 9/18/2011 7:06 AM