And in other news, the death last month of actor Heath Ledger has been ruled an accidental overdose of several prescription medications. A statement from his family indicates that none of the drugs were taken in excess; rather, it was a fatal combination of ordinary meds taken at ordinary dosages. While I’m happy that this talented young man didn’t commit the ultimate stupidity — suicide and/or death by street drugs — there is nevertheless something small and ignominious about this kind of thing.
As I’ve said before, what a damn shame.
I agree. I’m just wondering why he was prescribed such a deadly concoction. Even if he had different doctors they should have been working together to prevent this kind of thing. That’s part of what’s wrong with healthcare in this country. Don’t get me started….
My understanding is that Heath had been flying back and forth between London and New York for work, and that he’d developed a deeply nasty respiratory infection while he was in Britain. My guess is that some of the meds were probably prescribed over there, and no one thought to consider possible interaction problems.
I certainly agree with you, Steph, that US healthcare is majorly broken, but I think this case was merely an honest — if foolish and deeply regrettable — mistake.
I wasn’t aware of the respiratory infection. That would make sense….dang
Kinda chokes you up.
Sorry. I had to.