The one thing I have found in Oz is this - you can go to any number of doctors and no-one has records on you. Any GP can prescribe you anything and not know what you are already on - because they have no record .

In the UK this could not (I hope) happen. But it can so easily elsewhere.

I have been quite ill while out here, seen three different docs, and got prescriptions from each, with no history or records.. I know what I have, already, and have told the other docs what I have.

But I think you have to appreciate that Heath was probably very depressed at losing Michelle and Matilda, and who knows what was on his mind ? He was also playing a very difficult, dark character in The Joker, which he admits screwed him up. When that film comes out, we will know what he put himself thru. The bloke was only human for Gods sake.

Whether is was accidental (which I am sure it was ) or suicide, we should not judge. Either way, it is terribly sad, and I hope anyone reading this will watch Brokeback Mountain (if they have not already) and realise what a talent has been lost.

It's just so bloody sad, and not a time to be critical.

A xxx

why have you not visited the same doctor. we have family doctor that we see and they keep records here in perth.

We are on a private health scheme and the doc only works certain hours (attached to the Uni).

I needed to see someone on a weekend - totally different practice - then we made an appointment for our usual GP, but he was off sick that day, and my records didn't come up. So another GP. But obviously, I tell them all the treatment I am already on ( I have severe de Quervains tendontitis).

All I'm saying really is that if you want to abuse the system, it is sooooooo easy. One script here, another there........ You just can literally go to any GP and bingo. Even if you aren't abusing the system, if you are travelling, which doc has your records ?

For someone in Heath's state of mind (and travelling so much) it would have been easy to see as many docs as he wanted and get any script he wanted. And he probably had no idea how those drugs would have interacted cos he never asked.

It breaks my heart. And while I'm at it, most of the drugs I have been prescribed for DQT have no info leaflet in them (like they always do in the UK). I have had to look up on the internet about the drug and side effects/ dangers. That is wrong - every prescribed med should have an info leaflet with it. And some of the drugs I have been prescribed have serious side effects.

I'm lucky in that I've now had a steroid injection into the joint affected and don't have to take the meds any more as much.

There but for the grace of god, eh ? It could happen to anyone I reckon.

A xxx

Well said AllieKate, i completely agree. It's so easy to judge until you're in a similar situation, we don't have to be 'A' list stars to be depressed or in pain, what happened to Heath could happen to any of us.

Thanks !!!

Exactly. But we are so hungry for the "famous" it must make their lives a living hell.

A xxx

I don't want to debate - you're obviously an idiot. You're the one that started name calling ... of a dead guy. Real classy.

Not sure if this has been posted yet.

Apparently his flat / apartment is back on the market, he was paying a reported $25k a month.

The price has gone up !

That doesnt sit comfortably with me.

Not always, must depend on the medication. I am on some that have to be authorised - the doctor can't give me them until it has been cleared by whoever it is they ring and on the prescription it say's 'if required before x date consult doctor' The chemist won't give me them before that date.

Same here - my son was prescribed acne medication which can have serious side effects for some people. The doctor had to register him with the department of health (?) and get authorisation before a script could be issued. Each repeat script needed another call.

Prescriptions are tracked via your Medicare card. Part of the reason you are asked for it when you go to the chemist.

My Dad asked me this question just today. I'll tell him the answer and act like I knew it all along....

It's what the pharmacist told me when I asked him.

I wonder if that's regional - I've never been asked for my medicare card at a pharmacy in VIC or NSW.

Every prescription I've ever had filled, whether for me or my children I've been asked for my Medicare card. Both in WA and SA.

As for Heath Ledger, he's dead, he's been creamated and the wake is over. Let's just let him go the way of Steve Irwin or Peter Brock and fade into our collective memories.

Aha,

That might be the answer - I am on private insurance and don't have a medicare card - sure if you were rich enough to pay privately it would be the same if you wanted to doctor shop ? ( We are not rich enough by the way).

I agree, let the poor bloke RIP.