Percentages of something occurring

[CtResident]

Heather said the following:

"I had talked with Shared Solutions and asked whether depression was a side-effect of Copaxone and was told no.  I notice in the patient literature that indeed, there has been about 2% of those taking Copaxone, that have suffered from some depressiive episodes.  So I don't know whom to believe, totally."

I am referring to the percentages part, 2% of a chance.......seems low, doesn't it? Like it won't happen, right? Nothing to be concerned over? Don't let it cross your mind?

Hmph.

Let me share a quick little personal bit. (Those of you who have heard this, bear with me. But don't bare with me, I don't really know you!! lol)

I have twin girls.....what are the odds?
They are identical.......what are the odds?
They are autistic (autism is predominantly in boys).......what are the odds?
One has a syndrome that her sister does not have? ("discordant gene").....what are the odds?

So, sigh, you see, you can tell me that the odds of having twins are 1%.
The odds of having identical ones is 1%.
The odds of having twin girls with autism is 1%.
The odds of having identical twin girls with autism in which one has a discordant gene is 1%.

And to think, I live near a casino, I oughta play those odds!

Anyway, you also have to extrapolate out the percentages......1% of WHAT?

Suzanne

[CtResident]

Nodding, yup, Life is full of surprises. Like finding out about having twins at 32 weeks along!

Some need diaper changes, lol.

Suzanne-- loves surprises! :-)

[wingnut19]

This really has nothing to do with Copaxone or depression, but I was on Birth Control pill before having my first daughter.  I took it faithfully EVERY day!  Honestly, didn't miss ONE pill, EVER....not one...

I got pregnant.  When visiting my OB/GYN after finding out I was pregnant, he says that the pill is only 99% effective, and I was the other ONE percent!

Being in that 1% sure as heck made a huge difference in my life....

Tammy

[Heather3418]

You're right.  2% does seem "low."  But what IF you are indeed that person that is in that 2%?  In my opinion and in what I believe you are trying to say, that 2% means a great deal to the patient that IS suffering from depression since being on Copaxone.  So why I was told by Shared Solutions (the Copaxone people) that there was no depression reported, is puzzling.

2% CAN mean a great deal.  You are exactly correct.

Thanks for posting this thread.  It helps to understand the odds, with your 1% percent actually meaning a GREAT DEAL to the examples you set forth in your post.

Heather