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Is this a discussion group or a medical panel?

Posted , 5 users are following.

nandrews
nandrews

I have been a member of this group for some time and have received support which has been of help to me and I hope I have been able to give some support back to the group.

​But I believe we are just a group of sufferers who can benefit from our shared experiences.

​I am concerned that some people come on here expecting to receive a diagnoses of their condition in lieu of, or perhaps seeking an alternate to, their qualified doctor or consultant.

​Perhaps I am wrong, but I think if I am right then it should be made clear that this is not a source of expert medical knowledge, which is in anyway a replacement or accessory to the professionals.

​What we know from our own experiences and have gained from our own studies into our own conditions, may be helpful to others. But I do wonder when people come on here listing their detailed tests and results and seem to expect an expert answer.

​Nigel

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0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • matt66
    matt66 nandrews

    Posted

    I agree Nigel. I used to post / reply to quite a few, but have not done so for some time as all it seems to be now is people asking about symptoms when they really should be asking a doctor or professional. I can say what meds I took for this or that, but that's just my experience. Besides, you'd need to see a professional to get your hands on those meds anyway, so let the doctor do the diagnosis!! Anyway, well said and people do need to realise that it is not a medical panel.
  • RHGB
    RHGB nandrews

    Posted

    I would imagine, it is because they have read a particular part of the forum, and seen in the main, there are some pretty knowledgeable people. There are in some sections professional people. We have two in the alcoholic forum.

    There are a lot of GPs and consultants that use a one size fits all answer and do not research alternatives.

    I think people come here out of desperation and frustration from the lack of help or the refusal to help. I learnt far more from here, than I ever did from consultants and my GP. And I have had many visits to four different hospitals in the 18 months since I got out of hospital (two month stay) for a severe stroke and liver failure.

    If consultants did their job, people would not come and post here.

     

    • nandrews
      nandrews RHGB

      Posted

      I hear you and agree that this forum has it's place and is a valuable source of support.

      But I think support is all it is, not a fount of knowledge or an alternate to the professional line.

      ​Bear in mind that the professionals job is to cure (and also to some extent prevent). I wouldn't expect my GP to educate me on my condition, beyond giving me details that might help me manage my life to benefit it. I agree that many of them seem rushed these days and they are in much demand. It maybe that in those cases people feel 'short changed' and think they haven't been properly treated. Perhaps this is a place where people can air those worrys and hopefully realise, as I have found, that most in the medical profession do the best that they can.

      ​Nigel 

  • bb123
    bb123 nandrews

    Posted

    I don't think anyone believes a stranger online could truly "diagnose" them and am sure people will have their physicians sort everything out. I do however believe people want to know other peoples experiences about specific health issues and I'm sure there is valuable information that you and others share. Maybe people do come off as wanting a diagnosis but I feel people are concerned and need to get things off their chest. One of the members told me that a "normal LFT" isn't 100% accurate and posted a medical site that corroborated it. Though I didn't expect that answer and don't like that answer, he gave me honest input and a recourse for me to check it out on my own and I appreciate it.

    I'm personally thankful to have people like yourself on this site.

    • deni1
      deni1 bb123

      Posted

      This argument gone round and round often but not always 😉 stirred by the same people, please let's grow up! People want to share their experiences and listen to others without feeling they are less than intelligent for doing so, a simple helpfull answer with " best check with your doctor if you are concerned is better than a lengthy dialogue about you being a good poster by dismissing people for using the forum. I know I have had the same post, and just left the discussion...no time for the wannabes 😂
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