Heaven forbid that you appear informed when you see your doctor. “Did you learn that on the Internet?” is usually the nasty remark from your doctor. Doctors hate patients with internet smarts. Even a doctor can learn something new, can’t they?
Anonymous
Actually, my experences were much more positive. I only brought up the information I found two or three times, though. I had three types of reactions:
1. “yes, right, it is exactly as I told you/ as we talked about” — actually this is opposite, but who remembers? I pretend that I don’t.
2. in one case (I was concerned about some condition for which women in my circumstances have slightly higher risk) – explanation of symptoms and why I needn’t be concerned. No I didn’t take that much of doctor’s time – the whole conversation took 2 minutes.
3. an admission that it is new information. I later found out that I wasn’t correct about the source for this information – I thought it came from WHI when in fact it was from MWS (British Million Women Study) which is flawed. So it is understandable why the doctor haven’t heard of the results.
Of course, I don’t just say that “I learned it on the internet”. I always start by mentioning the source – NIH, a specific study, etc. Internet is very vague and includes lots of “vitamin sellers”.
ipanema
that’s true Anon 3:04. once I tried to put across an idea, and the doctor’s face lit up, asked me, what have you been reading this time? i explained, he was patient though. finally, he said, i’ll read that tonight.
Anonymous
With some Drs. you need to get educated from the internet or whatever. I have a good friend who has a family doc. who suggest’s nothing but who takes all suggestions.
Ex: He comes in the room, sits down and asks how she feels. She may say. “I’ve been having alot of leg and foot cramps that sometimes make me think I might be having a stroke or something.” His response “Uh Huh, I see!” “Well, your BP looks good today so I don’t think your having a stroke.” Then off on another topic for about 2 minutes. Finally doc stands up and says…”OK, all looks good with you today, lets check back in 3 months.”
“Thanks Doc, BTW, since I’m taking 3 different blood pressure pills a day (2 of which are diuretics) do you suppose I could have a paper to get my blood checked for my potassium level?” “You know, since I’m having all these leg cramps and all?” Doc’s reply, “excellent idea, I’ll have the nurse bring in the order in just a minute.” …Next day, phone call from Dr. ” I just got your blood work back, where can I call in a prescription for potassium supplement?”
ipanema
lol Anon 10, I’ve seen this kind too. Sometimes I’m not sure if he’s with me or not. This is the dangerous type, one who takes in everything.
