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We discussed this ad nauseaum last Spring in Reading and the Web, a class for which I was the TA. I really liked discussing how students perceive and utilize the internet in ways different than previous generations.
A couple of years ago I went to the doctor with a condition that ended up being treated by an acupuncturist and homeopath. I left the regular MDs office disgusted, because she just kept leaving the room and searching the web with the combination of symptoms I was giving her.
A couple of years ago I went to the doctor with a condition that ended up being treated by an acupuncturist and homeopath. I left the regular MDs office disgusted, because she just kept leaving the room and searching the web with the combination of symptoms I was giving her.

Have you used the net to diagnose symptoms? Did the net say you were going to die?
Yes, and yes. But the second one was a different website, one where you enter some data about yourself and it actually tells you when you are going to die. So now I know that!
Yes, and yes. But the second one was a different website, one where you enter some data about yourself and it actually tells you when you are going to die. So now I know that!


Kevin, you kill me.

My doctor found a thyroid nodule this fall and I had to go through all sorts of tests including a biopsy in my neck (just horrible!). I was doubly scared because my brother had throat cancer about 4 years ago which started with a lump on his neck.
He is doing great now and was a lot of support to me during this ordeal.
But one thing he advised me to do was stay away from the Net.
Which I did
The scary thing about the internets is all the bullshit out there, and trying to distinguish it from the legit. I've researched various medical things and found sites that say the opposite of other sites, and sites that contain contradictory information on the same page. I guess the only way to get reliably accurate info is to visit institutional sites like Mayo Clinic, NIH, university sites, etc.


My nephew had x-rays taken but won't be visiting with his doctor again until March. Is there a doctor in our TC house? Does anyone here see anything wrong with this picture (below)?




I have constant pain when I stand, torque, bend, pick up stuff, sneeze or cough. Its started affecting my sleep and stuff, so I decided to go in. I get pain down my legs occasionally, no significant numbness, just on occasion my feet
So far he has only been to the urgent care center, which had him in for an MRI. He was asking family if he should forego his normal doctor (not available until March) and see someone now.
I told him yes. Significant numbness? Pain when coughing? Holy crap. He's used to toughing things out. Maybe that comes with being a Marine (no longer active duty).
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I thought this was interesting.
I still struggle a lot with the "should I go to the doctor or not?" question when I'm sick. It's doubly difficult when the kids are sick. At least we have decent insurance for the first time in a while, now that my wife is working.
What do you think? Have you used the net to diagnose symptoms? Did the net say you were going to die?
(I'm glad you survived, just in case you were wondering.)