Posted by bob on May 18, 2000, at 22:15:01
In reply to Re: Medical questions, posted by Deanna on May 18, 2000, at 16:55:32
I imagine that most of us that know you *should* ask questions of your doctor(s) and know what questions to ask DO actually ask them. Unfortunately, western culture has placed doctors and medicine on such a high pedestal some folk (like how I used to be) never even think that asking questions is allowed -- the doctor knows so much more than you, after all, and not only is right but knows what he should tell you and what he shouldn't or doesn't need to.
[... and, quite frankly, I'm glad my gp didn't mention at my last visit just how much pus was in my ear canal due to an infection when I first saw him ... just hearing him say that it was almost all gone at today's follow-up was gross enough!]
As for Babble, many people find us because this is all new to them and they're curious, seeking out information. Others come because their doctors have had no solutions to offer and are searching more out of desperation. What most seem to find here is an open, supportive, informative environment of **peers**. Some of what people know here comes from the same sources are doctors gained their knowledge from -- whether university classes or reading journal articles and such. Quite a bit of it comes from hard-earned experience.
But the more people ask questions, the more the group comes to know. The average Babblelander doesn't know as much as your doctor might, but as a group we do have a rather large fund of scientific and experiential knowledge.
There is power in numbers.
... and I really haven't touched on the "emotional" support that can be found here.
As for your friend, I guess the only thing I can contribute is that when western medicine fails, naturopaths, homeopaths, or asian practitioners (like acupuncture) can sometimes find answers.
Otherwise -- and I don't mean this as some sort of crass attempt at humor -- all you need to do is look around here for a while for medications that will add 40 pounds to your weight easily (it might be funny if it wasn't so true). If you're friend is anxious or depressed about her condition, they'll also (hopefully) help with that.
cheers,
bob
poster:bob
thread:1952
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/33960.html