Doctors vs. Internet

How does seeing a doctor compare to searching online for medical advice in your experience? Have you ever opted for a Google search over a doctors visit?

LOL. No. I'm going to the doctor. It doesn't hurt to have an idea of what's going on with you by researching it first, but you should always go to a physician for reinforcement.

Before the Internet there was the Merck Manual, which I used quite often to come up with a correct diagnosis. The Web is just a more expansive source.

I have had several ppl thank me for my posting of The Broken Leg experince that just documents my 2-year ordeal with a broken tibia. (cast, ORIF, edema, cellulitis, bone scan, bone stimulator)

Nystyle709 wrote:LOL. No. I'm going to the doctor. It doesn't hurt to have an idea of what's going on with you by researching it first, but you should always go to a physician for reinforcement.

This. I'm not diagnosing myself.

The Internet gives us so much info to walk in to the office. But I don't think we need to be figuring it out solo.

Before I had Internet, I "diagnosed" myself regarding a mass in my stomach. I was petrified to visit the doc because what I had found out via medical books at the library equated to a really awful thing. After being seen, it was as simple as scar tissue from my c-section. Not an easy thing, but not life-threatening.

I would rather the Doctor diagnose me.

It's kind of a balance. If you think there may be something going on that you've looked into or researched & the doctor is dismissing it you need to at least get a second opinion. It might save your life. Happened to me.