subject: When It Comes To Medical Care, Don't Always Trust Yourself [print this page] Most people head to their medical doctor seeking a diagnosis for what ails them but many times just like when you take your car to the auto mechanic you find that it becomes a matter of trial and error than anything else. This process can be both annoying and frustrating.
Most doctors will tell you that there are reasons for the delays and are ready to handle your situation when you get around to it, but the doctors work with a lot of people every day and it is hard for them to remember all of your symptoms and your case history as much as you now about yourself. Also, you probably have symptoms that you understand about yourself that you don't even realize that the doctor needs to know. Sometimes it is best to be your own doctor.
While there are many drawbacks to self diagnosis using the internet in the fact that much of the information that is available on the web is unverifiable, the ability to have the patient look up information about pains and symptoms and begin to narrow down the possible diagnosis's can really help a doctor to start the process of elimination process moving along. As a patient begins to notice the symptoms they may just find out their own diagnosis before their doctor because they may be able to bring together facts that they may have inadvertently forgotten to bring to their doctor's attention.
Doctors can only do based on what you tell them, so doing the research by yourself might answer a lot of questions in advance. Even if you feel as if you have to see a doctor, try doing some research at least you can have the proper questions prepared in advance while allowing the doctor to know what to look for.
Being your own doctor is a risky thing, but you can do it to certain lengths. Just remember that the Internet is not looking at you personally and that, while you can learn about what might be ailing you, a doctor's visit in person can make you feel a lot more comfortable as long as you have an idea what to look for in advance.
