Who Should Answer

[Barmaid]

A recent post in B&S has provoked a little controversy as to who should respond and what with.

The example is the OP asked what to expect from a prostate biopsy. He had 2 answers from personal experience and 2 with good informative links.

I think this is one of the joys of AB -people will genuinely try and help.

I dont have any strong views. I sometimes get irritated in Law when people give the wrong answer, but I am happy to correct it. Ultimately, people are just doing their best.

Your views please (vain attempt to prevent thread in B&S being swamped).......

[NoMercy]

If people have knowledge on a subject they absolutely should be able to share it without being criticised.

Many posters here have doled out relationship advice in B&S, but how many of them are Marriage Counsellors?

[dannyk13]

I think that medical questions can be answered from different viewpoints,the medical professional and the person/s who have had experience of the subject under discussion.

[Islay]

As long as your post is clear that you are not medically trained and that your 'experience' is gained by watching others or typing up their notes I don't have an issue with it!!

[Sqad]

Barmaid.....LOL....just the irony....my sense of humour......don't you see it?
Personal question by OP....2 personal answers and two by the internet (unless you feel that the Internet has has a Procotoscope up their anus!) and one of the answers from a woman.
Can't you see the irony?.........No?......never mind.

It was just my comment on ONE thread.........

[andy-hughes]

I have argued many times - usually on matters Islamic - that knowledge of the subject under discussion - or lack of it - does not and should not debar anyone from expressing a view, that is the spirit of debate which fuels the site.

Of course, people are then able to rebut and correct a post when appropriate, but high-handed versions, of 'You don't know what you are talking about - and I do ...' are not appropriate, and should be challenged at every opportunity.

People are entitled to give a view without being academic experts - how dull the site would be if that was all we ever got!

[EcclesCake]

Until the exclusivity clause is put before me to sign I will respond to any thread that I have a view point on.

[Islay]

But Eccles giving advice of what medication to take is very dangerous especially if not made clear that you are not trained!

[Mamyalynne]

I was under the impression the OP asked how a procedure worked that is what I answered - I doubt my link has contributed to the depersonalisation of Health questions so espoused by any with medical knowledge.

I am sure anyone wishing to add a more personalised reply could have done so without even referring to the replies that had gone before.

[Sqad]

Mamy...of course, of course, I am not disputing that, in fact the links to sites are becoming more prevalent on AB.
My point IS........the irony of that particular thread.

[NoMercy]

Mamya, the OP asked how the procedure worked and you kindly explained it. I've explained many times on here the protocol in certain situations and have certainly NEVER given advice on medication. I've simply explained normal protocol in such circumstances.

Don't let people put you off from posting in future.

[andy-hughes]

Sqad - //Mamy...of course, of course, I am not disputing that, in fact the links to sites are becoming more prevalent on AB. //

I see nothing wrong with a link if it gives additional information - it doesn't have to be all personal experience, or all links, the site seems to work without major argument, with both.

[Sqad]

NoM...you know quite well that what patients say and what patients mean, are quite often poles apart.
I know Henry....from the past and he is saying "I am going to have a prostate biopsy and what is it like?"
I just thought it was ...........well....forget it.

[EcclesCake]

I would be extremely cautious of recommending any type of oral medication as I know nothing of the individuals medical history.

I have in the past suggested various topical treatments for psoriasis but ultimately it is a case of trial and error as treatment is a very personal thing

[Sqad]

ANDY

"I see nothing wrong with a link if it gives additional information - it doesn't have to be all personal experience, or all links, the site seems to work without major argument, with both."

I AGREE.....it was just the irony of that thread that evoked my response......irony! funny! perhaps amusing!

[Mamyalynne]

I know the reasoning behind your responses Sqad, I rarely need them explaining - I didn't want Henry sat without a reply so offered something to explain and hoped some personal responses would come in - they did.

Then you popped up.

[NoMercy]

Ha ha, Sqad, I could tell you some funny stories.

It reminds me of the patient who died from a "myocardial infarct." His next of kin then told the rest of the family that he died from a "massive internal fart."

[Islay]

//NEVER given advice on medication//

//In view of his hypercalcaemia he should be switched to Fultium D3 800iu daily//
No?

[Sqad]

Mamy

"I didn't want Henry sat without a reply so offered something to explain and hoped some personal responses would come in - they did. "
I understand and respect that, but that is not the way that I see AB.
If one has something to say...then say it, but if one hasn't anything to contribute then don't rustle up a website so as not to allow the OPer to feel "lonely."
That is just my way of going about AB.

[Barmaid]

For what it is worth, I think everyone should be able to answer on any thread to which they feel able to contribute. I started this to stop Henry's thread getting derailed. (My father had a prostate biopsy in April and the worst was confirmed. He is now being treated for cancer so I had some understanding of the emotion that Henry or his family may be going thru).

I dont necessarily think it is ironic that a woman answered. I take the view that all useful information, whether from personal experience or not is just that - useful information.

I am in the priveleged position of being able to correct people in Law. But that's only because I do this stuff for a living. I wouldnt dream of commenting on legal threads in an area where I am not well versed and leave that to other more qualified posters. Even so I do consider that personal experiences add to the flavour of the thing.

Just musing. And clearly causing a thursday afternoon spat.........

[Sqad]

Barmaid......fair enough.
Can't see your objection.