Is it wise to ask strangers for medical advice, rather than your own physician?

[holliejames]

I have noticed the questions posted, and I am a bit puzzled if not alarmed. How many of us are actually doctors, qualified to give medical advice? What if someone acts on bad advice provided by strangers and suffers needlessly from it? If my point is lost, please excuse my Web- ignorance.

[boxtops]

Hollie, there are several people on here who are doctors and nurses experienced in different topics - but if you'd posted this in the health category, rather than insurance, you'd have seen a disclaimer that "advice given on here shouldn't be taken instead of seeking proper medical advice". Those who help do so from their own experience - it's still advisable to see your doctor if something is worrying you.

[mike11111]

In the meantime take 600 mg of Ibuprofen.

[Peter Pedant]

The General Medical Council is very interested in negligent internet advice given by their registered doctors.

of which I am not one

but you would have to show which doctor it is
and that then he had a duty of care towards you
both of which may be difficult

Bugsbunny or BigBoy are unlikely to say yeah I am a doctor and my GMC number is.....
Even the hearts would sink at Hallam Street if they had a letter [from you] beginning - there is a registered medical practitioner whose internet name is Big Boy who.....

Now much more interstingly
suppose someone said he was a doctor gave bad advice and wasnt ? wasnt a doctor that is

I think the judges might say bad luck stupid you for taking advice from a stranger.

[factor-fiction]

Answerbank contains (twice) the warning;:

Disclaimer: The information provided here should not replace the advice of a medical professional or be used for "definitive" diagnosis. If you are in need of medical attention please contact your GP or out-of-hours doctor, if you need help finding this information, please visit this page...

[Peter Pedant]

Does anyone out there, when they are given advice like:

Take st John's wort mixed with cat pee

actually go out and do it ?

I always thought it was checking advice they already had.

Mike I think your dose of Ibuprofen is a bit high

[Sqad]

Peter Pendant


\\\Mike I think your dose of Ibuprofen is a bit high\\\

No it isn't it is perfectly reasonable and acceptable.

[Baldric]

If the stranger can 'walk and talk' at the same time, you're in with a chance!
;o)

[mrs_overall]

As has been said, we have several members who are medics who give sound advice (especially where use of 600mg of Ibuprofen is involved)

There are also several members with specific medical conditions who are often better placed to give advice as "patient experts" than some of the medics

[sandyRoe]

I know St Johns wort can help relieve anxiety. Is it more efficacious when mixed with cats pee?

[tonyav]

Has mrs overowl say's, take myself for instance I have become an expert in A & E procedures lol.

[China Doll]

It's interesting to get opinions from other people the same way you would if you were chatting about your ailments with other people. I've had some interesting information regarding hip pain on here which I wouldn't have known about except that I got in to discussions with other people with hip problems. I think mostly it's common sense, it can be useful to discuss symptoms on the internet to get other peoples perspective and experiences but if you're particularly concerned then you go see your quack.

[Peter Pedant]

and for me let me reiterate that I am NOT on the list of
licensed and registered medical practitioners.


let alone that other thing they've thought up - revalidation


and as for St J W and catpee, I have to say I have never tried it.
Should I have ?

[Baldric]

Yes, take 600mgs at once!
;o)