I don't know enough

To everyone:

I have just been guilty of the very things which have driven many of you to this forum.  In reality, I know enough about a lot of things to really not know when I don't know something. (garbled, but true) I can't do enough reading and self-education to be reliably knowledgable when I answer questions here.  If you don't believe it see my interchange with "alchris" below.  I can't just "become" a Neurologist and, as interested as I am I can't handle the reading.

I don't know whether I should leave - as is my strong inclination (I suffer enough from depression and shattered self-esteem) or try to answer only those questions that I really do think I can help (but how can I know?)  or just press on answering as I can.  If I thought that my posts ever hurt someone or delayed their getting the right answers I couldn't live with myself.

I AM looking for your thoughts, but I am NOT asking for praise.  I feel just awful. quix

[nanner500sl]

below is a post I just put on one of your comments.  I have never posted anywhere until I came accross this site.   It eased my pain to read your and some of the other poster's comments. I just thought you should know that you helped me just giving what you could to the people you have tried to help.  I hope you find your answers and the comfort that you deserve.  

I logged on here for the first time on 5/10. I couldn't believe what I was reading. Thanks to you and some of the other posters, I felt comfortable in sharing my situation (posted 5/10). I never dreamed that I would become so ill and then have the doctors say they have no idea what is wrong. I also have unbearable vertigo(?). Sometimes just thinking about reading sends me for a loop! I am a successful business woman who now can't even think about doing the things I use to do not to mention the things I need to do. I hope you continue to help, console and just listen. Although it is sad to see soooo many people in various forms of pain, it is also comforting that there are people to share their pain with.

[worriedinalabama!]

knowbody knows everything Quix...  I sure don't... what I think we are all here for is the "possiblility" of someone having an Idea or a suggestion... you are knowledgeable, and we want to know your in-put. even if you are wrong, we won't mind, but maybe out of something you or sombody else says we can get to the bottom of our medical mysteries. PLEASE DON'T GO, we want to be your support system when you are feeling bad, and in return we want your support...
hope you feel better soon hun
dawn

[Quixotic1]

Thanks to both of you.  I took a nap and am over my maudlin self-doubt.  I am going to continue to answer what I can, but try to be very careful.  Quix

[alchris]

never stop offering advice we are all here for the same reason.  Goodness if our posting was taken otherwise my greatest apologies,  we are all seeking advice and offering the best we can.  

[chick1]

I have really enjoyed/appreciated your comments and thoughts.
You have taken a lot of time to give in-depth answers to many of my questions/concerns.
I would hate for you to stop posting, although I know you have been bombarded with requests for advice.
I know I can't speak for everyone, but I'm not expecting an expert opinion nor a definite diagnosis.(Although you do sound like you're on top of things)
It's just good to hear opinions and get a different insight on things.
Don't get all worked up about not answering every question......we all skip around and give comments on the things we can relate to.
Thanks again for your replies,
Mel

[economist]

Maybe you are a victim of your own success. From what I have seen from my brief time on this site people really appreciate what you do but the sheer number of questions and subject range can make it impossible to help everyone. I have appreciated your responses to my own questions but do not expect you to have all the answers. I first got ill because I couldn't say no to taking on more and more work. Now I realise that it is necessary to be selective and  that if you try to help everyone you will end up being able to help noone.

[catwolf]

Awwww, Quix, don't feel awful.  You're only human and you can only do so much.  You should be here because you want to be, not because you feel pressured.  No one should expect "reliable knowledge" from you because you're right, you're not a neurologist. AND, it is impossible to give someone "reliable advice" anyway because you cannot assess them in person, nor do you know their complete medical history.  Anyone who would expect you to be able to give a diagnosis online isn't being realistic.

I think you are being way too hard on yourself here.  You're being kind to people and helping them the best you can. How much you choose to do should be at a level which is comfortable for you, and if anyone pressures you to do more, than the problem is theirs, not yours.  Your health and emotional well-being comes first.  

Remember, you're here because you WANT to be, not because you HAVE to be.  

The greatest part of life is that there will always be something new to learn.  No one has all the answers, even when we want desperately to have them. Learn at your leisure because you desire to do so, not because you feel pressured to.

When you're feeling down, give me a holler.  I'm always good for a blonde joke or virtual hug.  

-Kat  

[AMO]

If you see this note, i just wanted to mention it has been wonderful reading your response.
A testoment to the person you arre, trying to help those who are confused and llooking for help.
And all in times when yourself you are not well.
god bless and be well
amo