Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.
Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.
Male
Colorado Springs - CO
Specialties: Dogs, cats, behavior therapy, horse care
Interests: cats, Dogs, animals, Medicine, Horses, history, hiking, colorado, motorcycles, back pain, Exercise, spine, fusion, degenerative disc disease
Male
Colorado Springs - CO
Specialties: Dogs, cats, behavior therapy, horse care
Interests: cats, Dogs, animals, Medicine, Horses, history, hiking, colorado, motorcycles, back pain, Exercise, spine, fusion, degenerative disc disease
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MORE People Turning To The Internet For Health Care Advice
Jul 16, 2009 01:17PM
- 25 comments
MORE People Turning To The Internet For Health Care Advice
Everyone in my family (both human and animal) has had some sort of serious medical condition or surgery. I began these cases with my COMPUTER! I was able to research and learn, get a base line of information, find specialists, highly specific and technical procedures and doctors, and even make appointments online. In many cases I knew more about my own medical issues than my Primary Care Physician who is frankly busy operating his practice. Two physicians, that I know of, are now referring cases like mine to doctors I researched and found on the net.
THIS is the changing face of Health Care for many people and it has been caused by the desk top access we all have to the most enormous body of information the world has ever know.
A survey by Pew Research Council shows 61% of American Adults look for online health information. JUST 9 years ago (2000) only 46% of Americans had internet access and only 25% looked online for health care information.
Economy:
In this bad economy audiences are not only turning to the internet more for information and entertainment, but also to traditional media like TV. In fact, TV viewership is UP! Several reasons; more people at home out of work, cheaper entertainment, a psychological get away from all the bad news etc.)
One Third of all internet users are on the net to get information about the economy specifically. 88% have used the internet to help them with personal economic issues!
Today the Internet ranks …. Get this… 3rd as the media of choice behind TV and Print. Households with broadband access, the net ties for 2nd place with print! Amazing. As you know newspapers are dropping like flies, but those that will survive are going to a virtual edition (like the Houston Chronicle) as they see the handwriting on the wall. Paper and Ink will be a thing of the past some day.
Back to health care:
There is a growing number of "E-Patients" that are not only reading information about health, but interacting as well. Whether that be in a forum or a face-to-face conversation about what they learned online they are learning and sharing health care information.
Probably as it should be the social sites like Facebook and Twitter are not popular places for health care information. But those sites rich in information (like MedHelp) are more popular than ever!
This communication change is happening whether through the spread of wireless devices or generational shifts. Wireless connections also cause more social media interaction and almost instantaneously. People with mobile internet access are more likely to contribute their comments to online discussions about health and health care. And of course there is an explosion of these devices.
People between the ages of 18 to 49 are more likely than older adults (wow I fall into this category and that is depressing) to participate in social technologies related to health. As younger folks face more health care questions and challenges (like insurance and the use of new technologies), they are more likely to use these wireless devices to get help.
Nothing can fully substitute for a face to face with your doctor or veterinarian. Real human experts are vital to the health-search and decision-making process. Our tradition of asking a health professional, a trusted friend, or a wise family member will always be a part of good health - but the Internet is now a central source of hopefully good information for decision making.
Veterinary Medicine:
Of course, while this research was done in human health, I'm sure it closely parallels veterinary medical care. From veterinary hospital web sites, to email newsletters, from social pages to our forums and blogs, we veterinarians and pet lovers need to be at the leading edge of this quantum shift in the world of media communications.
The Veterinary News Network (MyVNN.com) researches, writes, produces and delivers great animal health stories to over 400 veterinarians in the US and Canada. These are then customized by the veterinary expert reporter and delivered in various forums of traditional and "new" media.
PetDocsOnCall.com veterinarians ALL come from this organization and understand this changing need to communicate and educate in our forums. We are still finding our way here and learning this forum, but we do want to help you.
I hope you will take advantage of the talent we have in the Ask A Veterinary section. And we all hope your pets bring you such joy and comfort. I know I cannot imagine life without pets.
Everyone in my family (both human and animal) has had some sort of serious medical condition or surgery. I began these cases with my COMPUTER! I was able to research and learn, get a base line of information, find specialists, highly specific and technical procedures and doctors, and even make appointments online. In many cases I knew more about my own medical issues than my Primary Care Physician who is frankly busy operating his practice. Two physicians, that I know of, are now referring cases like mine to doctors I researched and found on the net.
THIS is the changing face of Health Care for many people and it has been caused by the desk top access we all have to the most enormous body of information the world has ever know.
A survey by Pew Research Council shows 61% of American Adults look for online health information. JUST 9 years ago (2000) only 46% of Americans had internet access and only 25% looked online for health care information.
Economy:
In this bad economy audiences are not only turning to the internet more for information and entertainment, but also to traditional media like TV. In fact, TV viewership is UP! Several reasons; more people at home out of work, cheaper entertainment, a psychological get away from all the bad news etc.)
One Third of all internet users are on the net to get information about the economy specifically. 88% have used the internet to help them with personal economic issues!
Today the Internet ranks …. Get this… 3rd as the media of choice behind TV and Print. Households with broadband access, the net ties for 2nd place with print! Amazing. As you know newspapers are dropping like flies, but those that will survive are going to a virtual edition (like the Houston Chronicle) as they see the handwriting on the wall. Paper and Ink will be a thing of the past some day.
Back to health care:
There is a growing number of "E-Patients" that are not only reading information about health, but interacting as well. Whether that be in a forum or a face-to-face conversation about what they learned online they are learning and sharing health care information.
Probably as it should be the social sites like Facebook and Twitter are not popular places for health care information. But those sites rich in information (like MedHelp) are more popular than ever!
This communication change is happening whether through the spread of wireless devices or generational shifts. Wireless connections also cause more social media interaction and almost instantaneously. People with mobile internet access are more likely to contribute their comments to online discussions about health and health care. And of course there is an explosion of these devices.
People between the ages of 18 to 49 are more likely than older adults (wow I fall into this category and that is depressing) to participate in social technologies related to health. As younger folks face more health care questions and challenges (like insurance and the use of new technologies), they are more likely to use these wireless devices to get help.
Nothing can fully substitute for a face to face with your doctor or veterinarian. Real human experts are vital to the health-search and decision-making process. Our tradition of asking a health professional, a trusted friend, or a wise family member will always be a part of good health - but the Internet is now a central source of hopefully good information for decision making.
Veterinary Medicine:
Of course, while this research was done in human health, I'm sure it closely parallels veterinary medical care. From veterinary hospital web sites, to email newsletters, from social pages to our forums and blogs, we veterinarians and pet lovers need to be at the leading edge of this quantum shift in the world of media communications.
The Veterinary News Network (MyVNN.com) researches, writes, produces and delivers great animal health stories to over 400 veterinarians in the US and Canada. These are then customized by the veterinary expert reporter and delivered in various forums of traditional and "new" media.
PetDocsOnCall.com veterinarians ALL come from this organization and understand this changing need to communicate and educate in our forums. We are still finding our way here and learning this forum, but we do want to help you.
I hope you will take advantage of the talent we have in the Ask A Veterinary section. And we all hope your pets bring you such joy and comfort. I know I cannot imagine life without pets.
A lot of people also seem to call and ask questions at the pet store I work at and only then will they actually end up going to a vet after we tell them time and time again.
Since here in Canada most of our health care is paid for, the veterinary care for your animals seem very expensive (not bad though when you break everything down and compare to human medicine).
$800 for a canine dental that involves pulling 2-4 teeth (took 1 1/2 hours to complete)
$2000 before insurance for 30 minutes to pull my 4 wisdom teeth (under anestetic)
Since here in Canada most of our health care is paid for, the veterinary care for your animals seem very expensive (not bad though when you break everything down and compare to human medicine).
$800 for a canine dental that involves pulling 2-4 teeth (took 1 1/2 hours to complete)
$2000 before insurance for 30 minutes to pull my 4 wisdom teeth (under anestetic)
The good thing about the internet is it does give a wide picture, gives ideas, and information-sharing, and is very useful for people who don't live near towns or cities too, and find 'dropping in at the doctor's' difficult (If they have a high fever and some pain for example, they can then check that out and decide if it's bad enough to call the emergency helicopter out!)
The internet.....the information SuperHighway....is a fantastic educational tool, and communication tool. It is amazing that at the click of a mouse, we can talk to someone thousands of miles away, in real-time, who may just give us encouragement to seek help if it is needed. It helps to 'talk things through' and not everyone has friends or family they can discuss certain issues with.
The only problem I think is the fact that anyone can write about anything, whether they are expert or not, they can open a site to sell a product, for example, and give bad information, or that product may not be what the consumer thinks it is. (re: buying drugs online) So we have to be very discriminating.
Also we must be careful not to get too waylaid on the internet. It's no good, for example, waiting, biting our nails with worry over a child or pet who is ill, for someone to respond to our last post, that "call for help and advice" Better to just get real, get in the car, and go to the doctor's or vet right away, as the people with advice will probably suggest doing that anyway.
The internet.....the information SuperHighway....is a fantastic educational tool, and communication tool. It is amazing that at the click of a mouse, we can talk to someone thousands of miles away, in real-time, who may just give us encouragement to seek help if it is needed. It helps to 'talk things through' and not everyone has friends or family they can discuss certain issues with.
The only problem I think is the fact that anyone can write about anything, whether they are expert or not, they can open a site to sell a product, for example, and give bad information, or that product may not be what the consumer thinks it is. (re: buying drugs online) So we have to be very discriminating.
Also we must be careful not to get too waylaid on the internet. It's no good, for example, waiting, biting our nails with worry over a child or pet who is ill, for someone to respond to our last post, that "call for help and advice" Better to just get real, get in the car, and go to the doctor's or vet right away, as the people with advice will probably suggest doing that anyway.
to ginger899 - except when you hate doctors and the problem is only annoying .... A mild cough and chest tightness, mainly in morning that had been going on for 5 months, but still only mild. The only reason I ended up going is because all my searchs ended up with asthma or post nasal drip being the most likely causes.
On the other hand, anything that I don't think I know what to do a 100% for my cats I have taken them to the vet's. They also eat and live a lot healthier than I do, hehe.
On the other hand, anything that I don't think I know what to do a 100% for my cats I have taken them to the vet's. They also eat and live a lot healthier than I do, hehe.
I just found this site and you are right, this sight is rich in information. I can not get in to see my PCP until next week for a follow up from a ER visit (July 9), which I was advised to be seen 1-2 days. They had a DR to leave the practice and the others in the office are doubled up.
I went to the hospital to get my records from the ER visit. Since there were things on the records that I was curious about and can't get into see my DR I began searching the internet.
I went to the hospital to get my records from the ER visit. Since there were things on the records that I was curious about and can't get into see my DR I began searching the internet.
It's sad that the heath care practioners are not looking at patients that have done research on the internet in a better light though.
So many decide to take on their condition and "learn" about it but, when at their doctors - they find that the doctor is less likely to listen.
I find this very hard to swollow. I had no choice but to search on my own for a long time. If you added up my time I spent - I could hold a masters degree on certain things.
But when I went to my previous doctors wanting to communicate with them, they looked at me like I was a crack pot on the internet.
I don't regret one minute that I spent online. I feel better now than I ever did. - and I thank God I found a doctor willing to look at what I learned and work with me too.
So many decide to take on their condition and "learn" about it but, when at their doctors - they find that the doctor is less likely to listen.
I find this very hard to swollow. I had no choice but to search on my own for a long time. If you added up my time I spent - I could hold a masters degree on certain things.
But when I went to my previous doctors wanting to communicate with them, they looked at me like I was a crack pot on the internet.
I don't regret one minute that I spent online. I feel better now than I ever did. - and I thank God I found a doctor willing to look at what I learned and work with me too.
I educated myself on my cat's diabetes through the internet and need much less help from my vet than I used to, saving my cat stressful car trips and saving me money. I'm also probably promoting her health, since I see her daily and can observe her behavior, test her blood sugar, and make small adjustments. The web can help patients and doctors become more collaborative rather than a client-service operation, with the result being lower costs and better care. Knowledge is power.
You are all so right. I remember about a year ago I was having two sets of unexplainable symptoms. My PCP said "I'll take this on as a challenge and we'll get you a Dx". He sent me for an overnight sleep study (polysomnogram). They DX me with mild to moderate sleep apnea (even though I don't meet the general profile). However, the sleep SPECIALIST (Board Certified) did not have answers to my questions for correction. I jumped on MedHelp and found Dr. Steven Park. He answered my questions, sent articles and was extremely helpful. That so surprised me.
In the second set of issues, PCP thought it was an endocrine issue. I simply found my own endocrinologist, did my background study and set up the appointment. The Doctor himself was knowledgeable, but had an annoying habit of talking over me when I would begin to point out certian important points that would have helped him narrow the tests needed etc. But I thought - okay. When his PA came in the room I was able to "get a word in edgewise", but to my amazement she did not know a single point of the biochemistry of the endocrine issue we were discussing. I was frankly stunned. She was also and asked me "What Do You Do??" I said I was a veterinarian and her response was OH, and here's your dismissal form.
I could tell you at least 20 other such stories with my mother, my father-in-law who was completely mis-treated for cancer for an entire year and of course then it became overwhelming etc.
Now, before I head to a doctor, I have researched almost every aspect of my suspected condition and the doctor themselves (background, hospital, checked for complaints etc) In this day and age WE must be in control of our health care as well as live as healthy a lifestyle as we possible can.
Knowledge IS power, and health, and savings, and empowering, and perhaps life saving. Knowledge can also be threatening to professionals who are used to giving their "run-down" to patients and then exiting stage right.
This is also true with some veterinarians. And I'm sure dentists, chiropractors etc. So the key is to find a professional that ENJOYS your knowledge and does not feel threatened by your medical understanding and WORKS WITH you to find answers. I know many veterinarians like that. We have them here in our group. But I know plenty that are not so welcoming of this type of client.
So it is up to you (us) patients and pet owners, to find the type of professional that will communicate and embrace a clientele and patient load that is knowledgeable and involved.
(A Perfect Example) When I had spine surgery 3 years ago, I took 6 months of study and research and interviewed 5 surgeons (all over the country) before I decided on one. Two of them were actually arrogant and dismissive of me as a patient. One was indifferent and did things the "Old School" way.
Two of them actually enjoyed the challenge of my understanding of the condition and we even took time to discuss "comparative anatomy" between humans and animals. The surgeon I choose spent 90 minutes with me on my first consult (probably why he always runs late) but was... as we say "INTO IT". When I asked to see the special instrument he invented for the surgery he literally ran down the hallway to get it out of his office to show me and was excited to describe how it was all done. HE WON THE JOB! Surgrey was done, hospital team kept me out of pain, recovery was fast, I am healed (from that problem) today.
I think he is the best in the country and is only ONE Hour from my home. Guess what....I FOUND HIM ON THE INTERNET!! I think that is what we are all looking for.
ALL That said, you want to make sure that what you are spouting in the exam room is correct. As soon as you head off in a line of thinking that is 'far afield", the doc will end the session. Most will work with you if you are common sensical in your approach to the condition, but many will not enjoy someone that "feels like they know it all", OR who are off on a crazy or wrong direction and won't listen to what is right and true. Just keep that in mind.
That is why it is so important to invest your research time with valid info like you'll find here at MedHelp.
If you are here, you are in the right place. I know all my veterinarians in this forum are here to help you like that!
In the second set of issues, PCP thought it was an endocrine issue. I simply found my own endocrinologist, did my background study and set up the appointment. The Doctor himself was knowledgeable, but had an annoying habit of talking over me when I would begin to point out certian important points that would have helped him narrow the tests needed etc. But I thought - okay. When his PA came in the room I was able to "get a word in edgewise", but to my amazement she did not know a single point of the biochemistry of the endocrine issue we were discussing. I was frankly stunned. She was also and asked me "What Do You Do??" I said I was a veterinarian and her response was OH, and here's your dismissal form.
I could tell you at least 20 other such stories with my mother, my father-in-law who was completely mis-treated for cancer for an entire year and of course then it became overwhelming etc.
Now, before I head to a doctor, I have researched almost every aspect of my suspected condition and the doctor themselves (background, hospital, checked for complaints etc) In this day and age WE must be in control of our health care as well as live as healthy a lifestyle as we possible can.
Knowledge IS power, and health, and savings, and empowering, and perhaps life saving. Knowledge can also be threatening to professionals who are used to giving their "run-down" to patients and then exiting stage right.
This is also true with some veterinarians. And I'm sure dentists, chiropractors etc. So the key is to find a professional that ENJOYS your knowledge and does not feel threatened by your medical understanding and WORKS WITH you to find answers. I know many veterinarians like that. We have them here in our group. But I know plenty that are not so welcoming of this type of client.
So it is up to you (us) patients and pet owners, to find the type of professional that will communicate and embrace a clientele and patient load that is knowledgeable and involved.
(A Perfect Example) When I had spine surgery 3 years ago, I took 6 months of study and research and interviewed 5 surgeons (all over the country) before I decided on one. Two of them were actually arrogant and dismissive of me as a patient. One was indifferent and did things the "Old School" way.
Two of them actually enjoyed the challenge of my understanding of the condition and we even took time to discuss "comparative anatomy" between humans and animals. The surgeon I choose spent 90 minutes with me on my first consult (probably why he always runs late) but was... as we say "INTO IT". When I asked to see the special instrument he invented for the surgery he literally ran down the hallway to get it out of his office to show me and was excited to describe how it was all done. HE WON THE JOB! Surgrey was done, hospital team kept me out of pain, recovery was fast, I am healed (from that problem) today.
I think he is the best in the country and is only ONE Hour from my home. Guess what....I FOUND HIM ON THE INTERNET!! I think that is what we are all looking for.
ALL That said, you want to make sure that what you are spouting in the exam room is correct. As soon as you head off in a line of thinking that is 'far afield", the doc will end the session. Most will work with you if you are common sensical in your approach to the condition, but many will not enjoy someone that "feels like they know it all", OR who are off on a crazy or wrong direction and won't listen to what is right and true. Just keep that in mind.
That is why it is so important to invest your research time with valid info like you'll find here at MedHelp.
If you are here, you are in the right place. I know all my veterinarians in this forum are here to help you like that!
I have posted my plight on here and I have not gotten any answers. How do you get doctors to answer your post?
debra
sweeteee
debra
sweeteee
you need to post in the Ask An Expert sections to get answers from doctors. The communities is for member discussions.
To Tammy2009,
I'm not a doctor, so could be wrong, but your early morning chest tightness and cough could be caused by allergies? I'd make sure your sleeping-space was clear of all dust or dust-mites. Vacuum your mattress daily with a vacuum cleaner that is powerful enough for allergy sufferers. Change sheets etc regularly as possible (every day if you can) Is your pillow a feather pillow? Get the duvets dry-cleaned regularly but before using them hang them hours in the fresh air. That's all hard work I know, but it might make a difference? Do you have enough fresh air circulating while you sleep at night? Do you eat certain things, or drink alcohol just before sleeping? You could try not doing and see if it makes any difference.
Alternatively, be brave and go see the doc. Make sure your heart is A-OK. It probably is, but no harm in checking.
I hate going to the doc. too. I only go when I think I'm dying :-/ silly me!
To Jim Humphries,
Yes, I think one of the skills as a doctor (or a vet) is to have the grace to LISTEN to what the patient says. Let them talk. Listen it out. They are telling the practitioner vital clues. You obviously met up with some who didn't want to listen. Some professionals are very arrogant, and dismiss a person without listening. It's not a competition to see who knows most. It's an investigation to find healing. Silly them!
I'm not a doctor, so could be wrong, but your early morning chest tightness and cough could be caused by allergies? I'd make sure your sleeping-space was clear of all dust or dust-mites. Vacuum your mattress daily with a vacuum cleaner that is powerful enough for allergy sufferers. Change sheets etc regularly as possible (every day if you can) Is your pillow a feather pillow? Get the duvets dry-cleaned regularly but before using them hang them hours in the fresh air. That's all hard work I know, but it might make a difference? Do you have enough fresh air circulating while you sleep at night? Do you eat certain things, or drink alcohol just before sleeping? You could try not doing and see if it makes any difference.
Alternatively, be brave and go see the doc. Make sure your heart is A-OK. It probably is, but no harm in checking.
I hate going to the doc. too. I only go when I think I'm dying :-/ silly me!
To Jim Humphries,
Yes, I think one of the skills as a doctor (or a vet) is to have the grace to LISTEN to what the patient says. Let them talk. Listen it out. They are telling the practitioner vital clues. You obviously met up with some who didn't want to listen. Some professionals are very arrogant, and dismiss a person without listening. It's not a competition to see who knows most. It's an investigation to find healing. Silly them!
The last few drs I have seen are so arrogant and so rude and treated me as if "I didn't even know my ABC's so what could I know about a medical condition". Dismissed me as if I were totally stupid. I know I don't have MD behind my name, but I am first and foremost a human being, just like they are.
I just hate to go to drs because of their treatment, before they even get to your problem....
The way I see it, they don't have enough time when they are in college to really know all the ins and outs of all the various diseases out there.So, we here sitting behind our computers have a big incentive to learn all we can about something we thing is wrong.
Therefore, We just might know a bit more on the subject than they do.
I just hate to go to drs because of their treatment, before they even get to your problem....
The way I see it, they don't have enough time when they are in college to really know all the ins and outs of all the various diseases out there.So, we here sitting behind our computers have a big incentive to learn all we can about something we thing is wrong.
Therefore, We just might know a bit more on the subject than they do.
don't mean that to sound arrogant, but think about it....if you believe you have say....like me thyroid disease...I am going to pour over it, and put in more hours than the average doc has time to. therefore, I am going to know at least a little bit about it, so don't act I don't know my head from a hole in the ground.....
bet you would never guess this has frustrated me just a bit, would you?
bet you would never guess this has frustrated me just a bit, would you?
Peggy, I know exactly what you are talking about. EG. My wife noticed that at just 49 she had unusual osteoperosis. A few years back she was in the ER with kidney stones. The follow up urologist said she was pouring lots of Ca in her urine, but just be sure to drink a lot of water. We began to study and decided her symptoms were indicative of a Parathyroid tumor (ademona). She was showing the exact symptoms of hyperparathyroidism, but fell into a more unusual category, but we were convinced. THREE doctors and one endocrinologist did not believe we were correct and sent her for a consult to get put on Boniva or some other osteoperosis drug. We knew were were right. The endocrinologist we were seeing did not even think a sestamibi scan was needed!! (and I thought it clearly was needed) WE Finally (AGAIN ON THE INTERNET), found a professor of endocrinology at UCLA that ordered specialized tests and a sestamibi scan remotely from UCLA to here in Colorado.
Guess what? She had a parathyroid adenoma on her left inferior parathyroid gland. Three doctors would not could not see what we had seen with simple study on the internet.
From the Great Doctor at UCLA (Dr. Yeh) "Yeah", we got a referral to a surgeon that would do a minimally invasive surgery. Tumor removed, blood Ca's back to normal and building bone. The osteoperosis meds would have been the EXACT OPPOSITE wrong thing to do. Amazing.
WE MUST TAKE COMMAND AND CONTROL OF OUR HEALTH CARE. AND THE INTERNET IS AN AMAZING TOOL TO ALLOW US TO DO THAT.
You go girl!!
Guess what? She had a parathyroid adenoma on her left inferior parathyroid gland. Three doctors would not could not see what we had seen with simple study on the internet.
From the Great Doctor at UCLA (Dr. Yeh) "Yeah", we got a referral to a surgeon that would do a minimally invasive surgery. Tumor removed, blood Ca's back to normal and building bone. The osteoperosis meds would have been the EXACT OPPOSITE wrong thing to do. Amazing.
WE MUST TAKE COMMAND AND CONTROL OF OUR HEALTH CARE. AND THE INTERNET IS AN AMAZING TOOL TO ALLOW US TO DO THAT.
You go girl!!
One more comment Peggy and all others..... Patient to Patient I feel I can be very open and honest with my feelings about this topic and about these doctors. But as your veterinarian or advisor in this forum, I would have to speak or consult a bit differently. Why?? State Practice Acts, State Board of Examiners, and lawyers! We have to shift into that Doctor Client/Patient relationship and believe it or not that is defined by law.
So, while I still believe we should all find professionals with which we can communicate, who will listen and be human and caring, we are all still governed by the law of the State in which we practice. It is an important consideration.
Even knowing this, I still only use professionals that are REAL, LISTEN, COMMUNICATE AND ARE HUMAN in their approach to my case.
So, while I still believe we should all find professionals with which we can communicate, who will listen and be human and caring, we are all still governed by the law of the State in which we practice. It is an important consideration.
Even knowing this, I still only use professionals that are REAL, LISTEN, COMMUNICATE AND ARE HUMAN in their approach to my case.
Doc, that was great work!! and see you and your wife diagnosed it, not her dr. And then to top it off, her dr would not even listen to you. That is exactly what I am talking about. Drs seem to have this attitude that they know it all. Problem with that, is, no one knows it all.
"Lets just humor the stupid little patients, we will prove them wrong...
Well what do you know???!!! they were right all along."
"Lets just humor the stupid little patients, we will prove them wrong...
Well what do you know???!!! they were right all along."
I've learnt a lot about health and medical problems from my sister's pet dog - boy are pets expensive! (Worth every dollar spent though.)
One resource which I have used many times is PubMed. A quick google search will get you to it. Anyway, every scientific article arising from research which is in whole or part funded by the US government must be accessible to the public. That covers a humungous chunk of medical research. Other articles, which are also on PubMed, may or may not be available for free. What PubMed gives though is a way of getting hold of review papers for a given condition, a new medication, etc. Review papers are systematic reviews of the research on the given topic eg: "Treatment of neuropathic pain with anticonvulsants". As such, they are a quick way of getting up to speed on the topic of interest. It does take practice to learn how to read scientific literature though, so use of PubMed is probably best for those who have already gained some knowledge from other sources first.
In my own case I found out the fine detail concerning surgery I had a bit more than a decade ago - my surgeon had published an article which made its way into the PubMed database. That's pretty cool I reckon.
OtisDaMan: knowledge is power.
One resource which I have used many times is PubMed. A quick google search will get you to it. Anyway, every scientific article arising from research which is in whole or part funded by the US government must be accessible to the public. That covers a humungous chunk of medical research. Other articles, which are also on PubMed, may or may not be available for free. What PubMed gives though is a way of getting hold of review papers for a given condition, a new medication, etc. Review papers are systematic reviews of the research on the given topic eg: "Treatment of neuropathic pain with anticonvulsants". As such, they are a quick way of getting up to speed on the topic of interest. It does take practice to learn how to read scientific literature though, so use of PubMed is probably best for those who have already gained some knowledge from other sources first.
In my own case I found out the fine detail concerning surgery I had a bit more than a decade ago - my surgeon had published an article which made its way into the PubMed database. That's pretty cool I reckon.
OtisDaMan: knowledge is power.
Dr Humphrines,
I have also spoke with Dr. Park many times and he is a wonderful asset here at MedHelp. He is a front runner of changing the way doctors view internet advice.
He is more than willing to offer suggestions, but also cares enough about the medical field to always suggest bringing the information to the patients doctor and not act on anything.
He is so knowledgable about many things than just sleep disorders. I value him and his opinions, more than some of my previous doctors.
I have also spoke with Dr. Park many times and he is a wonderful asset here at MedHelp. He is a front runner of changing the way doctors view internet advice.
He is more than willing to offer suggestions, but also cares enough about the medical field to always suggest bringing the information to the patients doctor and not act on anything.
He is so knowledgable about many things than just sleep disorders. I value him and his opinions, more than some of my previous doctors.
Like Peggy64, I have thyroid issues and I've had the same experience with my PCP as some of the other posters, i.e. refuses to listen, thinks I'm a crackpot/hyponchondriac. If I bring up anything I learned on the internet, he terminates the visit almost immediately.
I also feel like I may have blood sugar issues (as in insulin resistance), along with my thyroid problems, so I bought a small glucometer from the drugstore and began checking my blood sugar levels, first thing in the am. On most days, my fasting blood sugar was over the limit of 100; however, when I attempted to present the information I had collected (my fasting blood sugar levels taken daily for approx 6 weeks), my pcp simply looked at me and said "those machines are so inaccurate, they shouldn't even be sold. There's NOTHING wrong with you" and left the room. Yes, he actually turned away from me when I attempted to get him to look at the information I had tracked, including blood sugar levels, symptoms, etc. And THAT information didn't even come from the internet, it came from MY body.
In addition, I was just recently denied a lab order needed to check calcium and vit D levels, in spite of the fact that I have had osteopenia for several years and have many of the symptoms of vit D deficiency.
It is so very refreshing to see some doctors, here on MH, that are willing to look at, and treat, according to symptoms and not just the lab numbers, whose reference ranges are sometimes outdated anyway. I do understand the legalities that govern doctors; however, whatever happened to decent bedside manners??
I can honestly say that I have never spent more than 10 minutes in the examining room with my pcp, except for when he was removing a small mole from my leg - and that might have taken 15 min. To actually have a doctor sit down to talk and more importantly, LISTEN to my problems and concerns, it almost incomprehensible to me - wow, I wouldn't know how to react if one were willing to spend 90 whole minutes with me........
The biggest question *I* have is: "now that some of you, like you, Dr Humphries, Dr Park and some others are willing to treat patients based on symptoms, listen to patients regarding the patient's research, go above and beyond what might be expected, etc ---- how can other doctors - the ones that the majority of us must deal with - be brought around to the knowledge that they don't know everything there is to know and that no one knows our bodies as well as we, the patients, do?" Maybe they could learn something from their patients.
As I said, I do have thyroid issues and still a lot of symptoms. I know there are other medical issues that can have similar symptoms, so I don't know if I'm dealing with another issue or if it's all thyroid related. How can I find out when my doctor won't let me get tested for much of anything other than thyroid levels?? Or if they do agree to run a test, it's ordered incorrectly (such as cortisol)? Then consider me a hypochondriac when I don't feel as good as they think I should feel???
I also feel like I may have blood sugar issues (as in insulin resistance), along with my thyroid problems, so I bought a small glucometer from the drugstore and began checking my blood sugar levels, first thing in the am. On most days, my fasting blood sugar was over the limit of 100; however, when I attempted to present the information I had collected (my fasting blood sugar levels taken daily for approx 6 weeks), my pcp simply looked at me and said "those machines are so inaccurate, they shouldn't even be sold. There's NOTHING wrong with you" and left the room. Yes, he actually turned away from me when I attempted to get him to look at the information I had tracked, including blood sugar levels, symptoms, etc. And THAT information didn't even come from the internet, it came from MY body.
In addition, I was just recently denied a lab order needed to check calcium and vit D levels, in spite of the fact that I have had osteopenia for several years and have many of the symptoms of vit D deficiency.
It is so very refreshing to see some doctors, here on MH, that are willing to look at, and treat, according to symptoms and not just the lab numbers, whose reference ranges are sometimes outdated anyway. I do understand the legalities that govern doctors; however, whatever happened to decent bedside manners??
I can honestly say that I have never spent more than 10 minutes in the examining room with my pcp, except for when he was removing a small mole from my leg - and that might have taken 15 min. To actually have a doctor sit down to talk and more importantly, LISTEN to my problems and concerns, it almost incomprehensible to me - wow, I wouldn't know how to react if one were willing to spend 90 whole minutes with me........
The biggest question *I* have is: "now that some of you, like you, Dr Humphries, Dr Park and some others are willing to treat patients based on symptoms, listen to patients regarding the patient's research, go above and beyond what might be expected, etc ---- how can other doctors - the ones that the majority of us must deal with - be brought around to the knowledge that they don't know everything there is to know and that no one knows our bodies as well as we, the patients, do?" Maybe they could learn something from their patients.
As I said, I do have thyroid issues and still a lot of symptoms. I know there are other medical issues that can have similar symptoms, so I don't know if I'm dealing with another issue or if it's all thyroid related. How can I find out when my doctor won't let me get tested for much of anything other than thyroid levels?? Or if they do agree to run a test, it's ordered incorrectly (such as cortisol)? Then consider me a hypochondriac when I don't feel as good as they think I should feel???
Now that I am finally using our university health centre, I finally know now there are good doctors out there so it is not a hassle to go see a doctor (which is good because I get to go once a week for allergy shots now). My first appointment took 30 minutes because she was trying to nail down why I still had a cough after 5 months (many things could cause it) and it was not rushed at all.
I had to ask another doctor before an allergy shot some questions because I found out I had a family history of osterporesis and I am thin, small, live in alberta where with little sunlight in the winter and now I am on a good dose of steroids for reactive airways. We talked for close to 15 minutes on how I could minimize the risk of it developing both with and without caclium/vitamin D supplementation. And the appointment is normally 2 minutes max just to know if I reacted to the previous allergy shot.
I think it comes down to be willing to search for doctors that you like and trust with your health. Although I do admit I don't tell them that I found out anything on the internet, (minus my vet which I bug about what is good food and not everytime I see him)!!
And even at this point I still am looking for a doctor I trust to fix my jaw when I get different insurance. The downside of canada, is a lot of the doctors don't have websites or anything to look at their values without phoning and getting an appointment which I feel bad about taking up time.
I had to ask another doctor before an allergy shot some questions because I found out I had a family history of osterporesis and I am thin, small, live in alberta where with little sunlight in the winter and now I am on a good dose of steroids for reactive airways. We talked for close to 15 minutes on how I could minimize the risk of it developing both with and without caclium/vitamin D supplementation. And the appointment is normally 2 minutes max just to know if I reacted to the previous allergy shot.
I think it comes down to be willing to search for doctors that you like and trust with your health. Although I do admit I don't tell them that I found out anything on the internet, (minus my vet which I bug about what is good food and not everytime I see him)!!
And even at this point I still am looking for a doctor I trust to fix my jaw when I get different insurance. The downside of canada, is a lot of the doctors don't have websites or anything to look at their values without phoning and getting an appointment which I feel bad about taking up time.
An educated patient is one who will take responsibility for their own health.
My interesting story is appendicitis for 3 months, before they agreed to do exploratory surgery (at 3 months pregnant) to see if they could find why I was having pain. I diagnosed myself on the internet soon after it started, as I couldn't see anything else it could be - and appendicitis in pregnancy is atypical. It really was atypical - but typically so - I could find all of my symptoms, signs and lab findings easily without extensive searching. I was so relieved when it actually turned out to be appendicits! Proved me right!
But the head gastro dr. who I saw the week before the pain got so bad I could no longer walk (and insisted they admit me and find out what was wrong). Didn't examine me, patted me on the head (figuratively) and told me pregnant women often have tummy pain. And I should come back and see him (in 6 months) if I still had pain after the delivery....
My interesting story is appendicitis for 3 months, before they agreed to do exploratory surgery (at 3 months pregnant) to see if they could find why I was having pain. I diagnosed myself on the internet soon after it started, as I couldn't see anything else it could be - and appendicitis in pregnancy is atypical. It really was atypical - but typically so - I could find all of my symptoms, signs and lab findings easily without extensive searching. I was so relieved when it actually turned out to be appendicits! Proved me right!
But the head gastro dr. who I saw the week before the pain got so bad I could no longer walk (and insisted they admit me and find out what was wrong). Didn't examine me, patted me on the head (figuratively) and told me pregnant women often have tummy pain. And I should come back and see him (in 6 months) if I still had pain after the delivery....
Super_sally888, it is a good thing you did not listen to the dr. You could have developed real consequences.
There is some college course they teach drs on being arrogant and condescending. I wish they would cancel that class.
People have to much access to health information, and have a big incentive to find out what is wrong with them, so the drs better lower their ego, and listen.
No one can know everything.
There is some college course they teach drs on being arrogant and condescending. I wish they would cancel that class.
People have to much access to health information, and have a big incentive to find out what is wrong with them, so the drs better lower their ego, and listen.
No one can know everything.
Without the internet and a Yahoo group dedicated to cats with kidney disease, I would not have known to ask our Annie-Cat's vet if she would sell me sub-q fluids to administer to Annie at home. The vet was surprised, because we lived in a rural mountain area where dogs were overwhelmingly the choice for pets, and locals really didn't much go for "extraordinary" (read "expensive or time consuming") measures for any pets. The vet was amenable, but her supplies were sparse and often she would only be able to sell me one needle to go along with one 10-treatment bag of fluid. But through internet contacts with other kidney cat caregivers, I was able to find sources to order needles by the box -- and know enough to use a fresh new needle every treatment (!) as well as find diagrams, detailed instructions, and much other guidance on how to perform the procedure. I learned how to make the daily treatments a very pleasant and agreeable time for "Bad Ass Annie," who the vet can't touch without gassing her unconscious first. We were also able to provide chemotherapy and an additional year of life to our other cat who had Stage V Multicentric Lymphoma (with a lot of travel) because an internet group dedicated to feline lymphoma gave me the knowledge base to manage and coordinate this very complicated type of treatment. And then of course there is the emotional support from all the people who are going through the exact same thing -- that is priceless.
I agree with Peggy - they need to cancel the class that teaches doctors how to be arrogant and condescending and ADD one that teaches compassion and good beside manner......... I must add - our vet was much more supportive and sympathetic when our dog recently had to be put to sleep from old age, than OUR medical doctors have EVER been to my husband or myself.
I can certainly understand a doctor refusing to run expensive procedures that are clearly not called for - like if I demanded a scan of my brain when I have no symptoms or indication of a problem, but simply because I want to know what's in there (I might be surprised, huh?)........ but to refuse simple inexpensive blood tests or something that IS indicated by symptoms, other known conditions and other blood work - is just plain wrong!!!!!!! As is being so offended when we go armed with information. They don't know it all - in fact, MY pcp even SAID that he "had *recently* learned that not all people do well on synthroid"............duh.........doesn't he know that everyone is different and reactions to meds can vary from person to person? AND if he didn't know the various treatments for the condition, why was he even trying to treat me for it? Now THAT is arrogance.
I can certainly understand a doctor refusing to run expensive procedures that are clearly not called for - like if I demanded a scan of my brain when I have no symptoms or indication of a problem, but simply because I want to know what's in there (I might be surprised, huh?)........ but to refuse simple inexpensive blood tests or something that IS indicated by symptoms, other known conditions and other blood work - is just plain wrong!!!!!!! As is being so offended when we go armed with information. They don't know it all - in fact, MY pcp even SAID that he "had *recently* learned that not all people do well on synthroid"............duh.........doesn't he know that everyone is different and reactions to meds can vary from person to person? AND if he didn't know the various treatments for the condition, why was he even trying to treat me for it? Now THAT is arrogance.
Hi Jim,
My story is very similar to your wife's regarding the symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism. I've tried 4 endos and tried to get a word in edgewise, but no one will order the Sestamibi Scan despite suspicious high calcium and inappropriately normal PTH. I was wondering if you could contact me via medhelp and share any info on the best way to contact Dr. Yeh. I did find his website page.
Thank You...
My story is very similar to your wife's regarding the symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism. I've tried 4 endos and tried to get a word in edgewise, but no one will order the Sestamibi Scan despite suspicious high calcium and inappropriately normal PTH. I was wondering if you could contact me via medhelp and share any info on the best way to contact Dr. Yeh. I did find his website page.
Thank You...
Here you go:
http://www.endocrinesurgery.ucla.edu/bio.html
http://www.endocrinesurgery.ucla.edu/bio.html
http://www.endocrinesurgery.ucla.edu/bio.html
http://www.endocrinesurgery.ucla.edu/bio.html
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