OK, so I'm a pill-- please, don't rely on medical or vet advice from DU!

[iconoclastic cat]

Yes, DUers are very smart, and I have been pointed in the right direction many times by many of you, but please, please, do not hang out on DU waiting for medical advice. If you, your family member or pet are having serious symptoms (hallucinating angels, blood in urine, skin turning yellow, etc.), get yourself to a doctor ASAP. THEN come to DU to get moral support.

Please, people--you're scaring the crap out of me.

:scared:

[freethought]

1. We see your point!

By the way your cat has good taste!

[havocmom]

2. Many of us cannot go to a doctor

This is as good as it gets for some.

[iconoclastic cat]

4. Okay, then at least go to WebMD (they have live chat, too) or something.

I totally dispute the idea that this is as good as it gets. There are better sources of medical information than DU.

[havocmom]

8. Yeah, and we are not so silly as to believe everything we read on a

discussion board!LOL Hells bells, there are neocon trolls who do not want what is best for us.

Yes, many of us do a lot of research and share info.

[iconoclastic cat]

14. Research is fantastic. That's why the Web is so wonderful.

My point, however, is that if a person experiences sudden, radical changes in his or her body, research might want to come after an appointment has been booked.

[havocmom]

16. Like I said,some just do not have any option

Sad but too true in America.

[iconoclastic cat]

17. Which is, of course, an abominable travesty.

[sir_captain]

15. That's nonsense

even for people without insurance, there are free clinics run by, you know, doctors. It won't be like going to Mass General, but a hell of a lot better than getting advice from anonymous know-it-alls.

[havocmom]

18. Some of us do not live where there are clinics, hospitals nor even MDs!

And I have lived in a large city and STILL been unable to get care. I also know a lot of others in the same boat

Yeah, there are some places but not enough. And many really do not give care. Then there are working poor who cannot get to a clinic due to transportation issues or the fact that they will lose their low wage job if they take the time off they need.

These are the facts of some people's lives. And the numbers are increasing.

Edited to add: And calling the reality of someone else's life "nonsense" just because it is not your reality is sorta like being a know it all...

[sir_captain]

24. We have no argument about the general state of healthcare

but you're simply not going to get me to agree that the best medical option for a person with the wherewithal to be here on DU is accepting advice from nameless strangers.

[havocmom]

26. Oh, we agree on much. I too know it is not the "best medical option"

My point is, things are so bad that for many, it is the ONLY medical option. Well, that and a well placed round when pain gets bad enough

[BikeWriter]

19. I beg your pardon, we are not all anonymous know-it-alls and I...

for one resemble that remark! :)

[sir_captain]

21. Heh...you're absolutely right

I didn't mean to use such a broad stroke. My apologies. :-)

[BikeWriter]

22. Hee hee hee! You're okay. :-)

[alittlelark]

3. Wow, I just got on for the first time today...

Guess I should look around to see what you're talkin' about.

[iconoclastic cat]

7. Sheesh, alittlelark, it's like a bloody triage unit around here!

Cats peeing blood, people's kids tripping hardcore, surgeries---I feel like I'm living in a freakin' Bosch painting!

[BikeWriter]

5. But, but, but...

:shrug:

[short bus president]

6. Yeah, OK...

YOU get to a proctologist!

:P

[iconoclastic cat]

10. Do you really want to hear my response to that one?

On second thought, I'll just tell you: I did. As soon as I had symptoms. I did not wait or hang around here.

[BikeWriter]

11. Hee hee hee! :P

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

9. You're a pill - so we can't rely on you??

:shrug:

[iconoclastic cat]

12. Ah, paging Dr. Freud.

[shesemsmom]

13. Agreed indeed

It's ok to share, even your fears but when it comes to medicine get it from the experts. We are here for ya.( we'd rather talk to ya than about ya) lol

[Not_Giving_Up]

20. I wasn't seeking medical advice when I posted about the angel

I thought it was funny that God calls my daughter on a cell phone in her ear. I fully intend to get advice from the medical professionals!

[iconoclastic cat]

25. Yes, well, you totally freaked me out.

I've read about children experiencing hallucinations caused by antidepressants/antianxiety drugs before. I wish I could find a link somewhere, but I know that I've read about it. I'll keep looking, but in the meantime, if I were you, I'd get a second or third opinion that is not DU-related.

[uppityperson]

23. I can't ask about my chest pain or the blood gushing from my guts?

Aw dang. How 'bout if I just tell you about them while I wait and see if it gets better? No, oh well, I guess it was just a glass of cold wine I spilled down my shirt trying to read, laugh and post.

[ScreamingMeemie]

27. You know.....you really shouldn't be letting your cat drink beer...

:shrug:

[LynneSin]

28. Actually, some of those threads get locked

I mean, it's one thing to ask for feedback, but it's definately a scary world when someone is asking for medical advice!

Example - last week I posted that my doc prescribed Ambien (sleeping pill) to help with my sleeping issues. Having never taking this pill before I posted here on DU to ask others who have taken it what their experience was. I think threads looking for feedback are ok.

But if I posted something like "I can't sleep at nights should I see a doctor" - that's treading dangerous grounds

[AngryAmish]

29. Thank you

I admit I am guilty in giving medical advice, but I hope I make it clear I am not a doctor and the OP should seek medical help.