Relationships, GP and the Net

[larrynz]

I found the item below interesting, speaking for myself I use all methods I can, conventional medicine is my first port of call, armed with a diagnosis I will use the net to understand the problem better. often explained in lay terms. I was told I had COPD and pushed out of the specialists door some years ago, on forums like this I did learn about PLB, diaphragm breathing etc long before my turn at rehab came up. Rehab is the best thing since sliced bread I was told on line, I agree, having been there now I know its worth while.
The net also keeps you up to date, I told my doctor that spiriva was available in New Zealand, he rang the chemist and found I was correct and prescribed it.
I will continue taking help where ever I find it and use every available tool.

nz.news.yahoo.com//071216/2/3bks.html
Monday December 17, 07:20 AM
Internet helps with health
More and more New Zealanders are heading online to diagnose their illnesses before visiting a GP.

In a survey commissioned by Southern Cross Health, 73 percent say they use the internet to access information about health and one in five people take information they have researched with them to their doctor's appointment.

Southern Cross chief executive Ian McPherson says it is great people are becoming more proactive about their health, but he says the internet will never replace a doctor for a fully informed individual diagnosis.

Dr McPherson warns that people making their own diagnoses run the risk of getting them very wrong.

[LindaNY]

It really pays to be proactive and learn everything you can about any disease you have been told you have.

Believe me, after working with doctors for more than 30 years, I know that they don't have the time to research much of anything and can hardly keep up with the required reading.

We all need to take charge of our health care and use doctors as partners we hire to do a job for us, not Gods to be followed without question.
Educating ourselves is critical.