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Be Proactive about your health issues

(56 Posts)
Franbern Thu 29-Aug-19 09:48:56

I cannot stress strongly enough the need for people, particularly we older ones, to be pro-active. So easy just to rely on the Health Professionals sorting us out when we have any problems.
However, they have such limited time when they see us, and due to that, these days, they just do not have the facilities to see us as a whole person. They just try to deal with each and any problem we may present with.
I have an excellent GP practice, but even they missed the early signs of my bladder cancer - just continuing to give me anti-biotics for each and every UTI I had.
It was only when I wrote to them, giving the full details and recent history did they fast track me to urology at hospital. If I had not done so, doubtless, i would still be being given more ab.s.
We are intelligent beings and do know our own bodies, particularly when we have lived in them for so very many years, it is up to us to assist the professionals to get us on the right path.

JacquiG Tue 03-Sept-19 13:37:07

When I needed some gynae work I asked my doctor who would he send his wife to for a consultation with possible surgery to follow, and was well treated with fewest possible side effects/long term effects.

SueDonim Tue 03-Sept-19 16:42:09

On the contrary, Franberg, today's doctor love that patients get involved with their own condition by looking up their problem. Very often the patient is correct in their self-diagnosis. My dd is a medical student and that is the model they are given. There are barmy websites out there, yes, but if you go via the NHS and other sites recommended by your GP, you'll find good information, often far more than a GP will know. Doctors use exactly the same websites as their patients will look at.

Knowing your own body well is of course very good. Having a list of symptoms when you go makes communication much clearer. 80-90% of a diagnosis is made on the patient's case history as given to the doctor, not by examination.

annep1 Tue 03-Sept-19 17:31:14

Interesting SueDonim

Ryandgreat8 Sun 22-Sept-19 07:48:10

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Fiachna50 Sun 22-Sept-19 09:59:27

SueDonim , I don't know where your doctors surgery is, but that was definitely not the case with mine. I also think you have to be very wary of diagnosing yourself. People can also Google stuff, it then causes them alot of anxiety.