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JF's avatar

Just last week I told my doctor that I no longer use that phrase because it’s so tainted by the stupid. I now say “I’ve been reading . . .”

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Bridget Collins's avatar

"From what I've read. . ."

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Mary's avatar

Well, I do plenty of research/reading. I do not assume that any doctor’s word is gospel. After 4 years of ineffective treatment, I correctly diagnosed my own rare neurological condition and sought appropriate care. I needed antiepileptic drugs and brain surgery (not painkillers and antihistamines, as had been previously prescribed). But I am not an idiot. I know when I’m right and when I could be wrong. And I’m smart enough to know not to delve beyond my league.

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Alister Sutherland's avatar

I had a very similar experience. It becomes more pronounced when the condition - such as mine and yours (though they are different, they are both neurological) - are rare and not well documented. In my case, it was only recently discovered through genetic research. There are hardly any medical professionals who know anything at all about it.

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Tom Burst's avatar

Good for you, but I would bet there are thousands of instances of just the opposite for each one like you. There will always be that very rare case that most physicians have not yet heard of much less seen.

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