ASKING FOR ADVICE FROM MEMBERS

hileena111

Hi
Just to clear this up a bit. I think all members know that if they ask us for advice or what does this mean {as I have many times} it goes without saying that they know it is not an opinion from anyone qualified just our own personal opinions that they will get.
I remember when I was having my THR....fairly new to the forum....I think I had joined a year or so before this but then lost the site and that was it....until the THR was due.
I had no idea what a hip replacement involved, beforehand, during or afterwards. I really appreciated all the info I got from members even though I knew it wasnt coming from medical people....it was coming from people qualified because they had been through it.
Love
Hileena

Poppyg1rl

Absolutely agree with you Hileena, when I first started Humira I was less than a year diagnosed with PA, I had no idea what to expect, what was 'right' or not, it was DD here who I pm'd with a question about it as she had been on it for much longer than me. I will be forever grateful because she told me to get down to A&E and she was right, I was suffering a reaction that would have been very dangerous had I left it much longer.
We are not medics no, we always make that clear, and that they should seek proffesional medical advice. We only give our opinions based on our experiences.

elnafinn

I believe that 99.9% of us are aware when seeking advice from other members whether about drugs, ops or interpretation of a gp letter for example, appreciate that the replies are either from people who have been on the drug, had the op or similar, are familiar with the medical jargon or look up the words being queried, to explain to others what the letter is saying. Usually we add the words "in my case" or "I found that" "but I am no doctor". We often give our view/experiences but at the same time clarify that by stating that the person asking should seek medical advice/ask the medic concerned in certain scenarios.

Nevertheless it is good to be reminded every now and again, that we should be careful when dishing out advice to others. Giving totally wrong advice could be dangerous.

Elna x

jillyb1

Well said , Hileena , I value advice and opinions offered on here and also talk about my experiences to hopefully help others . Even though it's not medically based ; it helps to know that others have been through the same things and are able to understand . Jillyb

hileena111

I honestly think if we have been through a particular op that we can discuss that with somone who is going to go through the op and help them
A doctor can tell you but a lot of the time it is jargon so you are none the wiser and they dont always have the time {depending on the consultant/doctor} to discuss it with you. This is where we come into our own on this forum.

Love
Hileena

traluvie

I ask questions to see if someone can understand something i may not..
Although i fully understand that the people on here are not trained medical proffesionals i appreciate their imput and their opinion on the understanding that it is based on there opinions..I try to say that on some posts so it doesn't look like i think i know it all .. i most definately don't..

elnafinn

Totally agree regarding operations because it is only a patient who has had the op that knows what it is like but even then patients who have had the same op,often have completely different post op experiences to others. On the other hand it is good to hear different angles of post op experiences to get a general idea. It definately helped me with my TKRs, foot and spine ops.

Elna x

marie48

I often come here for advice on a particular issue and really appreciate it when somebody can understand and relate to my problem. It is nice to share experiences and how other members are coping. Thanks

jean123

Thanks, Elna,

Your post is spot on.

Jean123

tonesp

I really trust any advice I get here It is usually based on personal experience I think all the members of this forum are mature enough not to give out advice on topics that they are not 100% sure about I had great support when I had my THR and knew then that there were so many people rooting for me

valval

i always ask here first because then it it stupid i will know from replies and not ask doc also there are questions you feel to small to ask gp but just wonder if it arther or something else we do understand that forum members are not qualified but they do understand and help in ways those qualified can not as they do not live with it as we do val

julie47

Hi Hileena

I second what jean has said

Your post is spot on

Juliepf x

oneday

I think peeps know it is peoples own experiences they read about and not advice. Sometimes the general info out there e.g. leaflets you read doesnt go into detail and sometimes you forget to ask the doctor something so asking on here does help and reassure people. We know its not advice.

woodbon

I usually say 'I'm not a medical person' or words to that effect, especially answering someone new or who I haven't answered before, if its medical advice. Often also saying why not dicuss this with you GP etc, as sometimes people want reassurance that they are not wasting the docs time, (I know that need to be reassured that a medical opinion is best, but I need a push to do anything about it.) Also, when you see docs they often hurry through the talking bit and tell you in medical terms which can confuss me. Someone who's got similar experience can be very reassuring, often thats the important too. Love Sue

bubbadog

Of course we are aware the advice we get is not medically qualified just advice from people who have been through the situation or the operation or who are taking the meds. And to be honest with you I would rather ask someone who has had the life experience rather than a medical qualified people who haven't!! But good point in bringing it up!