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#2

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know I may be alone in this, but I want my patients to know that there is no possible way I can keep up with all the medical advances and new studies that are out there. And I also want them to know that there are thousands of conditions that I learned about in medical school that I've forgotten because I've never seen or recognized them in practice.

This is important, because my patients frequently apologize for looking up things on the internet. No, don't apologize. I want you to research your condition. I want you to look things up. I want you to know about new treatments, new research, and alternative medications. Because often I don't. I may not agree with the things you've read, and that's fine too. Ask me about thinks you've read and the picture you found that looks like your rash. I can't tell you how many times a patient has come to me with a suggestion about a possible explanation for symptoms because they read about it on the internet that turned out to be a correct or at least reasonable guess. Please educate yourselves about yourselves.

Some good websites are the CDC website and AAFP.org (the American Academy of Family Practice). And if your doctor is offended that you're trying to be educated, get a different doctor.

Source: I'm a doctor

frumious_b , Debby Hudson Report

Final score:

369points

POST

Ozacoter 3 years ago

Finally! I love this doctor! Most GPs don't have training enough about many diseases and often ignore them or give even damaging advice. But they often are too arrogant to admit that they dont know. I was 10y with textbook endometriosis symptoms without a diagnosis because nobody bothered to listen to me or do any effort. A quick 5m research would have suggested that disease. But why bother trying to heal your patients?

104points

#3

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Mental illness can be as serious as a physical one. Get treated. You wouldn't let a broken leg go.

autumnx , Anthony Tran Report

Final score:

339points

POST

Julie C Rose 3 years ago

I wish I’d asked for meds a lot sooner than I did.

72points

#4

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know If your kid has a fever, and you give them Tylenol or Ibuprofen to bring it down, they are STILL. SICK. You're only treating symptoms temporarily, not curing anything.

For the love of everything holy, do not give them Tylenol and send them to school/daycare/sports/birthday parties/etc. to become patient zero and infect everyone else.

SmthgWicked , Kelly Sikkema Report

Final score:

321points

POST

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

Parents who send their kids to school knowing they are sick make me so angry. It is so selfish and could be life threatening to others. If your kids are sick, keep them home.

105points

#5

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know I work in a burn unit.

Don't put accelerants on a camp/bonfire.

Don't go back into a burning house/vehicle/airplane

Don't put accelerants on bonfires. This includes aerosol cans of stuff. Those blow up.

Don't make meth unless you have an advanced degree in the field.

Don't put accelerants on bonfires. Even if it "Just won't light."

Don't let your pot handles hang over the edge of the stove where your kid can reach.

Don't put accelerants on bonfires, even if you've "been doing it for years."

Don't pick up containers of flaming grease and oil.

Don't put accelerants on bonfires. Diesel is an accelerant.

Don't keep electric cigarettes in your pocket.

If you wear oxygen, don't smoke with it on/in your lap.

Don't burn trash. You don't know what the f**k's in there. Probably accelerants.

Stop opening your radiator cap unless the car is cold.

Carburetor injuries are common. I don't know how it happens. Help me out car people.

DON'T. PUT. ACCELERANTS. ON. YOUR. GADDAM. FIRE

DeLaNope , CHUTTERSNAP Report

Final score:

297points

POST

Kirsten Kerkhof 3 years ago

I sense a mild frustration here ;)

144points

#6

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know if exercise were a pill, it'd be the most prescribed drug in existence

filo4000 , Fitsum Admasu Report

Final score:

259points

POST

Julie C Rose 3 years ago

Just gotta manage the side effects like my actual meds. Especially since my actual meds cause fatigue. I’m having to start really small with exercise and increase it gradually.

45points

#7

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Vaccines are the greatest advancement in modern medicine. They save lives and prevent weeks of lost work each year (flu season). If people started seeing more pertussis (whooping cough) or epiglottitis (part of the throat swells up and can kill children) they'd get their shots, but vaccines have become victims of their own success. Get your shots to protect immunodeficient people that can't get their shots.

tl;dr If you don't get vaccinated and you don't vaccinate your kids then you are an a-hole.

ocddoc , Mufid Majnun Report

Final score:

257points

POST

Ozacoter 3 years ago

Vaccinating kids should be mandatory. Its child abuse to not do it imo

114points

#8

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know You should not stop an antibiotic treatment because you feel better already.

Mikigi , Testalize.me Report

Final score:

247points

POST

Radek Suski 3 years ago

Every time I got it prescribed the doctor’d explicitly say that

55points

#9

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Smoking will kill you.

"Nah... cancer won't get to me" you might say, and you'd be statistically right.

It'll be your heart.

In the simplest of terms, smoking makes your arteries rigid, so as they progressively get filled with fat, instead of increasing their diameter they'll just get stuffed until no more blood can get through and you'll be done.

If you're lucky you'll get some chest pains beforehand but that's not always the case.

"Joke's on you sucka! I got a heart attack and survived, death ain't got shit on me!"

Welcome to the world of chronic heart failure where from now on every day that goes by your heart will be less a pump and more a container, until you get out of breath from just speaking and eventually die. There's no going back.

Please stop smoking.

Valproic_acid , Eanlami Report

Final score:

226points

POST

Ozacoter 3 years ago

Not only that. It makes others sick, which is the bad part. My mother always smoked around us, even whenshe was oregnant of me. I "banned" her from smoking in my bedroom when I was 16 and she got really pissed. Now i have ton of heth issues including lung problems and I do blame her for those.

18points

#10

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Your immune system is one of the greatest assets you have and you never thank it. In your life, your body will autonomously eradicate between 6-10 cancers without your realising. It will fight your infections, repair micro traumas and police the entire population of billions of cells in your body without your asking.

All it requests in return is a little bit of health to preserve it. Stop smoking, lose weight. Maybe exercise a little. Don't drink so much. Your diet is so much more important that you realise.

cousinbebop , Girl with red hat Report

Final score:

220points

POST

Jerry Conaway 3 years ago

I can attest to this. A few years back I went on a health food and exercise kick. Not anything nutty like veganizing or working out three times a day. Just healthy servings of fruits, veggies, lean meats. Cut the soft drinks. Only occasional alcohol, absolutely NO smoking. Cycling 3-4 times a week. I had a streak of about five years with no colds or flu with no flu vaccination, and nothing else other than mild spring allergies. Once I started back into a more "normal" American diet and lifestyle, the seasonal flu started visiting me again.

46points

#11

Australian paramedic intern here. we are not the police and we really honestly don't care about any of the shit, illegal or not, you have done or taken. we just need the full story to make sure that you can get the best targeted treatment. also, we don't mind getting called to old people falling and not being able to get up, especially if they have no family or no way to contact them. for me, that's a medical emergency, because if you stay there you will die and paramedic school taught me that that is bad for you.

pancreaticpirates Report

Final score:

218points

POST

Ian Koch 3 years ago

BREAKING NEWS: Dying is bad for your health. I hope this sheit joke made you at least just a little happier.

33points

#12

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics.

doodlebugkisses , Pixabay Report

Final score:

207points

POST

Šimon Špaček 3 years ago

I sometimes wonder if is there some placebo antibiotic, which doctors presbribe to those morons demanding antibiotics for their viral infections. You know, instead of arguing with them, just give them a prescribtion for a week of "nothingasol", which works best when used four times a day with a cup of tea with honey and lemon.

7points

#13

Just because you're not suffering from a mental health disorder, it doesn't mean it's not a real thing.

S550_Drew Report

Final score:

204points

POST

KombatBunni 3 years ago

And being denied work because you tell your employer you have it, or can't do university work because you have an anxiety disorder and being ignored or told "don't worry we'll do all we can to make sure you pass!" doesn't bloodywell help.

34points

#14

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Vaccines don't cause autism, nor do they contain elemental aluminum or mercury.

KyleRichXV , Mufid Majnun Report

Final score:

202points

POST

Eslamala 3 years ago (edited)

There's more mercury in a can of what people call tuna, or the actual fish, than you will find in any vaccine.

70points

#15

Former EMS here.

Don't get angry when that quiet person gets taken out of the ER waiting room before you. You have a headache and are raging and I can't help you, but that person who just got taken back is quiet for a reason.

You're not dying. Death is quiet. I can't tell you how many times I took someone to the ER yelling and kicking and screaming and when we roll up and they get looked at it's often minor.

I've seen people who I had a feeling would not make it. They don't rave like idiots, they lay still and quiet and it's almost eerie.

KasperAura Report

Final score:

196points

POST

N G 3 years ago (edited)

It's like what they teach on First Aid courses - the one that is quiet needs your help first. If you're screaming, you're breathing, if they're quiet, they may not be. This is just the next level of care.

118points

#16

Pee after sex. Any sex, just do it. All kinds of bacteria get pushed up your ureatha. UTIs suck.

Theantijen Report

Final score:

190points

POST

Leigh C. 3 years ago

As you get older it's a given.

27points

#17

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know The pregnancy test you get in the ER is no different from the one at the store and equally accurate.

hebrewstwelve , cottonbro Report

Final score:

181points

POST

Anne 3 years ago

Also almost all women are tested for pregnancy as standard procedure in the ER because it's a big thing to factor in to care (and sometimes the reason they are there but didn't know)

5points

#18

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Nurse here. If you're an alcoholic that's admitted to the hospital, don't lie about how much you drink. There are drugs we can give you to take the edge off of withdrawals. It's safer for you and safer for us. We're not judging you, we have safety in mind.

golson3 , Nathan Dumlao Report

Final score:

172points

POST

Trillian 3 years ago

Except tha's not how addiction works. Show me an alcoholic that is ready to call themselves an alcoholic. They think it's "not that bad" which is a huge part of the problem.

28points

#19

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Doctors are there to help you, stop lying to them. They have to protect your privacy, so if you're doing drugs - tell them, they have to keep it secret, and it could kill you if you don't.

_Hopped_ , MART PRODUCTION Report

Final score:

165points

POST

Eslamala 3 years ago

Some people are just morons. The doctor doesn't give a shït about your lifestyle, and even so, you as a fkcn adult shouldn't care about what other people think of you. If you do drugs, they'll most likely interfere with your treatment, and you know what? Dying is not the worst that could happen to you. Becoming a vegetable and a burden to your family is way worse. (One of the many reasons I'm pro euthanasia, btw)

30points

#20

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know It's significantly more effective to prevent cancer than it is to treat it, but the world isn't interested because most people just want a pill to fix their problems.

Don't smoke. Wear sunscreen. Don't drink excessively. Get a bit of exercise and eat some goddamn vegetables. Do those and bam!, huge drop in cancer risk, but nobody wants to hear it.

noobwithboobs , James Yarema Report

Final score:

158points

POST

Robert T 3 years ago

I don't smoke, I hardly drink and I used to do a reasonable amount of excercise and it didn't help one iota! Whilst the point is that your lifestyle can significantly increase your risk of some types of cancer, there are others that you can do nothing about. A kinder more effective treatment is still needed, as chemo is brutal.

45points

#21

If you're impaled by something don't pull it out.

lionorderhead Report

Final score:

152points

POST

Mazer 3 years ago

Hollywood movies are so damaging, actors are forever yanking out a knife or arrow, the poster is 100% spot on. The item and the inflammation around it may be keeping you from bleeding out, Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter pulled a stingray barb out of his chest, causing massive blood loss in an instant.

27points

#22

Not a doctor but something a doctor told me when the incident occurred.

Girls if you get excruciating cramps at the time of your period and it feels much worse then it actually is, go to a doctor.

When I was 13 I had already been confirmed to having a ovarian cyst, and it made it very painful for me during my periods to the point where I had passed out from the pain of it once. However at one point it felt much worse then it typically did and I blew it off as being because of my period.

It turned out my appendix was bursting.

The doctor told me a lot of woman blow off period cramps because doctors tend to do the same. Don't, it almost meant life or death for me.

neutral_ew Report

Final score:

138points

POST

Kirsten Kerkhof 3 years ago

I had a volvulus (where your large intestine twists and closes). It is excruciating, but it's also in the lower abdomen. So, being a woman, it was OBVIOUSLY period cramps. It took five (!) years before I finally managed to get a scan - and then I was told I shouldn't have waited so long. I had no reply to that, well, not any that would help ...

42points

Bug-Type-Enthusiast Report

#23

If you get in an accident as a biker, don't take your helmet off your head under any circumstances. You can unhook the strap if you really need to to not suffocate, but that's it.

(Stop reading here if you're a faint of heart): Many times, your head will break like an egg and the helmet is basically the only thing preventing your skull from being skewered by your cranium shards or spilling out.

Final score:

137points

POST

Michelle M 3 years ago

WEAR AN HELMET PEOPLE!

58points

#24

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Nurse & Midwife here.

I wish people understood that if they are receiving treatment for a condition, they still have that condition.

Case in point: If you're taking medication for something you aren't suddenly free of that disease.

Your blood pressure meds are maintaining a normal blood pressure BECAUSE you have the condition of high blood pressure. Your insulin is maintaining your blood sugars BECAUSE you have diabetes.

Sounds simple but amazing how much people tell us they have no conditions but are on 1000 medications that tell a different story

alisaysaccio , Laurynas Mereckas Report

Final score:

128points

POST

MargyB 3 years ago

As a nurse, I have def had patients say this

23points

Prozacna , RODNAE Productions Follow Report

#25

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Volunteer SAR-ship crewmember here; when you suspect whoever is lying down is not breathing by themselves, begin CPR immiditially AND DO NOT STOP until medical professional arrives, even if this means that you have to go on for several hours. We do not perform CPR to have the patient miraculously wake up and make out with us, we do this to sustain the most vital bodily function - the circulation of oxygen to the brain - until we can get that person to a hospital.

Final score:

116points

POST

Michelle M 3 years ago

Everyone should know how to perform CPR

47points

#26

In a situation where first aid is required it is better to do something than to be scared and not do anything. You might save someones life.

redpanda_93 Report

Final score:

116points

POST

Deborah B 3 years ago

Except pulling out the impaling object or removing someones helmet. Don't be that guy.

117points

#27

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know RPh here. Do not keep your medicine in your "medicine cabinet" in your bathroom. The steam from a shower and the temperature fluctuations will degrade your medication. Keep them in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

Also look through your OTC items in your house and clean out the expired drugs and restock your basics ( ibuprofen, acetaminophen, pepto, eyedrops, etc).

rofosho , Erik Mclean Report

Final score:

111points

POST

Shelp 3 years ago

That's a good advice

23points

skibbytoast , Ralph (Ravi) Kayden Report

#28

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Alcohol withdrawal is deadly. Many of my patients don't know this. It's a gamble - I've seen fifth of vodka/day drinkers not withdrawal, and 2-3 beers/day withdrawal. It onsets quickly, and it's deadly. Anyone who drinks almost daily and is deciding to quit cold turkey needs to understand this, and notify family at the bare minimum.

Final score:

108points

POST

Norma 3 years ago

Meantime, nearly every TV show/movie, someone quits cold turkey and couple days later like they've never had a drop!

21points

#29

Not a doctor and this is a minor thing, but: If you don't have celiac disease, gluten is not bad for you.

More important: Vaccines do not cause autism. They save lives.

Nerdn1 Report

Final score:

105points

POST

Eslamala 3 years ago

The whole "gluten free" diet when people don't have celiac disease is idiotic. Even more so because those who do it, do so because some influencer told them to 🤦🏼‍♀️

34points

#30

If you want to keep hands/fingers/upper limbs intact:

Do not punch a wall/car door/guy in the face/brick, etc. You will end up with a "boxer's fracture," or a break of your fifth metacarpal bone. Most of the time everyone will know you were drunk when it happened and it's not comfortable or fun.

Do not reach into the chute of a running snow-blower, even if it's stopped because something is stuck in there.

Do not attempt to fix your chain-driven garage door opener by putting your fingers in the track and asking your wife to "hit the button."

Do not reach into an auger at work trying to retrieve your safety glove that just fell in there.

Do not hold onto something at work that winches rope.

If you have a wound on your hand/fingers/arm, and it is oozing something that looks green, yellow, white, or pink, go to the doctor and have it looked at. You may save yourself from an amputation.

Source: I'm an RN at an orthopedic surgery center. All of these things have happened NUMEROUS times. And yes, archaic as it seems, sometimes people have to get fingers or even hands amputated (in this day and age!) because they ignored an infection.

brneyedgrrl Report

Final score:

101points

POST

Eslamala 3 years ago

Are people really THIS stupid??

15points

#31

Prostrate is to throw yourself onto the ground.

Prostate is the gland that can make it hard to pee. (or give you cancer).

JohnnyFoxborough Report

Final score:

95points

POST

Roxy Eastland 3 years ago

And only men have one. I'm not kidding, I once spoke to a man of thirty who was astonished to learn that his girlfriend didn't have a prostate.

38points

#32

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Doctor here. Don't stop your medications by yourself. Just don't, no matter how good you feel. Patients stop antibiotics and relapse. So many resistant TB cases here. Stop taking insulin and come with DKA. Stop taking anti-hypertensives and get a stroke. Don't stop any drug unless cleared prior with your doctor. Most of the diseases can only be managed, they can't really be cured. If you have diabetes, get sugar levels tested at least once a month. Don't ignore it. Don't mix alcohol and anti-depressants. Also, no matter how bad it is, we have seen worse. Don't be ashamed. Pull out doesn't mean she won't get pregnant. Precum has sperm too. Last, if you see anyone vomiting and loss conscious, turn them to their side. Less chances of it entering lungs.

buttercup987 , Olga DeLawrence Report

Final score:

94points

POST

Helen Haley 3 years ago

A lot of the medications mentioned are stopped because of no money. Rail against it if you like, your patients are still broke with broken (if any) insurance.

35points

#33

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Keep an eye on your weight. Rapid unintentional weight loss is often a sign something serious is up.

serac145 , i yunmai Report

Final score:

92points

POST

Andy Acceber 3 years ago

My doctor actually told me this one. My mom was a bit of a hypochondriac. I was constantly in and out of doctors' offices as a child. Now, I have a hard time determining what's worth making an appointment for. I told my doctor I wanted to go in less. She said to come in for 1) any substantial head injuries, 2) moles that change shape, or 3) losing weight when you weren't trying to.

30points

#34

The 10% of your brain thing is a myth. So is most left/right-brained stuff you hear. Stop asking me about it.

ffxivfunk Report

Final score:

89points

POST

Shelp 3 years ago

If it was true, getting shot in the head would be harmless in 90% of the cases

33points

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#35

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know STAY AT HOME WITH NOROVIRUS.

Call and ask for advice don't come in and infect a bunch of possibly already ill people

MissileManatee , Sora Shimazaki Report

Final score:

38points

POST

Bill 3 years ago (edited)

My jobsite got shutdown for a week and everyone was sick last January right before Covid took over the headlines. Norovirus has some of the same symptoms as covid

13points

#36

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Clinical Psychologist here... if you need mental health treatment, try your local college campuses. Oftentimes there are training clinics, supervised by some of the best clinicians around. Most will provide a generous sliding fee scale. Treatment works, especially for sleep problems, depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.

Also- do NOT ignore mental health problems in your children or adolescents- including when you are concerned about substance use. Early intervention works best and if you wait until they are 18, they may not get treatment for another decade because they refuse to go in (until they mature in their late 20's). So if your child or adolescent is showing signs of a mood or anxiety disorder, cutting, struggling with ADHD, and is using drugs regularly (weekly or more) and you are concerned- consider an intake assessment with a licensed psychologist.

duramater22 , Total Shape Report

Final score:

38points

POST

Kirsten Kerkhof 3 years ago

And don't be ashamed if your child has problems, get help! I work with adolescents and young adults (almost exclusively male), and the kids whose parents have accepted and sought treatment for whatever they had, were the ones who did best, exactly because they got help early on and learnt to manage. You can't cure autism spectrum, but you can help them to work with it. Denial never worked for anyone.

18points

#37

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Doctor here:

Most important rule: Know your own history and drugs. Our EMRs are too inefficient to depend on, especially if you've been to many different institutions.

peateargriffon , MART PRODUCTION Report

Final score:

37points

POST

Eslamala 3 years ago

Always know if you're allergic to any medication, which ones you're taking, and for the love of jeeesaaas, don't fkcn lie to your doctor! If you do drugs, drink excesivelly, over eat or anything that's not quite good for you, tell them! They don't care about your lifestyle, but their job is to cure you / save your life, and lying will only harm you, not them.

8points

waxedpaperdoor , National Cancer Institute Report

#38

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Don't lie to us. It never works out.

And if your pee is a different colour, don't ignore it, seek help.

Final score:

37points

POST

Becky Samuel 3 years ago

Unless beetroot or asparagus!

9points

#39

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Know the signs of a heart attack and stroke and don't "tough it out". These are time sensitive and potentially deadly events.

Paramedic here: super frustrating when I get a patient who didn't call early enough and because of that they can't get life-saving treatment or the damage is already done

pkreilley , Giulia Bertelli Report

Final score:

36points

POST

Friday 3 years ago

Signs of an stroke: Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? Arms Can they lift both arms? Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? Time Is critical. Call emergency services ASAP

16points

#40

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Resident here: There is no singular "cure for cancer". There is not a "big pharma" conspiracy that hinges on keeping said cure a secret.

ragingbraiberEG , am JD Report

Final score:

36points

POST

Matthew Zornig 3 years ago

Sounds like something Big Pharma would say. :)

6points

#41

Well, endocrinologist here and I have to let off steam. Last month I lost a 24 year old patient to diabetes. Seriously, people. Visceral fat is f**king serious. Sometimes I see people mocking their "potbelly" as if it's not a big deal, but it is. You have no idea how many silent illnesses you may be developing in your body by not monitoring your weight.

firstladyofdrama Report

Final score:

36points

POST

Michelle M 3 years ago

Unfortunately, advising people about their weight is tagged as 'Fat Shaming'. Body positivity is great but not when it makes you susceptible to diseases, illnesses and what nots

24points

#42

TAKE YOUR GODDAMN BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE!

Please... I'm so tired of seeing young adults come in with kidney failure because they didn't want to take their meds. Most of it is cheap as dirt. You can get $4 generics at Wal-Mart.

jumbodaddystack Report

Final score:

36points

POST

Honu 3 years ago

On a related note, undiagnosed high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage. I know it's easy to forget about regular checkups especially when you feel pretty good.

4points

#43

ER doc here: medical fact...Emergency means potential loss of life, limb, or eyesight. It does NOT mean inconvenience, irritation, or chronic condition. Your sore throat evaluation in the ED is gonna cost you $1000; go to an urgent care.

Chocsaltyballz Report

Final score:

35points

POST

sylvanticx 3 years ago

i've been to the ER when i shoudln't have, but that was bc it was the 4th of July and i'd dislocated my elbow and urgent care was closed.

2points

#44

Doctor here. Keep things out of your ears. Seriously.

[deleted] Report

Final score:

34points

POST

Kiss Army Premium 3 years ago

Yup, I wear a hearing aid and my ear canals were swollen because of my allergies, when I took my hearing aid out, the rubber tip on the end stayed and I had to make a trip to the ER to have it removed. Now, I don't wear my hearing aid on bad allergy days to prevent another mishap.

0points

#45

If you're sexually active, go for STI testing once or twice a year. HIV can take up to six months to show and it's possible to have an STI with no symptoms

chromosomechick Report

Final score:

34points

POST

Andrea Purzycki 3 years ago

This is annoying. I tried to do the right thing and do this when I was in college and each time the doctors & nurses would ask ME what specific STIs I wanted to be tested for and would be extremely rude when I didn't have an answer. Look, I've always heard you should get tested if you are active and possibly at risk. No one ever told me what specific STIs I'm supposed to ask to get tested for, shouldn't the doctors and nurses know what the major ones are or which ones are commonly being spread in the geographic area?

15points

#46

If you're prescribed a pill for a chronic condition, you'll probably be on that pill for the rest of your life. That's not a bad thing, it's keeping you healthy.

I've seen too many people stop taking their blood pressure or seizure medications because "I was feeling better so I thought I didn't need them any more". No, you were feeling better because you were taking them. Don't stop taking any long term medication without consulting your doctor first.

ConflagWex Report

Final score:

34points

POST

Ambar 3 years ago

just because you feel better, does NOT MEAN the situation or health issue is gone, like just because you feel tired doesn't mean your room is cleaned! (if your room is cleaned don't feel offended, I didn't mean to hurt nobody)

1point

#47

Not a medical fact, as much as it's just something I wish all patients would do: I'd love it if patients could bring a sheet of paper with all the meds they're on, past medical history, past surgical history, allergies, and family doctor contact info. It's a small thing, but can be so helpful.

MajikPwnE Report

Final score:

33points

POST

Wee Fanny 3 years ago

In scotland our medical information is on a centralised system that all doctors have access too.

21points

#48

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice if you are taking some kind of medication! About 50% of pharmaceuticals on the market are metabolized at least in part by CYP3A4, which is inhibited by compounds found in grapefruit.

two_one_fiver Report

Final score:

30points

POST

Ozacoter 3 years ago

Also if you are taking birth control. Some types also get interactions with it. Same with St Johns root.

11points

#49

35 Medical Facts That Doctors Wish You'd Know Smoking not only causes cancer, but also ateriosclerosis, COPD and multiple other problems you're much more likely to encounter when smoking.

Darthfamous , Andres Siimon Report

Final score:

30points

POST

Michelle M 3 years ago

Smokers are liable to die young

10points

#50

Not a doctor, but one year off of the mark. As a training psychologist on an interdisciplinary team, I wish patients knew that community resources often work on income-based, sliding fee scales to meet the client, financially.

Let's be real: mental health coverage is trash right now, but there is an abundance of professionals who acknowledge this and advocate in-house. It is always worth asking around!

RyeTiliDie Report

Final score:

30points

POST

Norma 3 years ago

This is true for nearly every type of specialist (discipline). Ask around for sure.

3points

CursesandMutterings Report

#51

ER nurse here. Got a few of these, but this is my biggest pet peeve.

You can't "cure" your diabetes by ignoring it. And stop eating five extra pieces of cake and just injecting more insulin. That's not how this works.

Also, it doesn't matter if you only drink diet pop. Diet pop is still terrible for you, especially if you're diabetic. Drink some f**king water. Jesus.

Final score:

29points

POST

Kat 3 years ago

Some sugar substitutes can cause blood sugar spike just like sugar.

7points

#52

Physical Therapist here:

Take time to build up your strength and endurance. You didn't get weak overnight and you won't get strong overnight either.

Also with the exception of pregnant women, bed rest doesn't make you stronger or healthier. Quite the opposite. For every day you lay in bed and rest you have to work for three days to recover from the muscle wasting.

bbailey0525 Report

Final score:

29points

POST

Roxy Eastland 3 years ago

Bed rest is rarely a good idea during pregnancy either. It seems to be recommended in the US much more than elsewhere?

5points

#53

Keep an up-to-date list of all the medication you take, including doses, and bring it with you whenever you are seeking healthcare. If you say that you take two white pills and an orange one, that's so vague as to be useless. Being involved in your own care by making sure to have specific and accurate information is very helpful.

Hexomin Report

Final score:

24points

POST

Kay blue 3 years ago

Keep that information in your handbag or wallet. If you have an allergy wear a medi-alert bracelet or necklace - emergency staff know to look for these things.

10points

#54

NP here. Not every illness is cured by antibiotics. Antibiotics can have nasty side effects, so don't get mad if we tell you that they are not required for your current illness.

SCCock Report

Final score:

23points

POST

Ria C. 3 years ago

I always tell the doctor if it won't help I don't want it. I know that sounds weird but I'm not here to get some RX just because I'm sick, I would like a diagnosis. If I need it then ok but if OTC will work I'd prefer that.

3points

#55

If there was the slightest bit of benefit from that alternative health treatment, mainstream health would be all over it. No-one passes up a profit or the chance to empty out this mega-overcrowded hospital for some kind of philosophical hangup. (Which overcrowded hospital? Every single one in the world bar the private US ones that permanently have beds. Everyone else is struggling, so that's 99% of the world's hospitals).

wotsname123 Report

Final score:

23points

POST

Kat 3 years ago

I work in a hospital, it isn't overcrowded most of the time and it is a big regional hospital.

2points

#56

Drug allergies and side effects are not the same thing. It makes you look like a crazy person when you have 20 allergies and 19 of the reactions are nausea.

rxjen Report

Final score:

21points

POST

Sue User 3 years ago (edited)

I have drug sensitivities. So dextromathorphan in small doses is okay, but larger does and my body becomes a meth factory and I will not sleep. But the medical community is binary, either you are alergic, or not.

11points

#57

You don't need some kind of prescription every time you go to the doctor. You don't need antibiotics every time you have a sore throat or cold or cough and you don't need narcotics every time you have pain somewhere. The "I need to get something or I've wasted my time coming here" mentality is one of the main reasons antibiotic resistance and opiate addiction have surged in the last 20 years.

right12degrees Report

Final score:

19points

POST

Sue User 3 years ago

However, I'd I come to the er puking my guts out because I am in pain, please give me something for it. Don't just stop prescribing medication because it is being abused.

14points

#58

Bleeding from the rectum should be taken seriously. Can be fatal if left unattended. Seek medical help ASAP.

FIESTYgummyBEAR Report

Final score:

19points

POST

Becky Samuel 3 years ago

Having IBS seems to be a doctor's 'get out of jail free' card for any and all abdominal symptoms, including rectal bleeding. Abdominal pain, bloating, bleeding, diarrhoea, constipation, weight loss, lost appetite, - it's all dismissed as "just your IBS playing up".

14points

#59

Not necessarily a medical fact, but, please carry an up to date list of medications in your wallet, or take a picture of your various pill bottles at home and keep it on your phone. Despite what everyone thinks, everything about you isn't "in the system."

TheGroovyTurt1e Report

Final score:

19points

POST

#60

Influenza is a respiratory illness. Please stop saying you have the flu when you have vomiting/diarrhea. You don't have the flu.

jeninchicago Report

Final score:

16points

POST

Stacey Montebello 3 years ago

I had H1N1 (swine flu) in college with about 3rd of the student body and vomited the whole time. I'd cough so much without being able to inhale Id throw up or gag in the sink. It was pretty bad.

2points