Re: ATTENTION EVERYBODY.... When you're researching a diagnosis, your prescriptions, etc....

Maamaw is right on (as usual) I found several great sites for Lyme, printed out the symptom list and marked all of my symptoms and took it to my Dr.

Research and verify,and take it to your Dr to help them understand your issues. I am lucky I have a great Dr and I know she will get me the best treatment, if she doesn't know, she will find someone that does.

If your Dr blows you off as a complainer or drug seeker, go somewhere else until you find a Dr that really listens to your concerns. I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia for about 7 years but didn't get a diagnosis until I found my current Dr. 4 years ago.

Don't waste your time on sites that tell you they have THE answer by buying whatever they are selling. Stick to the .gov. Thanks Maamaw for this posting, educating yourself is the best way to protect yourself. Carla

> which, by the way, you absolutely *must* take time to do (and do right) if
> you want the best treatment, because it has been my experience that very
> few doctors know what "the best treatment" is (doesn't matter
> what's wrong with you)...

> BINGO!!

> There is so much garbage on the internet!!

> I do tons of medical research for people, and I have learned that the
> fastest way to cut through the crap is to search for whatever I'm
> searching for and include

> .gov

> in the search string.

> That takes me immediately to NIH, NIMH, FDA, CDC, etc. (and contrary to
> popular belief, these organizations are not in cahoots with the AMA trying
> to keep us sick or kill us all).

> There are lots of other reputable places to get information, such as .org
> sites (but not always!), the official site for a drug (prescribing
> information), medical journals (the mainstream ones), etc. -- but by going
> directly to .gov sites first: you cut through the crap and lay a solid
> foundation for yourself so you can read everything else you find with a
> more discerning eye, and you have something to show your doctor
> (otherwise they're likely to blow you off by saying, "You can't
> believe what you read on the internet" and implying that you're too
> stupid to know that).

> No offense to your doctor, but the best thing you can do for yourself and
> your family is double check everything s/he tells you and find out what
> s/he forgot to tell you.

> Luv,