Why do people with medical worries come to site like this, instead of consulting their doctor?

Answer 1

Good question. Always puzzles me. How many times has the 'am I pregnant done the rounds'.

I can understand people asking others about different experiences with their illness etc but not to ask a question that only a doctor could possible answer truthfully.

Answer 2

Sometimes people like to get the same answer from a variety of sources. Its mistrustful, but thats life. As a hospital sister, I would frequently get asked a question that I know had been more than adequately answered by a colleague, and vice versa. Human nature I suppose. Also, as someone else pointed out, not everyone will go to the doctor but will trust the amateur medics on here! In some countries, going to the doc is a real financial issue. Shouldn't be in Britain as we have good ol' NHS direct to trouble in times of need.

Answer 3

I see people asking this question a lot on here. While I can understand the concern, I think it is not as big a deal as you want to make it. Asking health questions on Y/A is like asking your Mom, wife, best friend, etc., about a worry when you are trying to decide whether it can be treated at home versus going to the doctor (or Emergency Room). You don't make your final decision based on that input, but you consider it as you explore your options. It's just another perspective.

Believe me, people go to the doctor far more often for problems they could easily treat at home versus not going when they should. Exploring other options may be saving them some money.

But let's also consider those who DON'T tend to go to the doctor when they should. When they ask their questions here, they will often get the MAJORITY of the answerers "screaming" at them to get to a doctor.

So, I see Y/A as much more of a plus than a negative.

Answer 4

Also going to the doctor is a lot of hassle. You wait 1-2 weeks and take the morning off work for a 10 minute appointment, basically get given a packet of paracetamol and told to come back in a few weeks if you're still feeling ill. Sometimes it seems easier to try and sort things out by yourself!

Answer 5

Some people can't afford it, others have something embarrassing and this gives them a forum to find out what it possibly could be before they have to go see someone face to face. With every disease out there - there has to be at least someone on here who has had the same symptoms. I think for the most part, even though everyone just answers to go see their doctor, a lot of people are hoping everyone is going to say that it's nothing and to not worry about it. Therefore there mind is put to ease and they didn't have to talk to someone & embarass themself - even though we all know that's never the answer that people get.

Answer 6

I think that some people are too scared to go to the doctors, especially men, i have known people who have been to scared or not worried enough with sometimes fatal consiquences.It is a shame really with some people who sound like they should have gone to the doctors along time ago. maybe some of the people dont get out much and suffer with social issues

Answer 7

It is FREE to see a doctor in the UK, unless in the USA, which has an appalling health service.
People ask on here because they are worried. However, they need to understand that this is not somewhere to come for an actual diagnosis, more a place to get support and basic information.

Answer 8

Maybe to see if other people can help them decide
to visit a gp,uncertain if there is anything wrong or not wrong
with them,also it may put someones mind at rest inbetween
appointment and visiting the gp,to talk if you like with others who have had similar problems,theres no harm in it,providing a self-diagnosis isnt concluded and the doctor is put on hold
"Never self-diagnose anything that is medical it puts your whole health at risk"!

Answer 9

I think in general, people are tired of doctors. They like to solve problems on their own. Going to the doctor can also be expensive. Going on here is easy, fast, and in general I don't think anyone with a serious problem is just going to post a question on Yahoo Answers.

Answer 10

Maybe they are scared and just need the chance to express how they feel, and voice their concerns to check that they are not imagining things.
Many are just not sure and don't want to trouble a Dr when they think it's a minor problem, thus encouraging them to go and seek help is a useful thing that this site does.