The term basically means to do a computer search for something. We have all done it. We have all received some incredibly valuable information. While I wish I could say that I will not "google" a medical thing again; I will likely cross that line, but will take the information gained a LOT lighter.
I learned many years ago to get my information from a health care provider. If I have one that won't give me the information straight up, then I find another that will be as honest and as straight forward as I am with my questions.
Case in point: my daughter's pregnancy. I had myself pretty darn worked up because I did an internet search on a condition that appeared quite dire. She was wonderful and had me go with her to an appointment today. Questions in hand, I had a little chat with her attending. This is one of those cases that likely would not have been seen before the new fancy ultrasound machines. Bottom line: all is fine. She has been cleared for the 3 Day walk. As in any pregnancy, things can change, but there is no reason to think that this will effect either the pregnancy or the child.
Another case in point: my own disease. There is a bit more information now than there was a few years ago, but there is also a lot of misinformation. I decided before my last relapse that I would stay away from the computer with regards to care and treatment. One of the infusions made me pretty sick and I was unable to even think straight enough to call a pharmacist friend to find if I was having a normal reaction. My daughter was with me and did a quick search on the medication and found that I was having a common reaction. I found that quite comforting, but later verified the finding with a "real" medical person.
So, while doing internet web surfing, take it for what it is...entertaining. When I watch the news, I tend to ignore all the negative "stuff." For me it is a bit tougher to do when searching for specific information. A friendly face is always better than a computer screen filled with words and pictures. I can find enough information to build a case for, or against, almost anything. This is another thing that is different when a person is giving the information.
In a few days I will quit kicking myself for doing what I told myself not to do. Now, however, with the great news, I can kick myself with a sly smile. Happiness has replaced the dread, and we will be walking together as planned.
G2
1 comment:
It is amazing and wonderful the amount of information we have literally at our finger tips, but you're right, you need to evaluate sources. If web addresses end in an ".edu" or a ".org" you can feel fairly confident that it's not some weirdo in his underwear in a garage in Florida or something similar. If you see misspellings (true spelling there is a Holocaust site that misspelled Holocaust) that's another red flag.
I am pleased that all is well with your daughter. I worried more over my daughter-in-laws pregnancies more than I did with any of mine, even after I'd had a baby with Down's Syndrome.
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