I'm not a nurse YET. But while in the military I recieved more medical training (ALS) than the normal troop and through out my life I have tried to stay up to date and educated in the field of medicine.
I am no where near as educated as a CNA or a nurse but I know enough to be dangerous. hehe.
My question is this. What do you feel about a pt who knows what is wrong with him or her.
As an example and this may be TMI but it is relevant.
I have an enlarged testicle. No pain. I researched all possible causes and conditions. I came to the conclusion on my own that it was a Hydrocele. But I am not a doctor. So I did the smart thing which I always do and went to see my MD. As the nurse was doing my assement I told her of my findings and what I thought it might be. After all the tests I am back in the exam room and see my MD getting out a book and looking up my symptoms so he can make a diagnosis. After reading he come in the room and tells me I am correct. I have a cool doc. He then asks me the treatment. Which I tell him and I am correct. How cool is that. As an aside here I need surgery to fix it.
Does it irritate you or is it helpful if the patient has an good idea as to what is wrong with them?
Well done on diagnosing yourself. Sometimes that is even harder to do since you have all this extra information and are - shall we say- a little close to the subject matter:-) Hope all goes well with your surgery. You being well educated will help you I believe.
I do tend to diagnose myself. But I am not yet a healthcare professional. So if it is something out of the ordinary for me I.E my hydrocele I let my MD make the diagnosis. I know my limitations and stay with in them. My health and my family's heath is more important than me playing doctor. I just like to know what is going on so that I can make informed decisions based on my knowledge and recommendations of my MD.
Now I just have to come up with about $700 for my CNA class. hehe Then after that is done onward and upward. I can't believe I am going back to school. It is so exciting and intimidating all at the same time. Been out of school since 1979.
bakpakr
88 Posts
I do tend to diagnose myself. But I am not yet a healthcare professional. So if it is something out of the ordinary for me I.E my hydrocele I let my MD make the diagnosis. I know my limitations and stay with in them. My health and my family's heath is more important than me playing doctor. I just like to know what is going on so that I can make informed decisions based on my knowledge and recommendations of my MD.
Now I just have to come up with about $700 for my CNA class. hehe Then after that is done onward and upward. I can't believe I am going back to school. It is so exciting and intimidating all at the same time. Been out of school since 1979.