Unwanted 'diagnosis'!

[WinterLilac]

I would like to hear from others about an experience I had a few months ago and something that has really annoyed me.

First of all, I am an EN (LPN in the US) and am halfway through my RN training, so have some idea about signs and symptoms of certain disorders.

Anyway, a friend and I met up with 3 people we had never met, who share the same hobby, to organise a convention. Mid-way through the conversation, the man turns to me and says (in front of everyone) "By the look of you, I'd say you have a low thyroid. Have you had any blood tests done?". I was floored and uncomfortably said my health is none of his business. He said he was a 'training herbalist'. I pretended to be okay for the rest of the meeting but I've felt awful ever since! Yes I am overweight but I don't have any signs of hypothyroidism and regardless, who is he to make such a personal comment!?

What do others feel about this scenario? Do you feel he may have a point or right to say something like that? Or has anyone experienced something similar?

In my career, I have never met even qualified people 'diagnose' strangers.

[WinterLilac]

For the record, I'm perfectly healthy and have no curiosity about having hypothyroidism nor do I wish to have any blood tests. The point of my post was the blatant disregard for any social decorum which, as most of you have pointed out, lacked on behalf of this 'gentleman'. Have really enjoyed reading your anecdotes, thanks heaps for sharing í ½í¸€

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

But it doesn't sound like he was trying to shove some herbalist agenda in your face or anything.

However, depending on the OP's reaction to his statement, that might have been where the herbalist would go with it. In my limited experience, herbalists will "diagnose" a wide range of problems and, surprise, they have a supplement for that.

To the OP, I wouldn't give this guy the time of day. If he tries to provide medical advice again, simply tell him "I will bring concerns about my health to my medical doctor who knows me and knows the appropriate tests to run."

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I can't tell you how many people want to "cure" my son's Type 1 diabetes "naturally" so he wouldn't need insulin. Makes me want to puke.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I can't tell you how many people want to "cure" my son's Type 1 diabetes "naturally" so he wouldn't need insulin. Makes me want to puke.

Good grief.

Have you ever come up with a clever reply to that one?

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Good grief.

Have you ever come up with a clever reply to that one?

There is someone in my neck of the woods who runs informercials for the stuff he peddles. Claims he has made: chronic systolic blood pressure of > 140--even greater than 160 in most cases--is fine, especially with herbal supplements. Herbal supplements can eliminate the need for exogenous insulin. He has a supplement that can take the place of warfarin (and other "dangerous blood thinners"). And the "best": Chemo is a scam. It never works. With most cancers, herbal supplements will bring a cure.

[Nonyvole, BSN, RN]

I will never forget hearing about this...

All that a (terminal if one more treatment didn't work) cancer patient needed to cure his cancer was a series of chiropractic adjustments.

I just let it all go in one ear and out the other.

[Parakeet]

You know, herbalism may have its quirks, but I think it is wrong to throw the baby out with the bathwater, so to speak. My great-grandmother was diagnosed with bone cancer and several other issues. Rather than getting radiation or chemo as advised, she changed her diet and lifestyle. Her cancer went into remission and she is one of the most active people I know in her 90s.

Again, medicine has done many good things, but so have natural remedies. I myself have used a number of them and they have worked. I fully believe in the benefit of going natural and not wrecking the body with toxic substances. Consider chemo, for instance. I am doing med cards on it and the side effects seem deadlier than the disease. Yes, it may kill cancer cells, but it suppresses the immune system and makes the person so much more vulnerable to infection, say a common cold. Instead, a person could try a diet which cuts out all kinds of sugar, because that is part of what cancer feeds on. Like I said, my grandma did it and it did great.

Sorry for this rant, but I know many lovely and wonderful people who use natural medicine, are not quacks, crazy or trying to sell things. Yes, under all bonds of proper social etiquette, that man was very rude and embarrassed you. I am sorry. But people who focus more on natural remedies might say that you are trying to push an agenda for your own interests. It really does not quite work either way. Both need and complement each other, provided they are used correctly.

In all respect,

Parakeet

[No Stars In My Eyes]

My first impression is he was going to try to sell you some herbs and/or his services as an herbalist/healer......all for a nice honkin' hunk of change.

[Dogen]

I can't tell you how many people want to "cure" my son's Type 1 diabetes "naturally" so he wouldn't need insulin. Makes me want to puke.

I had a naturopath (one with a degree and everything) ask me if I had tried taking goldenseal for my type 1 rather than injecting myself with chemicals... we did a little impromptu education on the differences between T1DM and T2DM and why that was a stupid thing to say.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

They don't want to listen. They know just enough to be dangerous. I am all for complementary therapy. I do yoga, see a chiro, take some supplements, but there is some common sense involved.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

"Trained herbalists" are not trained in respecting people's personal space and privacy. I have a friend who goes to the same homeopath as her boss. The homeopath told her that her boss is an alcoholic, and other stuff about her boss. No respect.

[klone, MSN, RN]

"Trained herbalists" are not trained in respecting people's personal space and privacy.

Again, please do not paint all herbalists with the same brush.