First, this. We at the Spin Cycle are saddened over the news of Paul Newman's death. He died of cancer Friday in Connecticut at age 83. Newman was one of the class acts. (And, he had those great salad dressings.)
My main tale today is a new theory: That the Internet — or, searching thereon — can turn one into even more of a hypochondriac than one might already be. For instance: Google the words "dry mouth" and "hair loss" and one of the 199 possibilities on one site is diabetes.
This particular instance is not autobiographical; but there have been others. "OMG, I have cancer."
As with most things, I can see both sides: How docs probably roll their eyes when the upteenth patient says, "I saw on the Internet ..." but also, arming oneself with as much (solid) information as possible is liberating.
Any medical experiences with the Internet — good or bad — out there?
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The Internet is invaluable for health information. Just be smart about it. Check more than one site and favor those sponsored by, say, Emory or Johns Hopkins. I have had great help with figuring out whether or not I am reacting to certain medications through Internet research. At times websites where people list their actual side effects can be helpful, but check out that info in more detail. Most recent experience: my doc gave me Levaquin for weeks for diverticulitis. It is a very strong drug and it finally worked. But I was limping around. I checked one of those websites and the drug can cause your Achilles tendon to snap (just one of many possible bad side effects). About the time I was going to demand a new antibiotic, the diverticulitis cleared up.
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