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Original poster

Do GPs hate it when you “self-diagnose” via Google?

91 replies

PlinkPlankPlunk · 04/08/2021 07:39

In my defence, it is really hard trying to get any phone appointment (and not a hope of an in-person one) as they are so busy. So I’ve had a lot of time to do proper research and I want to make the most of the few minutes I eventually get, to ask some specific questions. I have tried some solutions already that have not worked

But it must be galling for a GP when unqualified people think they know everything already; how is it best to approach this? I was going to say “ My symptoms are x, y and z, relevant circumstances a, b and c; I’ve looked these up and wondered if it could be … “

OP posts:
GoWalkabout · 04/08/2021 07:42

Sounds perfect. A good gp will want to benefit from your knowledge of your own condition. They always google things on 'gp notes' in front of me these days so seems fine to me. Good luck.

Phineyj · 04/08/2021 07:44

Depends on the GP, but a lot seem pleased you've done your own research and there's really no choice nowadays.

romdowa · 04/08/2021 07:46

Most doctors i come across get quite annoyed about it yet I've seen them google things themselves 🤣🤣

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AbsolutelyPatsy · 04/08/2021 07:56

surely they must know that almost Everyone googles their symptoms

HorticulturalGraveyard · 04/08/2021 08:00

This did not go well for me last week. I was talking about the condition, all the research I had done, my symptoms and how it impacts my daily life. I asked for a referral so I could obtain a formal diagnosis and was told that the GP would not be referring me simply because of my own "diagnostic curiosity" and he refused to listen to anything I said.

Indigopearl · 04/08/2021 08:07

Mine was very impressed and asked me if I had a medical background. I have gone on to be diagnosed with the condition after it was confirmed with a blood test.

ExplodingCarrots · 04/08/2021 08:11

Didn't go well for me. They wouldn't listen to me when I said I thought it was X after researching. Took me 2 years for a referral to a specialist where I was told it was in fact X ..what I thought all along .

Binglebong · 04/08/2021 08:19

Mine said thank you, agreed it fitted the symptoms and admitted he knew very little then went off and learnt more after referring me! I wish he hadn't retired.

Sorry yours was a dick Graveyard.

Depends on the doctor I'm afraid OP.

NancyDrawed · 04/08/2021 08:25

I always start my Google conversation to a GP with 'I looked on Google, so obviously I'm an expert!' but they usually then ask what Google suggested and then explain why that is likely to be right or wrong.

That said, I spoke to a GP about a suspicious line on DS's finger nail in 2020 and said I'd frightened myself looking at Google - and pointed out that the NHS website said to contact GP about suspicious nail blemishes. GP said ' so now you think it's subungual melanoma?' but then abruptly stopped talking when he saw the picture I'd sent and put him on an urgent referral.

(DS ended up having his nail removed so a biopsy of the nail bed could be done - not melanoma in the end, but hugely worrying at the time)

FinallyHere · 04/08/2021 08:31

unqualified people think they know everything

Good GPs recognise that identifying what is wrong and getting you well again is a partnership between you and them. It will depend on the GP but also surely on how the patient handles it too.

They want to hear about your symptoms. I expect the difficulty comes when they disagree with your conclusions.

This could be because they distrust the sources you have used, or they think you are letting your reading influence the symptoms you present or any other of a number of reasons.

Anyone saying they have researched something when what they mean is that they have googled and read all the hits on the first page may not be taken seriously.

The Daily Fail's regular medical section brings in many people convinced they have whatever is featured each week. GPs surgeries actually check it out each week in order to be prepared for the many who will present with those symptoms.

Effybriest · 04/08/2021 08:32

I have some on going cardiac issues. Also some medical knowledge (HCP). I'm convinced it's one thing but my consultant thinks otherwise. Even though my symptoms don't match her diagnosis. I just feel like telling her to listen to the patient (me) !

Terhou · 04/08/2021 08:35

A good GP is happy that you have saved them some time and uses it as a learning experience. Unhappily there are a few arsehole GPs who like to pretend they are God and don't like their omniscience questioned.

PippiStocking · 04/08/2021 08:36

@HorticulturalGraveyard

This did not go well for me last week. I was talking about the condition, all the research I had done, my symptoms and how it impacts my daily life. I asked for a referral so I could obtain a formal diagnosis and was told that the GP would not be referring me simply because of my own "diagnostic curiosity" and he refused to listen to anything I said.
He sounds like an utter prick
Happylittlethoughts · 04/08/2021 08:36

I do Google and will continue to Google but have been taken apart for it several times 🙄 So in answer to the question THEY ASK;."What do you think is wrong with you?" I will now be answering " No comment".

Bythemillpond · 04/08/2021 08:42

But it must be galling for a GP when unqualified people think they know everything already; how is it best to approach this? I was going to say “ My symptoms are x, y and z, relevant circumstances a, b and c; I’ve looked these up and wondered if it could be

Dh asked if the symptoms he was having could be bowel cancer. He was told not to worry himself by looking at Dr Google.
He hadn’t. He had watched his father die of bowel cancer a few years before.
They seemed determined to not diagnose him over months of doctors visits.
Eventually when he was so ill that he could hardly stand I had to help him into A&E where he was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer. He was asked why he didn’t go to his GP sooner.
Then the NHS refused to treat him beyond an initial few weeks. So we had to pay for all his treatment and operations.

I have been to the GP with dc and given their symptoms and the same GP has then put the symptoms into Google

I might be unqualified but from my experience I know more about my body and how it works than any Doctor.
I have been left in agony for years by GPs who wouldn’t refer me because after numerous visits I had been to the library (pre internet) and told them what is wrong and they have decided they don’t like that.

I think GPS should take peoples diagnosis seriously. It would save time and money and lives. Instead they send you for every test under the sun apart from the one you asked for. Only when they have exhausted every possibility, then they test you (if you haven’t died in the meantime) but by that time what could have been cured by a small opp or a course of pills is now a stay in hospital and major surgery and a life altering diagnosis

Fifthtimelucky · 04/08/2021 08:43

I haven't tried to contact a doctor for ages, but for years (long before google) I have gone in saying 'I think I have x'. None have minded, as far as I can tell.

The first time I remember doing it was when I told the GP that I had mastitis (didn't even say 'I think' in that case as I knew). The daughter I was feeding at the time is now 21!

EL8888 · 04/08/2021 08:45

They might not like it but my current GP’s surgery make it very hard to see a nurse or GP. Then when you do get to see then then they seen clueless. So yeah l will take the initiative for resolving any health issues as they don’t seem to want to Confused

Original poster
PlinkPlankPlunk · 04/08/2021 08:46

Interesting! Thank you for all the responses - a mixed bag, as I thought it might be

I have definitely gone beyond the obvious ‘first page hits” but even they made me realise a connection between two conditions that I hadn’t thought about. I am pretty convinced - but would actually be much happier if it was something else, so will wait and see

I will try not to antagonise whoever I speak to but make sure I mention/emphasise the very relevant thing. Fingers crossed I’ll get an understanding one…

OP posts:
Bythemillpond · 04/08/2021 08:47

The Daily Fail's regular medical section brings in many people convinced they have whatever is featured each week. GPs surgeries actually check it out each week in order to be prepared for the many who will present with those symptoms

So what happens to those who haven’t read the DM and who genuinely have the symptoms. Are you saying they don’t get diagnosed and are left to get on with their illness

Longdistance · 04/08/2021 08:49

I had to google about my immense knee pain. My GP wouldn’t physically see me and thought it appropriate to diagnose me over the phone. Dh has BUPA through his work for the family, so I went private, saw a consultant, had an MRI and was told I had a partially torn ligament, but had also no fluid in that knee and my bones are grinding against each other. All this in a space of two weeks.
My google brought up similar diagnosis’ but I didn’t tell my GP or my consultant.

TabbyStar · 04/08/2021 08:50

Mine was very impressed and asked me if I had a medical background. I

I've had this and also the GP said that I had neurological knowledge that was "above his pay grade" Grin. I think I was lucky. I'm finally on the list for an op for something that I saw a number of GPs and consultants about that in the end I diagnosed myself via various false starts. My DF had a little known neurological illness, and my XP had a rare condition that DD may have inherited so I was used to knowing more than many medical staff. Some have been arsey but most have been fine.

Bythemillpond · 04/08/2021 08:51

I will try not to antagonise whoever I speak to but make sure I mention/emphasise the very relevant thing. Fingers crossed I’ll get an understanding one

This is terrifying that going to the doctors has come down to crossing your fingers and hoping you get a doctor that doesn’t get antagonised by you asking a medical question

Purplewithred · 04/08/2021 08:52

In my experience (wider than my own GP visits) they are immensely grateful for a clear and objective history - symptoms, timings, any patterns noticed, any diary you have kept.

Some are interested in how it's impacting your life.

But like anyone else they really don't like you telling them how to do their job. For some, that would include telling them what you thing is wrong with you - it's their job to consider all the options and do the diagnosis. And whether you get a referral or not is most definitely their job.

Dizzy1234 · 04/08/2021 08:59

Mine doesn't seem to mind.
I googled HRT before I asked for it & he said "you've clearly done your homework, good for you, that makes it easier"
Also, when I went to get vaccinated as I was travelling to Asia the practice nurse googled what I needed based on the area I was travelling to then she read out interesting snipits of different insects and what you can catch from them (nearly cancelled my trip)
I think arming yourself with a bit of knowledge can only bee a good thing

TrueRefuge · 04/08/2021 09:02

@Bythemillpond that is disgraceful. I am so sorry Flowers

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