Threads looking for medical advice.

[Hollyhobbi]

I've seen two threads in recent days where as soon as I saw the signs and symptoms listed I knew the patient needed to go straight away to A and E as they had something very seriously wrong with them. I'm an ex nurse so have medical knowledge. However, a lot of the advice offered was dangerous. I've actually come to the conclusion that these kinds of threads should not be allowed on mumsnet and in fact could lead to a fatality if people followed some of the advice given. I rarely start threads but my conscience wouldn't be clear if I didn't start this one.

If in doubt check out should be the mantra. If you're concerned enough to question it ring 111.
Just read the one about person being checked now for internal bleeding. My comment on these is always trust your instinct and you are never wasting anyone's time by getting something checked. Is always rather be the person that got checked unnecessarily then be the person that needed medical attention and didn't get it.

Yes I agree. As soon as I read the black stools I knew she needed to get to a&e.

Those threads should not be allowed because it is clear that the OP doesn't have any common sense if they think it is a good idea to ask randoms on the internet rather than actual professionals.

It doesn't make sense that it's allowed. Threads by people in mental health crises are deleted, yet threads where someone clearly has internal bleeding is left standing so random people can tell them not to waste A&E's time. It's so dangerous.

It did cause someone to die
Years ago, on here!
I knew her… We spoke off of mumsnet

Its so dangerous and its done all the time

This Bullshit of ‘If your able to be on here, your not sick enough for A&E’
It simply is not true !!!

Bit harsh @HollyKnight

Some people just feel ill and what advice on what to do

If people say anything , it should only be 3 things
Ring the Gp, Ring 111, go to A&E

If you dont know, then say nothing!!!!!

That isn't a rule, though. Anyone can say anything. People here aren't vetted. People here aren't required to hold a professional qualification related to medicine. By asking here, you have no idea which advice is good and which advice will get you killed. So if people don't have enough sense not to ask, then MN should not allow people to ask.

I don't think they are dangerous at all. In fact it's the opposite. I think many of the people who post would do nothing if they didn't have access to MN. And you were able to go on the thread and advise the OP to go to A&E. as did a few others. In most threads, OPs will read all the comments and make a decision based on all of them. I have not read a single thread where the conclusion is that the OP stays at home and does not seek medical advice. At the very least they ring 111. I've read plenty where the OP was thinking "I'm sure this is fine I'll wait until I can get an appt at the GP/see how it goes" and has been rightfully directed to A&E by lots of concerned posters, many of them medical professionals.

With the thread in question, she had already spoken to her mum, a GP receptionist, who gave the incorrect advice to stay at home so highly likely that's when she would have done if she hadn't seen your post.

I do think many medical professionals think to protect people access to information should be withdrawn. I disagree with this premise completely. Adults should be able to access information freely, and be allowed to be given the opportunity to view that critically. The vast majority of people will take on board a number of sources and opinions AND seek medical advice. Those that don't often take the opinion of uncle jack or their neighbour Doris anyhow! As in the thread where the OP spoke to her mum! At least on the internet you are more likely to get exposed to a wide range of opinions and information including from medical professionals.

Advice from medical professionals is also not always correct anyhow. I have had dangerous and incorrect treatment/advice from doctors on more than one occasion. I find it's much safer to do your own research and consult with medical professionals once you have some information than just trust the word of any old medical professional; they don't know everything and, like in any profession, you'll get good ones and not so good ones. I have learnt to pick mine carefully!