Being my own doctor

@forestx5 You really are your own best advocate. I do appreciate Google although it can take you down some rabbit holes if you're not careful. It's always good to go into a Dr's office knowing something and letting him/her know what you know.

The treatment for epi-retinal membrane traction is frequently a vitrectomy. I always wanted one because following the temporal lobe seizure that changed my life at age 17, both of my eyes sprouted cob webs of floaters. Removing the vitreous can alleviate the traction on the retinal membrane, resolving the Aniseikonia or size difference of images. And the bonus is that the fluid used to replace the vitreous gel is free of floaters. I understand vitrectomy is a very common procedure in Europe, but the medical establishment and medical insurance industry in the US has decided that Americans don't routinely need it.

I am with you on this one. I have been my own doctor for years. I honestly have considered going to medical school in retirement. Not for the knowledge... but so the medical people will stop being so dismissive to one of their own.

I purchase my own blood tests. You can get them seriously cheap from "Ullta labs" and what is shocking... is often... you can order a simple blood test that will rule out a problem. Such as... fear of pancreatic cancer... lipase blood test if normal likely rules it out. CA-125 can rule out ovarian cancer if low.

I had an issue with my swallowing changing in old age. I went to the doctor but like they wouldn't even seriously evaluate me. They just wanted a tube down my throat with the most insane invasive exam that required me being put out. After months of looking I found out there is a test that can go up your nose and down to your stomach and you remain fully awake. All the literature for this test says it should be done regularly to look out for esophageal cancer. It costs almost nothing. Yet doctors don't do it. There was nothing wrong and I got to see my esophagus on TV.

Medical "practice" has gotten so much worse in my lifetime. I really worry about the future.

I will board certify you, Natalie. lol
All those 5 physicians (in training) needed to do was consult with Dr Google and he would have told them that residual swelling from a DVT (Post DVT Syndrome) could be expected in about 50% of DVT cases. They should have considered that before scheduling me for surgery and bi-weekly blood monitoring. Their failure to consult the Cardiologist in the formulation of an invasive treatment program is not easily forgiven. It cost my insurance plan almost $8k for that unnecessary hospitalization. I told them I was happy to donate my time and inconvenience to help the doctors education, but I refused to pay my $300 co-pay. The physicians in training were affiliated with the hospital, so they should have absorbed the entire bill, IMHO. So my credit score took a hit. No big deal. Hedge Fund medical care is a nightmare. The hospital knows it will get its money eventually...with the next procedure.
I researched the retina specialist I was referred to. She is tops. First in class, research awards, magna cum laude, etc., etc.
A beautiful Persian woman named Golnaz. According to census records, only 9 people living in the US have that 1st name.
It means "fragrant flowering blossom".
I've read some research summaries on the issue. Retinal surgery for metamorphosia/Aniseikonia does not have a guaranteed outcome..
I believe mine is idiopathic, which is a good thing.
A vitrectomy and removal of the epiretinal membrane should contribute to a reduction in traction on my retina and correct the
unwanted magnification and distortion. In any event, I feel competent to hold a meaningful conversation with this highly educated medical specialist.

I'm a big proponent of people being their own doctor, and heck, even their own therapist (with a little AI help). That's one of the reasons I co-founded a non-profit back in 2009 called the Society for Participatory Medicine -- people should be partners with their care providers, and become as empowered as possible when it comes to understanding their own health and disease. AI has made this incredibly more easy to do nowadays, as long as you double-check its advice, especially when it comes to health, medical, or mental health decisions.

We'd like doctors and therapists to really be the experts. But the reality is that YOU are the expert when it comes to your own body and health. And ideally, you can work with clinicians and others to help you in your treatment journey.

Cheers.

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Society for Participatory Medicine is here: Society for Participatory Medicine

LOL good.

That is the really concerning thing for me... they don't bother to do the research. I know that google and AI can be wrong but too often they are just as clueless as a normal person when you bring them your symptoms. They blame being busy but honestly... they aren't.

When I went to the urgent care a few weeks ago there was only me.

Hope you have good insurance.
Mental health malpractice is rampant. They don't even know how to diagnose correctly. I wonder what they go to school for.