Why do people post on here asking us questions and not going to a doctor? I just can't understand it myself. It's like people calling in to my work place asking if their arm is broken without getting x-ray's. Read the links and stickies posted but otherwise get yourself to your own doctor please and not us. Then if you get a definite diagnosis please join us and we'd love to give you support and advice from our own experiences. Thank you!
Kim,
There are many reasons people come here before going to the doctor--many times, it's just to see if anyone things their issue is worthy of going to the doctor or not, frankly.
Others are terrified beyond rational thought--based on either real or imagined symptoms.
The DIH section has always been a portion of this forum for those that are scared, confused, questioning, and yes...worrying.
There are times I have to take a break and can't answer anymore, because I just want to scream and say "Did you READ THE STICKIES?" or "Go see your doctor like the ten people that posted have suggested." Normally, I manage to refrain.
Sometimes, simply being reasonable with answers is enough to send worried folks off in the right direction--but sometimes it's not. Most here know when it's time to simply stop answering those people, and one or more will post with something like "We can't help you as you've already made up your mind. We wish you well but will no longer feed your anxiety."
If this forum only caters to those that are diagnosed and their families--there is a lot of misinformation that gets passed on. One of the goals of this part of the forum, at least one of Allen's goals--was to see that good information was given. The majority of us try to do that.
But, being in limbo waiting to see what is wrong with you--is a terrible place to be. Especially when you have symptoms that baffle both you and your doctors. Sometimes, it simply helps to know that someone will listen.
I hope this forum never gets to the point where those with questions and those in limbo are simply turned away as not 'fitting' the criteria someone sets as being 'welcome' here.
We have many long-standing people here that are not diagnosed with ALS--some have PLS, some have other MNDs, some are in limbo--and some just plain don't know what is wrong. It doesn't make their insight any less significant or often times helpful to those in need.
When a forum is headed "DO I Have" it is going to garner questions. It's time to step back when you feel like you simply can not answer helpfully and with compassion. (And I use "YOU" as 'anyone' not specifically you, per se.
Most people here were at one time wondering what was going on with them. Some waited years for answers. Others were misdiagnosed for ages upon ages. There is simply nothing simple about ALS--and that includes diagnosing it.