Last night I was pretty tired...and forgot...and apologize if I seemed
strident.

I have met the most wonderful people on the net over the years.

I think the dedication of many people who have been frustrated by the
medical system we have now, has just been inspiring to me.
One does not need a "degree" or license anymore to become knowledgeable
about many aspects of medical care. In fact the medical system we have today is overwrought with detail, insurance goobling up precious time which should be reserved for patients, and intense competition by drug companies to make
the most money possible (which may negatively impact many patients' care)

When patients have vague complex symptoms, I find doctors often tune them out. People then fall through the cracks, and either do something "foolish" (which I think Thelma is alluding to here), or suffer loss of quality of life. Those people may be labeled..."hypochondriac" as well and it may be written into the doctor's file even, to follow that patient around the system!

For every questionable person who posts on the net on forums like this, I find many MORE knowledgeable people, who really contribute to improving
diagnosis and treatment. And basically, I think even the "extreme" viewpoints can be seen as not 100% bad. People with skills who can handle computers and technology to get on the net, do have the ability to make their own decisions. It also affords others who might have expertise, to post and bring to light the "errors" which may be present, or to warn of excesses.

Thank you Chemar, Curious, Glenn... and also to those who have not responded yet here! (Cara, Wittesea, Alkap Jo55, rose, Lara, west1, Annelb, KimS, LizaJane, etc...it is hard to remember them all, there are SO many! )

And thanks to DocJohn for providing this platform for all of us who are interested in improving quality of daily life!