How Does This Work?

Do you have a question you never got completely explained by your doctor? Wonder why they switched you to THAT medicine? Want to understand in layperson language what your disease is and what it means? Every wish you had a doctor in the family you could ask a quick question to?

Then shoot me an email at irbrennermd AT the gmail email, and if I can answer it, I'll direct you to pay the bitcoin equivalent of $30 at the link below. Once processed, I will post a reply directly onto the blog (or privately for extra cost).

I am not doing this as a diagnostic service. And please understand that if you are not seen by me in person, nothing I can say to you can be construed as medical advice. However, I endeavor to help you understand more about what you already have and can point you in the right direction.


Friday, November 29, 2013

What kinds of medical questions will I answer?

Again, I am not here to replace your doctor. However, I know that sometimes your doctor doesn't explain your condition in a way that you understand. Or answer any questions you might have. Or you were so worried at the time you completely forgot all the answers and are too embarrassed to ask again.

Samples:
1) Do these medicines interact?
2) I saw on the news that XYZ medicine can kill you. Why is my doctor still prescribing it?
3) What is (insert disease)? How do you get it? What are common treatments for it?
4) Are there any special diets that are recommended for my condition?
5) What kind of doctor would you suggest I see for the following symptoms?

Things not to ask:
1) I have had these symptoms for several months and have not been to see a doctor. What do you think I could have?

Reason: Without a patient in front of me, and the possibility to ask multiple targeted follow-up questions, it is impossible to get an accurate diagnosis. However, sometimes I can point you in the direction of the specialty you should seek out for a medical evaluation.

2) My doctor did XYZ and I think they committed medical malpractice, what do you think?

Reason: I am not here to bear witness against a colleague. They have had the benefit of you in front of them. I have not. I will answer targeted questions about your disease. But I won't play the "hindsight" game.

3) I feel dizzy and have chest pain, what do I do? (Asking about emergencies)

Reason: All I will say is: "These are symptoms that could represent a medical emergency. If you think you could have such a condition, call 911 immediately."