I'm Sick: To go or Not to Go

Post 1: I haven’t been to a doctor in a while can be found here
Post 2: Checkup can be found here

I’m Sick: To Go or Not to Go

Not feeling well? That’s too bad! Could you just take a few steps back? A little more…there! Good! Dr. Carm doesn’t want to get sick. Okay, so you are wondering when you should see a doctor. You’re sick but obviously not dying (yes, I know—it feels like it.) Here’s a simple way for doctors to know if they should see you (besides the symptoms of course):

If they need your money = tell the patient to come in.

If they are too busy = tell them stay home.

Nice and easy, right?

So, let’s talk about you as a patient. First rule, whenever you care in complete doubt as to whether to see the doctor or not, call the doctor’s office.

If you are medically inclined (like Dr. Carm), you can do some research on your symptoms. Unfortunately, most websites will probably tell you that you are dying (which isn’t exactly false) or that you have cancer or some weird disease you can’t pronounce. In this case, Dr. Carm has made a list for you. Here are some signs where you should call your doctor (in no particular order):

·         Repeated episodes (dizziness, sleep problems, fatigue, headaches, weight gain or loss, pain, nauseas, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, depression or anxiety, panic attacks, pelvic pain)

·          Possibility of a STD (sexual transmitted disease)

·          Numbness

·          Persistent swelling, nosebleeds, jaw pain

·          Blood in stool or urine

·          Severe and persistent sore throat or coughing

·          Hearing loss

·          Severe injuries (cuts/wounds/animal bites that break skin/puncture wounds)

·          Thoughts of suicide

·          Hearing voices

·          Blurry or double vision

·          Eye pain or excessive eye discharge

·          Sensitivity to light

·          Shortness of breath/wheezing

·          Rashes or welts that do not clear up

·          Serious burns or blisters

·          Mole changes

·          Sore that won’t heal

·          Unusual lumps

·          Bleeding during pregnancy

·          Menstrual changes (prolonged, heavy, missed periods, vaginal discharge)

·          Pain during intercourse

[Remember: If you are Dr. Carm’s patient—don’t contact her, she’ll contact you]

As always, if you have any questions for Dr. Carm, don’t hesitate to ask. She is the best uncertified doctor out there!

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Diagnosed But Not Happy
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