Calling Dr Google
Drum English|26 March 2020
Having access to so much health information online is both a blessing and a curse. Here’s what you need to know
Jane Surtees
Calling Dr Google

When she arrived at the outpatient department of the hospital Lindiwe* was very clear about her condition.

She had a dry, itchy patch on her right nipple that had been there for the past two weeks. She had done her homework and told the healthcare provider who attended to her she had Paget’s disease of the nipple, which is a rare form of breast cancer.

The medical professional on duty, clinical associate Annelise Ahir, diagnosed something different – and much less serious. She said it was a fungal infection and prescribed an antifungal drug and topical corticosteroid cream for treatment.

But Lindiwe (23) was having none of it. She wanted to be sent for chemotherapy to treat the cancer she was convinced she had, and she demanded to be seen by another healthcare provider.

Ahir’s experience is becoming a common phenomenon for medical staff thanks to self-diagnosis on the internet – what is often referred to as Dr Google.

“Patients often come to health facilities having drawn a conclusion about their condition and telling us what they want to be done,” says KwaZulu-Natal-based GP Dr Thuthukile Goba. “Sometimes when you offer advice that’s different to what they expect, there’s a lot of resistance.

“This is more common in the public sector where patients don’t choose the doctor who’s going to treat them. Some even insult and threaten the doctors and nurses who don’t give in to their demands.”

THE PATIENT PORTAL

Denne historien er fra 26 March 2020-utgaven av Drum English.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra 26 March 2020-utgaven av Drum English.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA DRUM ENGLISHSe alt
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020