It can absolutely make things better. I have received lots of good medical advice in this way, with the philosophy that asking alone can't hurt. However I have also weighed the advice as to possible risk. In addition I've tried lots of things that didn't work for me, like diets, sleep patterns, and even some medications.
IMO in order for quality of care to improve across the board, it's important to acknowledge that there is some signal in the noise in situations like this. Overall I think most of us can trust ourselves. Especially if we also have access to medical professionals, many of whom will in practice shrug and say "it's worth a try if you like."
"Disinformation" typically means something intended to mislead[1], as opposed to "misinformation" which is merely wrong, not intentionally malicious. I doubt anyone here is intentionally trying to harm others with their advice...
Yeah, so: Research it, ask professionals about it, weigh the risks, and come to a decision, or don't. It's not like we're just computers who run every piece of input as a command with root privileges. We can engage and use a healthy, non-black-and-white filtering system.
They've asked for help in narrowing a field of information before they explore further. They're not asking for a final direction that they will blindly take.
We're a fairly clever group here, with diverse knowledge. Which means I trust that people asking for advice here realize the need to balance anything posted here with asking a doctor.
Besides, doctors won't tell you anecdotes from other patients. They will present you with the options to treat your problems. Sometimes there are clear answers how to proceed. But when it is less clear, all they can do is tell you the options, and give you pros/cons, and maybe possible outcomes. You then need to make a decision. And asking other people who have been in the same place can be helpful to that decision-making process.
Equating HN community to "web developers" indicates either trolling or you not being experienced with this community and the quality of discussions around here. Also unsubstantial comments that don't add anything to the discussion aren't welcome here.
That's fair, my generalization was pejorative. I meant to say, in a glib way, that this is not a website frequented by 100% licensed physicians and clinical researchers, and is actually mostly not that.
The point is, the OP is essentially saying, "I wish to discard the notion that statistical research is valid and may make medical decisions based on a study with N=1 or 2". I was worried people would show up and offer magical cures as they always do, and lo and behold, there are threads suggesting hypnosis and turmeric.
My main concern with this is that the OP may use a completely arbitrary "cure" and avoid speaking further to doctors about it, so any actual treatments that are developed might be overlooked.
OP here. You are being unkind. I'm not an idiot. I have a doctor. He won't be honest regarding stem cells for legal reasons (they're not fda approved). That said other doctors I know who happen to be experts in stem cells in a totally different medical area have said I should pursue this. HN is one of dozens of avenues I am using to collect information.
IMO in order for quality of care to improve across the board, it's important to acknowledge that there is some signal in the noise in situations like this. Overall I think most of us can trust ourselves. Especially if we also have access to medical professionals, many of whom will in practice shrug and say "it's worth a try if you like."