If in doubt see your cardiologist/specialist

Time and again posts are put up on any one of a number of heart support groups I am member of on Facebook asking for medical advice. A short time ago I came across this question from a member on one such group:

"General question. I had my bypass 6 months ago but just recently my leg is swelling up considerably so I wondered has anyone else had this?"

My response was: "Is it the leg you might of had a graft taken from for the bypass? Whatever the case, you should get it looked at asap - internet 'doctor's like us can't diagnose and certainly can't advise, only a professional or your specialist can so would be seeing him/her asap".

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While I am a strong believer in the benefits of people joining a support group and sharing concerns, asking questions and giving support, time and again members can be found asking for advice for a medical issue.

When I see this I usually respond that for medical advice people should be seeing their specialist or family doctor since generally speaking, none of us in the group in question is a medical person qualified to give competent medical advice.