Are the interwebs smarter than your doctor?

[swishyfeet]

TZ posted about cyber condriacs, which made me wonder how many people have really benefited from an internet self-diagnosis?

About 15 years ago (my mid 20's) I saw a chiropractor for my achy back and hip issues. He said I didn't need a chiropractor and that I might have Ankylosing Spondylitis (a form of arthritis that affects the axial spine). He gave me free x-rays and actually called my doc and asked him to test for it. The blood test came back negative.

10 years later, after so many doctor visits and so many pounds of ibuprofen, a web search of my symptoms led me to an Ankylosing Spondylitis forum where I discovered my problems were EXACTLY the symptoms of AS. People there directed me to a terrific Rheumatologist who confirmed my cyber self-diagnosis and explained that blood tests aren't always reliable. Ten frigging years and a couple fused SI joints later, she got me on the right drugs and changed my life.

Anyone else have this kind of experience?