When to trust Google (and when not to)

It's 2am. You're experiencing an unusual sensation after surgery. Your doctor's office is closed. So you turn to Google—and suddenly you're spiraling down a rabbit hole of worst-case scenarios.

We've all been there. While internet health research isn't inherently bad, knowing how to evaluate sources is crucial. 

Here are some quick guidelines:

• Look for information from medical centers, universities, or established health organizations

• Check publication dates—medical advice evolves quickly

• Be wary of any site selling products related to your search

• Remember that symptoms lists include rare possibilities to be comprehensive

• Consider that your situation has unique factors a general article can't address

What's been your experience with researching recovery questions online? Has it been helpful, anxiety-inducing, or a mix of both? 

Sharing these experiences helps all of us navigate information more wisely.