Join the Docs - Fake Diseases - Sickness or Silliness?

Fake Diseases - Sickness or Silliness?

Explicit content warning

06/04/24 • 33 min

Join the Docs

Welcome, dear listeners, to the newest episode of Join The Docs with your favourite medical history buff, Professor Jonathan Sackier, and the ever-erudite Doctor Nigel Guest. Today, with a few sick jokes along the way, they're diving head first into the wild world of diseases, both the bone-a-fide and the baloney!

What is the strangest disease you've never heard of? Professor Sackier starts things off with a dramatic reading from the Encyclopaedia of Obscure Ailments, setting the stage for a journey through the annals of ail-ment and ail-mess nomenclature. Dr. Guest observes that fake disease merchants have got it in for him....or did he mean in for me?

As The Docs dissect the classification and history of diseases, the duo emphasises the absolute, unassailable, and sometimes comically complex importance of precise medical terminology. They regale us with tales of conditions so rare that they might as well be unicorn illnesses. Not that unicorns have ever visited Dr. Guest's practice, but our Professor definitely believes they exist!

Can you tell the difference between a real disease and a fake one? The conversation takes a turn for the surreal as they explore the distinction between real and fake diseases. Professor Sackier warns of the dangers of faux maladies, dramatically pausing before revealing the notorious "mauve factor disease," which he insists is not just a purple patch in medical history.

Have you ever heard of "Paranoia About Paranoia"? Dr. Guest chimes in with a cautionary tale about this condition that has patients obsessively washing their hands. The two marvel at the absurdity but soberly remind us of the necessity of evidence-based medicine.

How do fake diseases affect real patients? As they wrap up, our hosts underscore the ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals to steer clear of endorsing the medical equivalent of urban legends. The Docs paint a vivid picture of the potential harm to patients, with Professor Sackier lamenting the rise of "Therapeutic Tarot Reading" and Dr. Guest bemoaning the latest fad, "Quantum Healing Crystals." Well, maybe not that extreme - but do listen all the way through!

To finish The Docs urge listeners to stay informed, stay sceptical, and, above all, to keep laughing. And remember, if you ever find yourself getting paranoid about the diseases you think you may have, don't hesitate to see a medical professional. They’ll set you straight.

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on Join the Docs are those of Dr. Nigel Guest, Jonathan Sackier and other people on our show. Be aware that Join the Docs is not intended to be medical advice, it is for information and entertainment purposes only - please, always take any health concerns to your doctor or other healthcare provider.

We respect the privacy of patients and never identify individuals unless they have consented. We may change details, dates, place names and so on to protect privacy. Listening to Join the Docs, interacting on our social media, emailing or writing to us does not establish a doctor patient relationship.

To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

Previous Episode

Problems Peeing? - Urine Trouble

Have you ever laughed so hard you almost peed yourself? In this uproariously informative episode of Join The Docs, the ever-witty Professor Jonathan Sackier and the hilariously insightful Doctor Nigel Guest dive deep into the riveting world of pee-ology. With the chemistry of a classic comedy duo, they embark on a fluid journey through the golden streams of urination and urinary health.

Is your pee the perfect shade? The episode kicks off with a vibrant discussion on the Pantone scale of pee, where our hosts illuminate the hidden messages within the hue of your loo. Professor Sackier explains that a dark amber urine might just mean you've been hitting the gym a little too hard. Doctor Guest chimes in with a chuckle, reminding us that while "sweating it out" is great, turning your toilet bowl into a dark ale tasting session is not.

Think drinking water is boring? Think again! The Docs then prescribe the magic elixir of life—good ol' H2O. Downing about eight glasses a day, they say, is the secret to keeping your personal plumbing in tip-top shape. But beware, as alcohol and caffeine will dry you out one sip at a time. Professor Sackier quips that if you're reaching for that fourth espresso or considering turning happy hour into happy hours, urine trouble...

Urinary tract infections are no laughing matter; Doctor Guest regales us with tales of the female urinary tract, a heroine in its own right, battling the dastardly bacteria that dare to trespass. They discuss how the shorter urethra is like a VIP express lane for unwanted microbial party crashers, leading to cystitis.

Ready for symptoms and causes of bladder inflammation with a twist? Doctor Guest recounts the time he diagnosed a bladder infection in a woman who thought she was just "angry peeing."

By the end of this pee-centric podcast episode, you'll not only be thoroughly entertained but also equipped with the knowledge to keep your urinary tract as happy as ever. So, tune in, have a laugh, and remember: when it comes to urinary health, it's better to be safe than sorry, and definitely better to be hydrated than high and dry!

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

Next Episode

Aged to Perfection: Growing Old - It Beats the Alternative!

In this rollicking episode of Join The Docs, our esteemed gerontology gurus, Dr. Nigel Guest and Professor Jonathan Sackier, dive headfirst into the laughter lines of the ageing population. They don't just skim the surface; they go deep, exploring the socio-economic implications of a world where the average age keeps increasing.

What is the impact of ageing on the community? As they dissect the burden on society and the economy, they don't just give it to you straight – they serve it up with a side of laugh-out-loud old fashioned humour. Dr. Guest and Professor Sackier don't just offer recommendations for maintaining health in the golden years; they provide the blueprint to become a silver fox or vixen!

What can you expect? The Docs cover the gamut, from the critical importance of regular health check-ups – because let's face it, your body is starting to have more issues than a celebrity gossip magazine – to the art of foot care, which is less about pedicures and more about making sure your toes don't look like they've walked through the Middle Ages.

Napping isn't just for toddlers anymore, folks. Why is it so important? Our dynamic duo explains why catching some Z's in the afternoon can be the secret ingredient for graceful ageing. And when it comes to maintaining good hearing and eyesight, it’s more than just eating your carrots and avoiding loud noises...

Is sex good for old bones? Hold onto your dentures, because The Docs also highlight the unexpected benefits of sexual activity for health, and let's just say they don't beat around the bush. They also tackle the dangers of smoking, and stress the need for mental stimulation – because your brain needs a workout too, and no, watching soap operas doesn't count.

It’s okay not to be okay. Dr. Guest and Professor Sackier then move onto the importance of seeking help and taking care of your mental health, no matter your age. They discuss how maintaining a positive mental state is crucial for enjoying a fulfilling and active life in your later years.

Combining sage advice with a barrel of laughs, this episode is a guide to ageing like a fine cheese – slightly stinky but ultimately a delicacy. Tune in, laugh out loud, and smile with your teeth (whilst you’ve still got them).

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com