My Mom called me at work earlier today to tell my that my 3-year-old had been complaining all day of pain in the right side of her abdomen -- she had even complained to her preschool teacher about it that morning.

Of course, my mother immediately started poking her abdomen and Lauren kept saying that her right side hurt. She'd also been tired and laying around all day -- which is completely out of character for the energetic kid she normally is. Mom mentioned that she had also been very thirsty all day, but she didn't have a temperature.

I thought it was probably nothing. She did have a bad head cold and she had been up late the night before messing around in her room. Gut instinct told me it was nothing more than an overly tired, semi-sick kid.

But, then, I googled her symptoms. And, soon I was convinced it was appendicitis or cancer.

Now, I'm not the kind of parent who easily freaks out. I can count on one hand how many times both of my kids have been to the doctor for anything other than routine checkups. But, once you start reading about all the things it could be -- well, it doesn't take long for even the most laid-back, laisse-faire Mom to rush her kid to the ER.

So, I called the pediatrician for some information -- things to watch for. I forgot they were closed on Wednesday afternoons. When the Doctor called me back he was fishing somewhere in Fairview. He said he'd need to take a look at her and I felt guilty dragging him in off the lake, but relieved nonetheless.

Dan picked up the girls, then me, and we rode out together after work. Lauren was singing all the way there and I knew I'd been duped. There was nothing wrong with that child except for a head cold and I knew I was going to feel really stupid.

Sure enough, Dr. F said she was fine (aside from the cold) -- no signs of appendicitis or kidney infection (or anything more serious).

Doctors must hate that more and more parents are diagnosing their children thanks to the volumes of medical information that can be had with a few keystrokes and mouse clicks.

Should've just listened to my gut. It's never been wrong yet.

But, then, no harm, no foul. Worst thing that happened is that I was embarrassed and the Dr. had to cut his fishing trip short.

It gives me great peace of mind to know that he would do that for a patient (and a mother who's spent too much time at Web M.D.).