Bad time for a how-to YouTube video.

[u/sco-go]

[u/Difficult_Cake_451]

I can understand that, but I do not appreciate being treated like my issues aren’t really a concern/they don’t want to actually figure something out/they label me as having a condition without actually doing any digging or tests. There’s a difference between emotionally detached and just not caring.

One of my conditions is been untreated for 3 years because they keep misdiagnosing it as “just anxiety” :( only 2 of my doctors are convinced it is NOT anxiety based on my symptoms. One of them is a psychiatrist, and the other is my migraine specialist. I’m thankful for them, at least.

[u/Thereisnosaurus → u/Difficult_Cake_451]

It sounds like you have similar health challenges to my partner who has had very similar experiences (she rates both her psych and her neurologist as well). It's tough, and I wish I could reassure you.

If it helps any, it may be worth watching some videos on medical training and approprate approaches to consultations. I've found my work (i used to proctor clincial examinations) has helped me connect with my primary care providers by prompting them as to why I'm presenting and what I hope to achieve out the gate, and being ready for the kind of things they need to act. You need to be able to do this in a way that is respectful of their responsibilities, so much of primary care is ass covering more so than patient-centered.

One thing that should always be true is that your doctor should listen to you and respect your input. They may need to make choices you don't agree with, but they should always be able to clearly tell you why. Some doctors, like any profession, are shit. Don't go to them again if they are.

[u/NoHangoverGang → u/Thereisnosaurus]

In addition: the patients bill of rights.

The amount of patients I tell to go to another doctor and they act shocked that you can do that is insane. Like yeah man whatever you wanna do, they won’t take it personally. And if they do it’s just further proving it was needed to start with.

The other one that people forget is you have the right to refuse any treatment for any reason at any time (exceptions occur in extreme situations). This is a hospital not a prison, you are free to leave at any point. As much as I wish I could make you take your blood thinners s/p stent or valve surgery I simply can’t.

Not a physician btw but I tend to see the same patients two to three times a week so I get a good relationship going and can watch them a lot closer and for a lot longer than most providers.

[u/Difficult_Cake_451 → u/Thereisnosaurus]

I’m sorry that your partner is also going through something similar with her healthcare providers. That really sucks.

I would like to think I’m pretty decent when it comes to talking to my doctors and for advocating for myself, but when they tell me “lol idk what else to do” I feel so aggravated, because it feels like I’M left with this huge burden of trying to figure out what to do next.

I’ve always been left to figure out what my next specialist might be, because all of the multitudes of providers I’ve seen just seem to either not care or genuinely have no clue. That isn’t to say I’m not thankful for what they HAVE tested me for, it’s just frustrating to feel like I’m the one doing all the research, I guess??? I’m not a doctor and I don’t know how much I can trust my own studies.

A big example of what I mean is that until recently I could barely walk because I had severe leg and back pain. I was “too young” for surgery and basically told to suck it up, take shots, or do stretches for 5 agonizing years. I finally found a surgeon to do the surgery and I can actually walk without pain now.

THAT SAID I will take your advice, It doesn’t hurt to be even more knowledgeable!