Doctors can be annoying - help!

[Barbie2005]

So, I’ve got a GP that is sooooo annoying! He won’t listen to my symptoms, usually physical, or brushes them off! I know this sounds rude, but seriously. I’ve been having lots of pain since I was 5, and she just says “they will pass in a couple of weeks” or “it’s just growing pains” or something like that.

I recently got very annoying with some of these pains, so I googled them to see what it could be and what I could do about it. I discovered that they could possibly be something life threatening(of course, I’m not sure. I’m not a doctor!). I have a doctors appointment in a week or so, and I have an entire notebook of pains and things wrong with me.

So, what I was wondering if anyone here has any tips on how to ask him about these things in a way that he might consider it could be anything serious? He refused to diagnose me with Hypermobility Syndrome because he said it wouldn’t make a difference. Thanks!

[Doolhof]

Hi Barbie,

Is it possible for you to see a different Dr if you are not happy with the one that you see?

Sometimes I will look up health issues on Google, then I take what I have found to the Dr and ask for his opinion. As I don't have a Drs degree, I generally take what he says as being correct. If I am concerned I may ask to see a different Dr or ask the original if he will make a referral for me to see a specialist.

We all have the right to receive the best advice and assistance we can receive. Sometimes we need to trust the Dr.

When reading information on the computer, it can be so easy to see our symptoms as something serious and sinister. It does pay to get it checked out. Take your notes with you and listen to what the Dr has to say.

Hope all goes well at your appointment and you are soon feeling in control of what you are experiencing.

Cheers from Dools

[Barbie2005]

Hi Dools,

Thank you very much for replying!

I’m planning on asking to see a different one, although it is a long process.

I try to believe him, but when you have pains so bad you cannot bear to breath, and he doesn’t advise to take pain medication, it is a little difficult. This doctor isn’t one to refer you somewhere if he thinks you do not have anything.

My friends, too, warned me that the information may seem worse than it is. I try to see it as it is - For example: I could possibly have been having blood clots that my doctor does not want to investigate - this can be a medical emergency, if it is. Other possibilities are: that parts of my lungs are not completely filling with oxygen, or a rare heart condition. I’m not trying to emphasise it and make myself scared or minimise it and ignore it - I’m trying to see it as it is.

Once again, thank you very much for your reply!

Barbie

[quirkywords]

barbie,

I hope you find a doctor to relate to.

The trouble with Dr Google is tyatnyou dont know how reliable the different sites are and they often wrote the worst possible illnesses that may be incredibly rare.

Writing down your symptoms and saying what the level of pain is, how often it occurs and where it occurs,

Once you find a Doctor you can trust, you can the like Mrs Oools believe your doctor,s opinion.

thanks for sharing your story.

Quirky

[blondguy]

Hello Barbie

Good on you for posting with us! Its great to have you here with us 🙂

Can I ask how long/frequently you have been seeing your current GP? (if thats okay?) It can be frustrating when our GP doesnt 'click' with us when we have symptoms that we need help with

Quirky is spot on when she mentioned using Dr Google for help as the opinions and various websites can leave us confused with false hope and expectations....not to mention the inaccuracy of many of the thread topics.

Its only my humble opinion that you can persevere with your GP until you have some answers

Even copying this page and giving it to your GP can help you let your GP know about your situation too

Making a double appointment can also be a huge bonus when we are trying to find some help from our GP

I hope you can post back when its convenient for you Barbie!

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Doolhof]

Hi Barbie,

Thanks for getting back to us. Yes, there is certainly a lot of very helpful information on the computer. It can be beneficial and it can be confusing at the same time.

My husband Googled some of his symptoms and the next day he was having ultrasounds then straight into hospital to have cancer removed! So yes, I certainly understand how important it is to follow up on hunches and thoughts that something is not right.

Hopefully your Dr will listen to you. Is it possible for you to take someone else into the appointment with you to help you talk to the Dr about your concerns?

My sister joins my older parents for their medical appointments as they sometimes feel like they are being fobbed off at times.

Hope you are able to find ways to relax and feel at peace while you wait to see the Dr. Worry and stress can cause a whole heap more issues!

Cheers to you from Dools.

[Amarantho]

Hi Barbie,

I am on the hypermobility spectrum (although on the mild end). Would it be helpful or useful to you if I shared a little of my experience with you?

[blondguy]

Hi Barbie

I hope you have the best possible new year!

I posted about Dr Google above and mentioned "Quirky is spot on when she mentioned using Dr Google for help as the opinions and various websites can leave us confused with false hope and expectations....not to mention the inaccuracy of many of the thread topics"

Just to clarify my that my comment above was pertaining to the disadvantages of using Google where mental health is concerned....not physical ailments as Beyond Blue is a website that is dedicated to our mental health

Having face to face consultations will provide you with a realistic diagnosis and thus will ensure greater peace of mind too!

my kind thoughts for you

Paul