Doctor visit

[Ragdoll15]

Does anyone find when they go to the doctors that they have so many symptoms to explain that it gets embarrassing and you feel you are not being taken seriously.

[Lost1980]

Ward146 I feel this way a lot. I have always been afraid that the doctor will think I’m making it up. Especially when I was having this skin issue that was causing deep muscle pain in my back. It was hard to explain and my doctor had a hard time knowing what to think of it.

But it’s best to still talk to the doctor and see what they can do. I hope some of your symptoms are getting better.

[Ragdoll15 in reply to Lost1980]

The trouble is when i 'rattled off' all the symptoms that are worrying me to the doctor, I can hardly believe it myself sometimes lol

[Minnie87]

Yes!!sometimes I feel like they look straight through me!

[Ragdoll15 in reply to Minnie87]

Yes I feel they'r thinking 'its her again'

[Hidden]

I don't get too embarrassed, but I understand where you're coming from. You shouldn't feel bad or embarrassed by being as descriptive as possible. When it comes to anxiety, the list is so darn long, it shouldn't surprise your doctor that you feel 10-11 different things. Regardless, this should be helpful for both you and your doctor. You, that you get the correct and proper treatment. And for the doctor, it helps narrow down and rule out things. Obviously it depends on the doctor; I feel like mine doesn't listen well enough and is so deep into his computer that he misses half of what I say is going on, what plan I would prefer to go with, and what's different this time versus the last time. Remember that you're paying him or her for care and that you deserve the time allotted for treatment. I know sometimes it seems we feel like we're bothering them, but it's in our best interest to be thorough...just as it is of them to be the same. If you ever feel like you're being shut out by your GP, I have found expressing the impact of the symptoms on your life goes a long way. Saying your life isn't functional or isn't as fulfilling should have them perk their ears up. Their job is to get you back on your feet as is humanly possible. If this still doesn't seem to help, I'd consider looking at a new GP to establish a better patient-doctor relationship. It's in both parties interest to be open, honest, and willing to listen. I understand where you're coming from. Definitely not alone and I hope you're feeling as well as is possible

[Ragdoll15]

The trouble is as you say they are tapping at the computer and you feel like you are talking to yourself half the time. I must learn to be more assertive the next time I visit and express my feelings more. I think sometimes suffering with anxiety and depression can make you feel like a second clsss citizen. Thanks for your good advise.

[Hidden in reply to Ragdoll15]

Absolutely! I hate the computer. It's like my doctor is more concerned about proper charting (I'm sure he is for good reason), but I wish he'd say, "One sec, so I can hear your concerns." Instead, like you say, I talk and talk with no feedback. This happened last visit for me. I came in with a hand written list, determined to get things all neatly handled. I left defeated and angry with the system. I also feel like I'm the guy who, before he knocks to come in, he just grins to his nurse and says, "Oh God...this guy...again...this should be good." He helped me so much almost ten years ago but I feel like I'm a boring problem that doesn't go away. The moment I mentioned a psychiatrist, I swear he was so ready to hand me off. Lol. Yeah, I agree, try to be assertive....in that visit I mentioned, I wanted to talk supplements but he left the room...so he was at the nurse's station and I said...hey...are these okay? You absolutely, sadly, have to push a bit because it's unfortunately a numbers business. Try this, see me in six weeks, good day. That isn't good enough for anyone. I hope you're able to get some answers....I definitely had to step outside of my shy self to get some of my answers.

[Hidden]

Always feel like this, a good thing to do could be to make a list of everything you’re experiencing that way you won’t forget anything and you could leave it with the doctor to ensure that they actually read them

[Ragdoll15]

Good idea to make a list. Doubt very much that they would read it after you left though?

[gemp54]

Funnily enough, as I read this post I was just sat rehearsing in my head how to speak to the doctor in my appointment Friday. I know most, if not all of my symptoms at the moment are probably anxiety related but my mind wo t rest until I get them checked out. When I say it all in my head though i just sound like a crazy person and i worry i wont be taken seriously. I might write it all out as recommended above so I dont miss anything.

[Ragdoll15 in reply to gemp54]

I know exactly what you mean. Good luck with your appointment!

[Smknight]

And you run put of time as you only get 10 minutes slots

[Ragdoll15 in reply to Smknight]

True. Ten minutes is not long enough!

enough for me

[Clarrisa]

A doctor friend I once knew told me to avoid making doctor appointments on Monday & Friday’s (coming off the weekend/ thinking of weekend plans). Tuesday & Wednesdays are good days, still the beginning of the week when the doctor is fresh & settled in for the week. I will add the doctor may be less rushed & burned out listening to patient problems earlier in the day, but not close to lunch.

I have also read in a M.D. written advice book that writing a letter to the doctor that arrives just a few days before your appointment can help. I think that depends on the type of place you receive care whether they would ever receive or glance at in time.

I am in the states & my own observation is that clinics with strong religious roots treat you more like the providers would like to be treated themselves.

[Ragdoll15]

I am in the UK. Unfortunately we don't have clinics here with any religious roots, that I know of anyway. I wish they did!

[Agora1]

Hi ward146, This subject alone affects each and everyone of us. The frustration of

leaving the doctor's office with the same doubts, fears and anxiety you came in with

are most probable in this day and age of 10 minute visits. Oh...and those computers

as far as I am concerned can distract the doctor from what you are saying.

I once was told when working for a doctor that they only listen to the first 3 symptoms

then everything else goes out the window. Three symptoms is not enough for us but

by keeping it to a minimum at least we can be reassured we are being listened to.

Try not talking while they are on the computer if possible. If you forget something, do

not tell the doctor as you are walking out. They hate that and don't listen. Unfortunately

this is the medical care of 2019.

My question is "what happened to those little paper dressing gowns"? Nowadays, the

doctor listens to our hearts, does stomach exams all through layers of clothing...Really??

It is what it is and I guess as long as we are still here to talk about it, we are okay xx

[Chubbers]

All the time!!! But I keep on trying 😊

[Ragdoll15]

Yes your right they don't wear gowns anymore. Things have changed so much but not for the better. It's the same in hospitals now, nurses are always on computers and don't seem to have time for the patients. It's good to 'let off steam' about these things xx

[Shaymocha111]

Yep I feel so weak like jelly legs and arms it make me think I have some type of disease or cancer or nerve damage

[Ragdoll15 in reply to Shaymocha111]

My legs are like this, it's all anxiety. Try relaxation, if your really worried see your dr to put your mind at rest. Constant worry will only make us feel worse x