DR. Visits What?????

[thestorm]

Hi to all the lupus gang, I just wanted all your opinions and some experiences when you go to the doctors with written documented symptoms, and you Doc says it may be just a manifestation of all the reading you are doing. First, I would like to say I am looking franticly for a new Dr. Secondly, has anyone ever had this happen to them. I am diligent and proactive with myself, my symptoms and am not afraid to tell my Dr anything. I was really put-off by this notion and would appreciate any shared experiences and advice, you all may have. Thank you all for being there, as we are all one. thestorm

[whisperit]

Hello thestorm

Bleargh, that is the worst. It sounds like a more blatant version of the usual dismissive attitude some doctors have when what we say we are experiencing does not tally with what they think we should be experiencing. They would rather trust a number on a lab report than another human being. I guess there is no panacea for this. Maybe pressing them to give a more specific explanantion for the symptom(s) you're describing? But yeah, if you have a doctor you cannot trust, get a new one. x

[thestorm in reply to whisperit]

THANK YOU whisperit, Amen. so I am not crazy... and if we could have some better communication as the medical books all say we should , talk to our Dr.'s, we are following the protocol and they need to be more human and apply the 'bed sit manor' that was in place so long ago. I greatly appreciate your support and care. thestorm

[Lupiknits]

New doctor ASAP. I feel for you. Some patients do annoy doctors by coming in convinced they have a disorder Dr Google had on the first page, but when we try to inform ourselves we’re either dismissed or disbelieved.

[KayHimm in reply to Lupiknits]

I agree. The best doctors know how to work with the fact that, of course, patients google their symptoms! I have a funny story. I had a bunch of weird symptoms that were increasing. I keyed in a few words like itching after bath, dizzy, sneezing after eating 😅 and came up with MCAD. I called my doctor and said, « Dr. M, I have been reading and I think I have something with my cells. ». « Well, Kay, everyone has mast cells. ». « Yeah, but I think something may be wrong with mine. ». I rattled off my symptoms. He said, « Make an appointment to see me. » Guess what. He began work up for mastocytosis and later I saw a MCAD specialist. Google is not always unhelpful!

Kx

[thestorm in reply to KayHimm]

Hi KayHimm, I agree with you totally, but when you look at the Dr. who knows the patient and there conditions, body language, etc. the Dr. can make a better informed decision based on the fact that his patient is informed of there body, its function, and a bit of patient knowledge goes a long way in all the Dr decisions. Science is a educated tested guess with human beings, we evolve just like nature, the tides are always changing and patients are just searching for the answers and help they sometimes desperately want. Google is not the answer just the avenue, the possible way to open a conversation with questions for the Dr. Thank you for answering me, and sharing your story it does help a lot. Sending peace, blessings be strong and advocate for yourself. thestorm

[KayHimm in reply to thestorm]

Attitude is everything. When doctors do not respond with empathy and concern, we feel so diminished. The remark he made was an example of what not to do. I have a friend — a self-diagnosed hypochondriac — who went for a third GI consultation. The doctor explained to her that he thought she had IBS, reassured her that he knew she did not have a serious illness. He then told her about how the nerves of the intestinal tract work and how she may be able be able to help herself with relaxation exercises. She was so happy with this consultation, and felt empowered, not judged. It was all in the way this doctor communicated with her. I thought to myself, « That appointment should have been recorded to demonstrate to medical students early on how to communicate with patients. »

I am sorry for how you have been treated. Hope you find a more empathetic doctor.

K

[KayHimm]

And no, never experienced what you experienced, and I would never go back to a doctor who said that to me.

Kx

[thestorm]

Hi KayHimm, Thank you for that story again, YES, wish that medical students could be better trained in demonstrating the power of communication and connection with those they will care for. After all, we place our tender lives in there hands!!!!! . And, I am again searching for another opinion Dr. Wishing you health and caring on your journey's too. thestorm