[SakuraLi]

Hi everyone, this isnt mental health related just general health. I have a doctor who I`ve been going to for almost a year for my health issues. The first time I went she ordered blood tests and found that I needed to take supplements for a deficiency. But the other 2 times I went she had not investigated further what could be causing the problems that I told her about. I`ve been busy and in school and also feel wary about going back to her since she seems like she`s not going to help me figure out my other issues. I`m at the point where I want to switch docs but when I called the office to inquire about switching docs I was told that they don`t let patients switch because its a conflict of interest. Which makes no sense! I feels like my issues are not being resolved and money being wasted. I need to see a doc but for now I had to settle with making an appointment with my current one. How can I get this doc to listen to me and help me take care of my issues. whats the best way to get this doc to listen?

[slowinmi]

I've worked in health care (physical, not mental) for about 30 years. Most of the doctors I know are very factual people. They respond to and respect, patients who write their questions down. That lets you accurately describe or explain anything you want them to know, and lets them use their time with you in a way that will be the most beneficial. Most doctors are very caring and genuinely want to help their patients, but they are facing increasing pressure from their employers to spend a limited amount of time with patients. The recession has hit almost every profession and physicians are no exception.

Try writing your questions/concerns factually and keep your questions shorter if you can. You may also want to consider bringing a friend or family member with you so they can help you remember what you wanted to ask and also how the doctor answers. I hope your appointment goes well and the physician listens to your concerns. All the best to you - slow

[music junkie]

ugh, i understand. none of my doctors listen to me. i wish i could afford to get new ones. i hope you are able to get better care

[Perna]

Not all health problems have solutions/are known; I have asthma and hypothyroid, for example and doctors have no clue what causes them, give one pills and "good luck" and monitor one. I don't know what sorts of issues you are presenting but if they're aches and pains or vague in that way, doctors may try to give you a diagnosis but they aren't going to be able to tell what is causing something if nothing shows on the tests.

I would do a lot of experimenting on myself with eating well and exercise and maintaining a good weight and level of fitness and see what I could learn about my issues based on my body and its responses. The more you know about you, the better you can inform the doctor so their guesses as to what could be wrong might be more complete. It's often just a dialog and ideas of what to try, not "I have X pain" and the doctor saying, "take Y med and you'll be cured".

[SakuraLi]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I took a list of concerns and questions the first time I saw the doc and she had me do blood tests. all tests came back a clean bill of health. except for the test that showed I have a deficiency in iron. which i was prescribed iron supplements which I`ve completed now. I`m going back to the doc to get a follow up blood test for that. My issues which are extreme fatique, severe headaches, back pain and random pains all that come and go in cycles have not gotten better at all since I`ve been taking the iron. I think my doc thought my problems were because of the ion deficiency but I`m having my doubts. I should really revise my statement and say my doc does listen, but she just has not suggested any steps I could take to improve things. She didnt even give me common sense advice like "go see a chiropractor or nutritionist." which I could have figured out myself but it would have been nice to see that my doc was proactive in providing suggestions but so far she is not. I think I will just request referals to specialists who can take care of my back and headaches and find a nutritionist. Hopefully 3 more medical professionals can figure out whats wrong.

[BrokenNBeautiful]

It can feel kind of invalidating when a doctor does not really seem to connect with a patient or talk with a patient about their issues.

I had to hunt long and hard for a dentist.

I am not sure I am absolutely clear about your situation, but I feel very strongly about the right to choose a doctor who is a good fit.

I sense, too, much pressure on providers, and they are not acting as warm to us as before.

I have to remind myself all the time that it's not personal.

But I understand how scary and frustrating it can be when we don't feel heard or connected with.

Billi

[SakuraLi]

Well tomorrow is my appointment with the doc so I will make a final request for her to assist me in finding the cause of my issues and help me arrange a plan to get the issues under control and if she still doesn`t give me any useful advice I`m firing her! And I`ll try to get another doc because I don`t have time and money to waste not getting my problems solved.

[Silent_tsol]

Originally Posted by billi_leli

but I feel very strongly about the right to choose a doctor who is a good fit.

I agree with this. When you asked for a switch did you say that it would be a permanent switch. I know in some practices they don't want patients bouncing between drs, but if you explain you aren't connecting with the doctor, they should let you switch. If not, try a different practice. My current doctor and I do not see eye to eye and there's a doctor who I want to switch to but she's not accepting patients (I'm very stubborn) so I'm waiting it out. But I understand how frustrating it is

[unaluna]

Plus if you keep a journal of activity, nutrition, and issues, you might start to see a pattern, or at least have something to show them. I get achy joints or a runny nose from certain foods, or a headache if I have no coffee one day after too much coffee the previous day. Things seem random but they are not.

[O-Dawg]

Originally Posted by SakuraLi

Hi everyone, this isnt mental health related just general health. I have a doctor who I`ve been going to for almost a year for my health issues. The first time I went she ordered blood tests and found that I needed to take supplements for a deficiency. But the other 2 times I went she had not investigated further what could be causing the problems that I told her about. I`ve been busy and in school and also feel wary about going back to her since she seems like she`s not going to help me figure out my other issues. I`m at the point where I want to switch docs but when I called the office to inquire about switching docs I was told that they don`t let patients switch because its a conflict of interest. Which makes no sense! I feels like my issues are not being resolved and money being wasted. I need to see a doc but for now I had to settle with making an appointment with my current one. How can I get this doc to listen to me and help me take care of my issues. whats the best way to get this doc to listen?

Huh??? What do you mean they won't let you swicth? I'm not sure what country you live in, but in the US, you don't sign a contract with a doctor. Maybe the doctor's office won't refer you to another, but they can't make a law that says you are not allowed to switch! If they are saying this, it's a lie and you can sue them for it if you want. It's against your rights and freedom and on top of that it is harassment.