I am sure many of us who have been chronically ill for a long time can recall multiple instances when we were treated with disrespect, mocked, brushed off, and openly insulted by the medical system.
Nonetheless, this is acceptable in the medical field.
Patients are frequently assumed to be healthy until they “prove” otherwise.
However, many people are too afraid to challenge anything a doctor says.
This leads to you feeling bad about going to get help. You have the impression that you’re wasting your doctor’s time or you start to doubt your symptoms.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the proper way to approach a doctor and how to successfully obtain a diagnosis.
Warning – Many doctors are unfamiliar with chronic illness
For many years, doctors believed that certain chronic illnesses were caused by depression or anxiety and that the only treatment available to these patients was psychiatric care.
Despite medical evidence to the contrary, some doctors are accustomed and do not truly understand chronic illness or how to address it.
My experience
I’ve been to many doctor’s appointments while dealing with my chronic illness. Some of them were pretty bad.
One time I went to an Endocrinologist.
My thyroid levels were checked due to a suspicion of hyperthyroidism and I had a small goiter that my general doctor had suggested I keep checking it up regularly.
My blood tests all came back normal.
But I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism simply because of my symptoms and got prescribed Synthroid.
After 4 months of trying the recommended treatment, I felt it wasn’t the right diagnosis and didn’t want to take artificial hormones anymore.
When I voiced my opinion at the following doctor’s appointment, the doctor screamed at me about how I was ruining my life and that I would suffer because I’m denying treatment.
She was incredibly disrespectful which is hard when you’re the one suffering from illness.
I know so many people with chronic illnesses have had these experiences.
Disagreeing with diagnosis
If you disagree with the doctor’s advice speak up.
Doctors and patients may have differing views on a variety of issues, such as the causes of patients’ symptoms or the best course of action.
These disagreements can be resolved through respectful argumentation.
Doctors are not always correct, and patients who are afraid to argue may suffer as a result.
A doctor is called upon to make clinical decisions and select one treatment among many treatments (including the option of not treating) available for the same disease.
Patients, on the other hand, are becoming more aware of the risks associated with choosing one treatment over another as more information becomes available.
As a result, there is discord.
When disagreeing you should:
- Be polite, but firm
- Express your genuine concerns and inquire about the diagnosis or treatment.
- Share why you disagree
- Listen to doctors’ reasoning
- Keep in mind that doctors want to provide the best possible care to their patients.
Getting another opinion
After receiving an initial diagnosis or treatment plan for a medical condition, you may seek a second opinion from another doctor or specialist.
Getting a second opinion should be standard procedure for major health issues.
Sometimes another perspective can help you learn about your other options.
Obtaining a second opinion can assist you in making better health decisions.
If the doctors’ points of view differ, you can use the new information to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Conclusion
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to follow your instincts.
Your doctor should be someone you can rely on and trust. You should collaborate together and come up with the right solution.
If this is not the case, you have the right to seek treatment from another doctor or to refuse treatment at any time.
There are many doctors ready to work with you to get your health back.