Another note about making your case to medical professionals – in my experience, women doctors are just as guilty as males. Doctors all come from the same system.
OP your problem is just the kind of thing that gets pushed off, in the doctor’s office. For men, they want to get it fixed and keep him productive. For women, this is a “you problem”. Women and their endless emotions and need for attention – the medical industry is still rife with that attitude.
Starting with the front desk and appointment scheduling, as well as the exam room assistants who get things started (often they are critical because they are the ones who type in the notes to the permanent record), and finally the doctor – on your very first appointment where you will discuss this, be ready to present your case as if it were a presentation at work.
Don’t wait to be asked. Give your justifications as to how this is impacting your overall life and health. Verbal and written. These folk tend to be technically-oriented and often they respond well to a short and well-organized written description. Give them everything with confidence that this matters. Not in a supplicant “please help me” attitude, which is too often perceived as “attention-seeking”.
Not kidding about this. And don’t be surprised when they hand your information back to you without entering it in your record! Push on that as well.
Your ongoing care, and what important it is given, is all down to what they enter in your computer record. The record can be highly inaccurate based on who was typing what, during the appointment. That is a major reason for a lack of continuity, follow up and even interest by the doctor and the office. They don’t have the information. Because it isn’t getting into the record accurately at the one time that you are presenting it.
Again, your issue is not the standard thing they see daily, and GP offices prefer appointments to be standard – it fits their system more neatly. So be pushy and nosy, “Oh I see you’re typing, can I take a look? I just want to know.” Then barge up to the computer and take a look without an invitation. It’s sad but frequently this is the only way. Then cheerfully and firmly point out corrections and completeness that need to be added.
This is based on long experience with doctors for myself and for family members when I was the principal advocate. I would love to learn that things are getting better re medical attitudes – but in my experience, overall they aren’t. It is a special doctor who gives proper regard to all of their patients equally and without bias. Most of them just don’t. And would never admit that.
I am sure there are some answers out there to help you! Good luck!
