How do you get Doctors to take you seriously?

[PruneWoman]

Hi.  I haven't been on this site in a very long time.  It's growing.  How do you get doctors to take you seriously?  I thought if I could find the right doctor, it would be OK, but I'm on my 3rd Rheumy and he is
explaining away allot of my Sjogrens symptoms and being my weight.  I told him that Lyrica was making me gain weight and he told me it wasn't.  I went home and researched it and tons of people have had severe weight gain with it.  I was taking 3 tabs a day, so I cut down to 2 and stopped gaining.  I started exercising even though I have to nap afterwards but can't lose any.  I told this to my doctor and he gave me a look you would give a child who just told an unbelievable whopper of a story.  It made me mad enough that I wanted to walk out but he's the last Rheumy in my coverage area that I haven't already fired!  I am horse all the time, exhausted all the time and can't get any help.  I've had eye plugs but they didn't work, I had goo coming out of my eyes in the middle of staff meetings and while I was interviewing clients.  I get pills pushed at me that have side effects that are ususally worse than the symptoms.  I am so discouraged.  I'm 51 years old and want to try to go out on disability so I can get some rest.  I imagine that I have to find a doctor that would back me and say that I'm disabled, but that's not happening.  Any suggestions, advice, words of wisdom

[Sjenny]

Good question.  My GP wanted to refer me to pyschiatrist.  I wanted to punch him in the nose but I refrained.  (I know, I know, violence never solved anything.) 

Sue

[Scottietottie]

Hi Prunewoman 

I can't remember if I've welcomed you in here or not - if not - welcome - and if so - welcome again! 

It might be worth posting in the "Looking for a doctor" section. Maybe you could get a recommendation for a good rheumy in your area. Has your doc checked your thyroid recently? If it goes underactive it's just impossible to lose weight until it gets sorted - and not eay to lose then either!

hang in there!

Take care - Scottie 

[Seeker]

G'day prunewoman,  You have hit on a common problem we run into.  He has the "me doctor you not" syndrome.  It sounds like he has preconceived notions about you.  If after all your research you presented and he still won't listen.  You need to find another physician.  Scottie's suggestion is dead on.   Also you may want to write a complaint to the AMA, about this doctor.  He need's to listen to his patients.  If he doesn't he will miss something that could be life threatening.  Any way keep us posted.  Remember you will always have ears that will lisen and a shoulder to cry on, in our forum.


Seeker

[eyeamdry]

Prior to my diagnosis, I was telling my doctor that I couldn't lose weight even though I had started exercising 2 or 3 times a week at the gym.  He said "then go 5 or 6 times."  Well--this was during the time I was so sick with SS and could hardly walk sometimes.  I subsequently was diagnosed and treated and began to feel better.  No weight loss still though.  I continue to exercise when I can.  Lucy

[Dolly Dimples]

Dear Prune Lady, Iv'e been going to my Doctors here in UK for around 15 years, and still can't get them to understand this complaint.. I  have been told I am ( in a nice manner) that they have me down as rather an anxious lady...that the drugs  are really dangerous, so won't prescribe any,  I mentioned this site, and was told that you guys in US are rather trigger happy when it comes to dishing out pills.. we Docs in UK  are cautious, me then picks up handbag and says Good Bye.. Keep at it Lady make em listen!  PS   I do better taking the tips that I read on this site! Dolly .                               

[pudmott]

Hey Prunewoman,

Hang in there. There must be a doctor that will listen. As the others have said put a post in the looking for a doctor section. Im afraid im no help as i am on the other side of the world.

You will always get validation here.

Maybe if you cant find a rheumy try for an immunologist

Pud