Phoenix Rising had a series of pieces of advice for ppl (focus on women) with complex chronic illness in the average doctor's office. Some of it is of the 'tough pill to swallow' variety. Also be aware this is to GET BASIC CARE, not to change the medical paradigm! THREAD.
If you're a woman, bring a male partner or friend. Bringing a female friend, especially an older one, will infantilize you further in the clinician's eyes. Be ready for the clinician to address questions about your wellness to the man in the room. (1/7)
Look good but not elaborately so. Pick the median attention to detail re: outfit and makeup and go one step higher, the same way you do for a job interview.
"Shouldn't I look as sick as I usually do?"
Not unless you want to be dxed with depression or anxiety instead, no. (2/7)
"Shouldn't I look as sick as I usually do?"
Not unless you want to be dxed with depression or anxiety instead, no. (2/7)
Pick your top three most concerning issues/symptoms.
Clinicians have quite literally been taught that "too many" symptoms = hysteria, "health anxiety", MUS, or whatever they're calling it this week.
Don't mention things outside of the clinician's wheelhouse at ALL. (3/7)
Clinicians have quite literally been taught that "too many" symptoms = hysteria, "health anxiety", MUS, or whatever they're calling it this week.
Don't mention things outside of the clinician's wheelhouse at ALL. (3/7)
Don't mention your diagnosis unless it will have an impact on your treatment.
#CCD diagnoses tend to multiply -- like, no one has ~one~ autoimmune disorder. But multiple dx are also something that makes the average clinician suspicious, like we enjoy collecting them all. (4/7)
#CCD diagnoses tend to multiply -- like, no one has ~one~ autoimmune disorder. But multiple dx are also something that makes the average clinician suspicious, like we enjoy collecting them all. (4/7)
Don't bother getting testing that won't directly affect your treatment options *once you have your dx. Lots of testing also "looks bad" on your medical record because wanting to know what's up is supposedly a desperate cry for attention, esp in women. (5/7)
Finally, downplay your symptoms once you have your dx.
Many clinicians simply won't believe you can have that many symptoms that intensely.
I had one tell me, "if you had ALL of those symptoms you'd be dying" which was... terrifying rather than comforting. (6/7)
Many clinicians simply won't believe you can have that many symptoms that intensely.
I had one tell me, "if you had ALL of those symptoms you'd be dying" which was... terrifying rather than comforting. (6/7)
If you're out to change the paradigm, don't heed this advice. But if they aren't interested in learning and you need straightforward care like a strep test or a Vitamin D test, this is how. Pick your battles and save your strength. (7/7)
Sincere apologies for such a grim thread, but someone did ask and I can't find the original on PR.
