Healthcare frustrations, anyone?

[Guest]

Do not let doctors fool you. There are so many general/family practice doctors out there who do not know some of even the most common diagnosis! If you don't like an answer one doctor gives you, definately get another opinion!! I found out the hard way that you have to fight for your healthcare if you think something is wrong!!

 

My frustration stems from the fact that I have been repeatedly told that nothing is wrong with me and that I was overexaggerating issues by several different doctors when in fact that was their way of blowing me off and saying they just didn't know the diagnosis.

 

Well, I was recently diagnosed with something that if the doctors I have seen were more knowledgeable, would have saved me alot of pain and effort and sadness in the long run!

 

Don't ever let them tell you that just because they went to medical school, it makes them somehow superior to you. I happen to know several friends in medical school and they say there are definately many doctors out there who graduate but are still extremely incompetent at what they do and they just don't care to learn either! Well, if they don't know, I can deal...but if they just don't give two S***s then that makes me really mad.

 

Well, just had to vent. Anyone experienced the same sort of frustrations?

[Outcast]

Heck yeah. I have an armful of stories about misdiagnoses - some not very nice. Basically, it pays to be informed and to research your own condition. I don't think medical schools spend a heck of a lot of time on teaching diagnosis; I suspect the focus is on treatment instead.

 

I absolutely agree that nobody should ever think the doctor is infallible - remember, not all of them graduate at the top of their class!!

[suegail]

As someone who works in the medical field, I have to say most of the doctors I work with are great. There are a few I tend to worry about because they will sometimes treat without seeking the opinion of an expert (when that is what is needed) in the particular field they are dealing with, and I have a few times told patients, "hey, this doctor is good, but this is not his specialty" I've advised that they ask to see someone who deals with whatever type of problem they are having. Most of the doctors do call for a consult immediately if they realize what might be going on or even if they just have no clue, they'll start getting consults, but there are a few who tend to scare you because they feel they can treat anything. Maybe for some odd reason you just had a run of bad luck trying to get the right doctor, someone who would listen....I'm glad you're finally getting proper care.

 

Take Care

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply Suegail. I know not all doctors are as frustrating as the ones I saw..and since i've been seeing a specialist, I feel much better.

 

I think part of my frustration stems from the fact that I live in a rather small town where there is one major teaching institution for healthcare. Since I'm uninsured, I can only afford to go there.

 

I think what happens is that some of the people I have been seeing for second opinions work with each other...and before I see them, they have already talked to the original doctor about the diagnosis, especially if I had complaints about the care I have gotten....such as not recieving ANY feedback from people that I have seen.

 

And instead of being open to listening before they see me, they have already judged me first, dismissed my complaint, are going on the defensive mode so they can back up the other doctor. I have learned not to go back to the same institution for opinions.

 

However, I can't help but feel that alot of it has to do with politics in the place...which I felt took precendence over patient care, resulted in my problem getting dismissed several times, and contributed to my increasing anger at the situation.