Yesterday, I posted this on my Instagram. It’s a snip of a post I found on Pinterest.

I suffered with weird symptoms for YEARS, and I also happen to suffer from two different autoimmune disorders, so this resonated with me. I have used this technique, years ago, with a provider I no longer see. (thank god, because I’m pretty sure I read that she’d been fired for issues with patient care. go figure.)

What I didn’t expect was the the outpouring of stories from others who 1. didn’t know this was an option, 2. have horrendous stories of their own, and 3. had even better advice than that above.

In 2019, it should be not be this difficult to find a doctor whose care is patient centered, who who doesn’t discriminate against those who have invisible symptoms + disabilities, but it can be difficult. We find ourselves shouldering THEIR burden, trying to earn a medical degree on Google, all the while feeling like our bodies + lives are falling apart.

So, I decided to compile a list of the best tips + tricks I could find when it comes to dealing with doctors. Hopefully, it will help others in their fight for their diagnoses.

What To Do When The Doctors Won’t Listen

Make Them, + Ask For Proof

As noted in the image above, if you doctor takes up your time + hard earned money, just to say, “ahh well, we’ll just wait and see what happens.” Maybe they even completely dismiss your concerns – you don’t have to accept this. When this happened to me years ago, I asked the doctor to record that she refused to address any of my concerns, and that I’d wait while she did so. Subsequently, the tests I’d requested were ran. She was a horrible doctor.

A couple people on my Instagram suggested going even further, and I think it’s brilliant. They said make sure you ask for all notes and records made about the appointment. I will definitely start doing this – even though I love my providers now, I’d like to have a record of all of my appointments to refer back to on my own time.

Keep Accurate Records of Symptoms and Medications

One of the biggest things I’ve found that helps me best be an advocate for myself (which I talk more about next) is keeping records for my next appointments. Any health concerns or questions I have, I’ll write them down somewhere safe. Same with anything I experience medically. From a sprained ankle and disturbances in my mood, to minor infections. I see it like this – if I expect a doctor to give me the best care, I have to provide them with a very accurate description of what’s happening with my health. The whole picture.

Be Your Own Best Advocate

You’ll see this is a recurring theme on Stumble Pup, and it’s not going to go away. One of the biggest things I’ve always spoke about on here is how being your own advocate is so, SO important. From your mental health to your physical, if you don’t speak up, the doctor will have no idea how to help you.

On the flip side, if you’re already being the best advocate you can – coming to appointments prepared, speaking up when necessary, etc – and they still aren’t listening… don’t stop. Never stop speaking up for yourself. Keep bringing up those your issues. All of your symptoms, pains, whatever is causing you issues.

Divorce Your Doctor

In some cases, it’s necessary to sever ties with your provider. If you’ve done all you can, and you find yourself still having to fight for your own health after being your advocate, give up on them (if you can). Move on. Your health deserves it. There are doctors who will take you seriously and help you take care of yourself.

Find Support While You’re Searching

As I’ve spoke about before in the past, having a support system is crucial, regardless of what you’re dealing with. I go to a support group once a month, see a counselor biweekly, and have learned to really lean on my loved ones when I need to. There is absolutely no reason to isolate yourself. Autoimmune dieases, invisible pain, symptoms and disabilities are enough to deal with, you don’t have to be alone the whole time. You shouldn’t have to deal with this on your own. There is strength in numbers, if that support is positive.

None of these tips will replace a fully competent medical team = which is why these tips are so important. Building a medical team who cares about you, gives you solid advice, and helps you heal is crucial for your wellbeing. So keep going.

I hope you find some of these tips helpful – if you have any tips for readers, please drop them below. Remember, never give up.

You deserve a happy, healthy life.