What to do when Your Doctor won't Listen to You.

It can be really frustrating when you cant get your doctor to listen to you, and at worst, detrimental to your health. Hopefully your doctor is just tired, over worked or frustrated and it has nothing to do with you. But for some doctors this is a repetitive motif with them. Do not let your doctor bully you or diminish the impact your symptoms are having on you. Thankfully there are a number of ways to help you better communicate with your doctor. Here are some tips to use in your next appointment.

• Maintain eye contact. When they break it, stop talking and wait for them to look at you again, then start talking again.

  
  

• Don't stop talking. The more you say the higher a chance you say the right thing to intrigue them. Keep talking even as they usher you out of the room.

  
  

• Come prepared. Have a list of questions and concerns. Do your research so that you know what to ask and what kind of language to use.

  
  

• Practice what you are going to say. Make notes so that you are very clear and precise about what you are asking for or describing.

  
  

• (Interview a doctor about what makes a patient more likely to be successful when at their appointment.)

  
  

• Describe how the symptoms are impacting your ability to work, sleep and participate in other areas of your life. Describe this in detail.

  
  

• Ask the doctor questions. Get them responding to you, not you passively listening to them. Ask them why they think that your symptoms are acceptable for you. Ask them what your next steps should be. Ask for referrals when you aren't getting the quality of responses that you need.

  
  

• Keep a record. In detail record what symptoms you have, when, and how severe. Most important write how they impacted you at home, work, during you daily tasks and duties. They more descriptive the better. Don't be shy.

If they still dismiss you, refuse testing, or a referral:

• Ask them to record in your chart that they are refusing the test, treatment, ect. Insist that they record the symptoms you have described so that there is an established time line.

  
  

• Sadly this is a big one. If you are female it can make all the difference if you bring in a male family member or friend. Being accompanied and supported by them can turn everything 180 degrees around. A new study reported that up to 93% of women have felt dismissed by their doctors. It is not in your head. For everyone, bringing in a family member who can confirm your statements can be helpful. Often it is just their presence that has the most impact.

  
  

• If you are still dismissed consider going to an advocacy or support group for help. They will probably have delt with similar situations and will be able to provide you with more specific advice and resources on how to proceed further.

You need to advocate for yourself. You are solely responsible for your health. You are a priority and should make it known. Your last resort is to find a new doctor. I understand that that is a huge undertaking and that we have a shortage of doctors. But having a doctor who refuses you test, treatments, or information can lead to devastating effects on your health. ( List steps to get a referral)