Medical Mysteries Support Group

Being Pro-Active When you Are Just Too Sick To Care
What can one do when they are beyond themselves with overwhelming health and or emotional problems? Many patients suffer because of a lack of resources and proper communication between their doctors. Some patients are immediately written off just because they have too much going on, or because they seem eccentric, or maybe even because they look different, or take a certain medication. Maybe this sounds impossible to some, but trust me it happens a lot more than your average healthy person may think.
If you are one who falls into this category, like me, I can only give a small bit of advice, but maybe it might help. It cannot hurt to try, when you are at the end of your rope or ready to jump off a bridge, or throw in the towel so to speak.
First, and foremost...if you have a willing and capable loved one who can represent you this would be a good idea for when you have to go to an appointment. Also, you could try to get a patient advocate. I am in the middle of trying to find out how to do this for myself, but I don't know really how to go about this yet. I try to advocate for myself when I am feeling ok, but I am finding myself too weak and fed up to bother trying to talk to certain doctors.
Secondly...Make sure you keep a list of everything that is going on written up for when you have an appointment. Also, if you tend to get white coat syndrome and high blood pressure, or have anxiety issues, or just don't want to have to speak too much...write a letter out to your doctor so you can just hand it to them when you get there.
Third of all...If you are looked down upon, not given help, and you feel there is something seriously wrong....DO NOT GO BACK! Please this is very important. I have wasted precious time by going back 4 times to my ex primary care doctor who in my opinion put my life in jeapardy. So, if you are not getting the care you need, see a new doctor.
Fourth of all...If you get really depressed and are thinking horrible thoughts, then maybe you need to get professional help for this too, even if the main reason is because you are having trouble with your regular medical care. Sometimes, good psychiatrist or counselors can actually be a benefit in helping you find good care.
Fifth, but not at all the least important: Find a Reason to Live, a reason to go on, and a reason to Fight for your rights. God is my #1 reason, and I put my faith and hope in him.
Sixth...Make sure you occasionally remind your doctors if they aren't really on the up and up on your chart. They have a lot of patients and sometimes forget things too. So, you can always be helpful to them and yourself by doing so.
Seventh...Take time out and try no matter how hard it is to make sure you get the rest you need. Pamper yourself somehow even if that means a bubble bath or a book.
Lastly, If you have anything to add to this list...Please do.

Peace
Chelle
Posted on 03/28/08, 10:03 am