in desperate need of assistance communicating with doctors

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aqueduct58
Butterfly
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Age: 43
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30 Jul 2011, 7:36 pm

I need some assistance.
I have medical issues that are in need of imminent attention, and I have a horrendous time communicating with doctors.
I do not know exactly how to describe it, but the "flow" of communication is different than when speaking to a social worker or even average person. I understand that doctors are extremely busy, but the absence of personalized listening skills that for most people would simply be an annoyance or not noticed at all is impossible for me to manage.
Also, I have experienced abuse and medical neglect at my local ER due to stigma ( I actually have a diagnoses of iatrogenic PTSD) and feel that I nee a doctor who will take this seriously and advocate for me in the case of hospitalization.
I had actually been seen a doctor who , upon learning my history, refused to take me as a patient but did take a few minutes to counsel me in basic new patient skills, cautioning me not to inform them of my bad associations with medical professionals at the outset, but instead let them gradually get to know me as a patient.
Because my anxiety was great, I ignored this common sense and placed everything on the table with the next doctor.
I actually asked her if she cared about my well being, and spent the bulk of several visits discussing my need for psychosocial measures that would help with what I felt were special needs. I had also become hysterical at her office.
I know I should not have gone alone, but my social worker refused to accompany me.
Also, I felt that in some way it was part of her job to strive ton meet my needs, even though I realized that it really wasn't
I also did some things, that , looking back, seemed downright rude , bizarre , and psychotic even, such as telling her that I did not feel that she was advocating for me strongly enough in certain areas, learning later that she had actually spent some of her own personal time doing so.
I have a hard time with caregivers, because in a sense I feel like they should be receptive to you whenever you express a concern or need, in the same way as a parent. When a doctor tells me no to anything, I become extremely fearful,.
This is because I am well read on medical subjects , and know the potential for error.
I try to present myself as simply wanting the best care and above all collaboration, but always end up using more time than the average patient. I simply don't know how to balance these things in the space of half an hour.
My doctor is basically letting me go, although this was initiated by me, and she is simply fulfilling her professional obligation in caring for my needs until someone else is found, since I have a rare life threatening condition.
I realize that in some ways I am looking for a doctor to fit an ideal that is rare, but I know that some people do have very trusting relationships with their doctors. I simply don't have the skills and/or fortune that have that manifest in my life.

Any advice would be appreciated



Argentina
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30 Jul 2011, 8:08 pm

Just some ideas:

1) can you request a longer appointment
2) can you write down what you wish to achieve in the consultation. you could even show this list to the doctor after explaining that verbal communication can be difficult for you
3) Is there an autism/ASD association in your nearest city which may have a list of doctors that have an interest in these types of disorders?

Finding a good doctors can be trial and error for anyone. i think it is a matter of keep trying until you find the doctor that suits you.



questor
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30 Jul 2011, 9:54 pm

I agree with Argentina's suggestions, but would also like to add a couple more.

1. If you have several different health issues, only deal with one per visit. Each condition takes time for a doctor to cover with the patient. In your case, you have all you can take just dealing with one health issue per visit.

2. Bring a family member or friend along on your visits, and brief them beforehand on the health problem you are going to discuss with the doctor. They can help you discuss things with the doctor, and perhaps take some of the strain off of you.

I, too, have trouble communicating with others, but keep making the effort. I also have an aversion to medical visits, as I had to have a lot of them as a child and teenager. This keeps me from seeing the doctor as often as I should, now that I am older.

I hope Argentina's and my tips help. Good luck!



aqueduct58
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Joined: 18 Jul 2008
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31 Jul 2011, 11:02 am

Thank you for your responses



aqueduct58
Butterfly
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Joined: 18 Jul 2008
Age: 43
Gender: Female
Posts: 14

31 Jul 2011, 11:02 am

Thank you for your responses