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Dismissive doctors

Has anyone else tried to explain the severity of symptoms like severe fatigue and pain to their doctor, and were having trouble being able to work, and were met with a dismissive doctor who's advice is to stretch and sleep longer? Or something along those lines. If so, i would love to hear how your doctors have left you feeling unheard.

  1. Even when my symptoms were, SOB, severe pain and although some burning.calms the

    1. not fun for everything you mentioned. Sorry to hear you have to go through these horrible symptoms. Have you been able to find a treatment or something that helps you get through these?


      Sending love,


      Nicky (Team Member)

  2. I am embarrassed to say that I yelled at the last doctor who not only lied to me, but also asked me "Well what do you want me to do for you?" This was after my 2nd or 3rd visit. I went to her after my previous doctor (who was awesome) retired. She was part of his practice, and she was located near me.
    I was needing a refill for my medication, and I had already seen her at least once. She told me that she had never filled a prescription for me, but the bottle I was holding had her name on it! I scheduled an appointment and took the bottle with me, when I saw her, I showed her the bottle and I yelled at her that I did not appreciate her lying to me. That was when she asked me, "Well what do you want me to do for you?" I said, "Fill my prescription!" And as I was leaving, I said that I would never be back!
    I have a wonderful rheumatologist now, who has paid careful attention to my issues and has put me on several new medication that are actually helping my pain.

    1. ,
      Your frustration is certainly valid, and I admire you for speaking up and calling out your doctor.
      I'm glad to hear you are now getting the care and attention you deserve since finding your new rheumatologist.
      We appreciate you sharing your story, Doreen (Team Member)

    2. What a horrible experience. She doesn't seem to be helpful at all as a practitioner. As you have clearly demonstrated, it's important to advocate for yourself and clearly communicate the extent of your symptoms, including severe fatigue and pain, and how they're impacting your ability to work and function. It's great news you have a new physician who is attentive to your health and wellness, and that you are finding relief from your medications. Sending positive vibes. Rebecca (community moderator)

  3. I was first dismissed in my 20s and told I'd be grand when I grew up and had kids. After having two kids and the inflammation and pain spread, I was told I was more than likely postnatal. When the chest pains came I was told I should be practicing mindfulness. In my forties now with pain head to toe and recurring uvietis and finally diagnosed a year but because my body is reacting to the hard medication my rheumatologist is losing his cool and trying to blame me for it. At this stage all I can do is laugh 🤣

    1. I think a lot of people that have back pain always have to really deal with a lot of doctors that think that the pain is in our head or it's just a pulled muscle you will get better. The doctor I went to was thinking I was just seeking pain meds thinking I was a addict. But finally after several MRI's, xrays,and a lot of other tests and 2 or 3 different Rhuematologists and 6-7 years later I was diagnosed with AS. I have noticed that here lately I have been having severe neck pain just like before and I used to go to a chiropractor that really helped my neck pain, he told me that when my neck fused together I wouldn't have neck pain anymore but it has came back so I guess my neck isn't completely fused together. Unlike my back/spine it has completely fused together. Thanks for letting me ramble on lol.

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