Tired of the gaslighting

Posted by cwitton1 @cwitton1, Jan 5 8:24am

I am done.
No more doctors. They’ve gaslit me, passed me off, placated me with unnecessary tests, tried detrimental drug therapies. No more “specialists” who pass you along to the next because it’s “not my job”. They straight up don’t believe anything I say. I am done. This journey that started in 1989 with a case of mononucleosis has ruined my life. I am done chasing answers and being mentally traumatized by doctors’ lack of empathy or concern. I am tired of reading my after visit notes and finding errors- things we never discussed or blatant lies about being examined. I am sick to death of being told it’s just anxiety manifesting or my brain tricking my body to make it *think*there’s pain when “there isn’t”. There is pain. A lot of pain, and I do not wonder at all why people with autoimmune disorders or chronic conditions- chronic pain patients, take unthinkable measures. News flash:NSAIDS don’t do squat for pain. They only wreck your kidneys and liver. What I have learned in the last 35 years is you can trust no one but yourself. Doctors are not there to help you. Doctors are there to make money and feel important about themselves. Doctors refuse to tell us, “I don’t know.” I’m tired, and it’s become more of a self preservation technique to just walk away. No more visits. No more medications. Whatever will be, will be. Call me a quitter. I don’t care. We were brought up to think if you’re sick, go to a doctor and they will help you get better. If your pain is new or gets worse, go to your doctor. They will figure out the cause. This is bs. No one’s going to help you. No one’s going to believe you. You will begin to question your sanity and eventually come to the conclusion that you’re on your own. The power dynamic in medicine is huge. They may have paid for an education, but I am not stupid and I know my body. This is me, finally defeated, jaded and hopeless. This is me accepting that this is how the rest of my life will be, forever. It’s not an exciting, rosy prospect. This is me, and I am done.

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I have had same experience as many of you- reading about my office visit on the portal that did not agree with what actually happened. Even at Mayo- thorough exam that did not happen.
My current internist has a better computer program and it actually agrees with what happened.
Electronic medical records were forced upon the health care providers by insurance companies that wanted control over what testing is allowed and what can be charged for a typical visit.
Before I retired from Pediatrics we had gone through a few versions of the electronic records. All bad. Time consuming.
The old handwritten notes only covered what was done and it was easier to follow.
These electronic records only benefit the insurance companies.

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@inminn

My goodness, I do hope you find the right neurologist. You can always go to the ER for a scan with those symptoms, and it may be the only way to get another scan without delay. Best wishes!

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Hi, Just wanted to let you know I have a new Neurologist she ordered a new CT Scan!
Going this Fri,.
Have a great evening!

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@astaingegerdm

I have had same experience as many of you- reading about my office visit on the portal that did not agree with what actually happened. Even at Mayo- thorough exam that did not happen.
My current internist has a better computer program and it actually agrees with what happened.
Electronic medical records were forced upon the health care providers by insurance companies that wanted control over what testing is allowed and what can be charged for a typical visit.
Before I retired from Pediatrics we had gone through a few versions of the electronic records. All bad. Time consuming.
The old handwritten notes only covered what was done and it was easier to follow.
These electronic records only benefit the insurance companies.

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What I believe is that the insurer and TPAs have set rates and have defined what procedures-actions are reflected in that approved fee - say for a follow-up visit on a chronic condition (like post surgery for Lung cancer). The Docs fear if they do not reference each action or procedure in their visit summary, they will somehow be gigged by the Insurer. So they document it - even it did not occur.

That may not be exactly it but I think it’s in that neighborhood

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@penn

Hi, Just wanted to let you know I have a new Neurologist she ordered a new CT Scan!
Going this Fri,.
Have a great evening!

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Penn, that is fantastic news! Good luck! Prayers sent your way for the best outcome possible!

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I know the rest of us have taken over with voicing our frustrations (justifiably) with the general state of healthcare we have encountered while struggling for understanding, non-judgmental, individualized care or even just a diagnosis, but I’d like to lighten the mood by asking if anyone here did have someone who turned their journey around for them, a practitioner that took time to listen, or to investigate, or who just actually listened rather than pre-judge you which resulted in something that helped you to feel physically better or even just mentally and emotionally better because you were finally believed, seen and heard.
I know we can’t give entire names or other clinic information, but for example, after struggling to be believed about losing my thyroid function quite young, with all of the weight gain, bodywide dysfunction and depression that accompanies untreated hypothyroidism for 14 years, Dr. Anne Was the fist one to not treat me like it was all in my mind. At long last, she was the first one to order the simple lab test that confirmed I was, indeed, very hypothyroid, and then she set about trying to discover, correct, or help all the ills being untreated for so long had caused (anemia, hair loss, other hormonal imbalances, etc.). She could have just given me antidepressants and other symptom fixes, but instead she corrected what we could, and I was finally able to apply myself toward becoming healthier. Instead of feeling as if I were mostly dead, I felt empowered and “miracled” (the Princess Bride reference). I lost 40 lbs in the course of one summer, then went on to participate in 5k’s, even a 10k, and walk-jogged a half marathon.
So, while this ended years later when new health concerns lead to a cascade of decline, I am still so very grateful for the conscientious care provided by Dr. Anne which gave me just over a decade of decent health, loving life, being happy in my body, and having self esteem, and feeling like my true self with a positive mood again.

REPLY
@inminn

I know the rest of us have taken over with voicing our frustrations (justifiably) with the general state of healthcare we have encountered while struggling for understanding, non-judgmental, individualized care or even just a diagnosis, but I’d like to lighten the mood by asking if anyone here did have someone who turned their journey around for them, a practitioner that took time to listen, or to investigate, or who just actually listened rather than pre-judge you which resulted in something that helped you to feel physically better or even just mentally and emotionally better because you were finally believed, seen and heard.
I know we can’t give entire names or other clinic information, but for example, after struggling to be believed about losing my thyroid function quite young, with all of the weight gain, bodywide dysfunction and depression that accompanies untreated hypothyroidism for 14 years, Dr. Anne Was the fist one to not treat me like it was all in my mind. At long last, she was the first one to order the simple lab test that confirmed I was, indeed, very hypothyroid, and then she set about trying to discover, correct, or help all the ills being untreated for so long had caused (anemia, hair loss, other hormonal imbalances, etc.). She could have just given me antidepressants and other symptom fixes, but instead she corrected what we could, and I was finally able to apply myself toward becoming healthier. Instead of feeling as if I were mostly dead, I felt empowered and “miracled” (the Princess Bride reference). I lost 40 lbs in the course of one summer, then went on to participate in 5k’s, even a 10k, and walk-jogged a half marathon.
So, while this ended years later when new health concerns lead to a cascade of decline, I am still so very grateful for the conscientious care provided by Dr. Anne which gave me just over a decade of decent health, loving life, being happy in my body, and having self esteem, and feeling like my true self with a positive mood again.

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@inminn Thank you for such a wonderful post!! Dr. Anne really was a great doctor and one that we all need. I think if we gave all doctors (well, most doctors) time and encouragement , they would surprise us and be the great doctors we need.
Just curious, did you ever tell Dr. Anne how special she was for you? Send her a note?
Please keep going with your wonderful, positive responses!

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I did try. I moved, she moved her practice, and life became very busy. I should try to find her again. She deserves to know how much I valued the care and attention to my issues!

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@astaingegerdm

I have had same experience as many of you- reading about my office visit on the portal that did not agree with what actually happened. Even at Mayo- thorough exam that did not happen.
My current internist has a better computer program and it actually agrees with what happened.
Electronic medical records were forced upon the health care providers by insurance companies that wanted control over what testing is allowed and what can be charged for a typical visit.
Before I retired from Pediatrics we had gone through a few versions of the electronic records. All bad. Time consuming.
The old handwritten notes only covered what was done and it was easier to follow.
These electronic records only benefit the insurance companies.

Jump to this post

I have MCTD and have found it is useful to give the new Dr copies of labs and notes from previous medical issues to scan into their systems. As I've aged (now 71), I am starting to keep better records as it eases My decision making.

REPLY
@inminn

I know the rest of us have taken over with voicing our frustrations (justifiably) with the general state of healthcare we have encountered while struggling for understanding, non-judgmental, individualized care or even just a diagnosis, but I’d like to lighten the mood by asking if anyone here did have someone who turned their journey around for them, a practitioner that took time to listen, or to investigate, or who just actually listened rather than pre-judge you which resulted in something that helped you to feel physically better or even just mentally and emotionally better because you were finally believed, seen and heard.
I know we can’t give entire names or other clinic information, but for example, after struggling to be believed about losing my thyroid function quite young, with all of the weight gain, bodywide dysfunction and depression that accompanies untreated hypothyroidism for 14 years, Dr. Anne Was the fist one to not treat me like it was all in my mind. At long last, she was the first one to order the simple lab test that confirmed I was, indeed, very hypothyroid, and then she set about trying to discover, correct, or help all the ills being untreated for so long had caused (anemia, hair loss, other hormonal imbalances, etc.). She could have just given me antidepressants and other symptom fixes, but instead she corrected what we could, and I was finally able to apply myself toward becoming healthier. Instead of feeling as if I were mostly dead, I felt empowered and “miracled” (the Princess Bride reference). I lost 40 lbs in the course of one summer, then went on to participate in 5k’s, even a 10k, and walk-jogged a half marathon.
So, while this ended years later when new health concerns lead to a cascade of decline, I am still so very grateful for the conscientious care provided by Dr. Anne which gave me just over a decade of decent health, loving life, being happy in my body, and having self esteem, and feeling like my true self with a positive mood again.

Jump to this post

Absolutely and I know I was really lucky. In 1995, I had swollen hands and feet as well as extreme fatigue (like hitting the wall after surgery) . My young GP did a lab panel and sent me to a Rheumatologist. They gave me the diagnosis (MCTD) and a brochure. Back then, internet, self help groups weren't out there; I was single and had no idea about future work. I moved back home, found a great Rheumatologist who set me up with a cocktail of older meds and I prospered. The disease lurks, there is no cure but she gave me tools to live life well, continue with work until retirement. Over the years I've met people who have had years until diagnosis!

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@marye2

Absolutely and I know I was really lucky. In 1995, I had swollen hands and feet as well as extreme fatigue (like hitting the wall after surgery) . My young GP did a lab panel and sent me to a Rheumatologist. They gave me the diagnosis (MCTD) and a brochure. Back then, internet, self help groups weren't out there; I was single and had no idea about future work. I moved back home, found a great Rheumatologist who set me up with a cocktail of older meds and I prospered. The disease lurks, there is no cure but she gave me tools to live life well, continue with work until retirement. Over the years I've met people who have had years until diagnosis!

Jump to this post

It’s a shameful thing that the lab tests seem to be parceled out at a glacial pace.
I had a similar thing with B12 deficiency. I’d suffered for 8 months going to doctor appointments before a young Neurologist finally ordered the test! Extremely low B12! With supplementation I was back to myself in three months.
My regular GP acted flummoxed!
A simple test that most post menopausal women should routinely get took eight months and multiple doctors to prescribe.
Now, I always tell my friends to request the test. They are almost always too low, just like me.

Now, I’m dealing with post Covid(probably), and my ears and eyes are affected. I do have a doctor that is testing extensively to try to help me.

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