Hi Lisa (@techi), I wished I had some magic words that could help. It's good to express how you feel. I don't think you are alone with your feelings, especially in the area of autoimmune and other hard to diagnose diseases. I think with few exceptions, like in any profession, doctors really do try to help the patient but they can't possibly know every disease and how to treat it. Even the cherished Dr. House had his demons and challenges although he always figured it out. It kind of reminds me of the song "It Takes a Village" only for me I think it takes a team of medical specialists to get to the bottom of some of the really hard diagnosis. My complaint is that I (me, not the doctor) did not advocate for a treatment sooner for my peripheral neuropathy. The doctor told me it was probably nerve damage and they could do tests to determine if that was the case. And I in my infinite wisdom asked if it is nerve damage, what can be done. I was told nothing so I decided why bother with the tests. I waited 20 years before getting a diagnosis of idiopathic small fiber neuropathy and this started me on my journey of being a better advocate for my health. While it didn't do anything for the neuropathy, it has helped me with other health issues.

I do get the honor of "training" a new doctor every couple of years as they rotate through the family clinic I use. To me, it is an eye opener for them as well as myself when I keep asking them questions and then they have to go to their team leader for a consultation. Not so fun sometimes, rewarding other times.

Hoping you have a pain free day.

John