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Not sure what to think…
About a month ago I started to experience pretty severe left shoulder pain. I gave myself some regular massages and it improved. Some. But then the pain started to travel down my left arm and now both my shoulder and elbow have a constant dull ache. Sometimes it almost feels like a nerve issue.
Fast forward to today and I also have constant pain in the front part of my left shoulder, right above the breast area that sometimes travels under my arm.
The last few days I’ve almost felt like a cold was coming on, I have a sore throat, only on my left side, my neck area hurts, only on my left side and when I take a deep breath things just feel more challenged on my left side.
As of today (thanksgiving of all days) my appetite has really decreased. As I write this, it’s afternoon time and I’ve had a few bites of a pumpkin bread.
I don’t know what to make of all of these things. I’m in the process of changing my PCP and as soon as that’s effective, December 1, I plan to make an appointment. I just don’t want to go in naive and a doormat. Something does not feel right and I know it. Can anyone please give me any tips on how to walk out satisfied with how I’m treated and tested for? As opposed to making several appointments continuously asking for the same things.
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Whenever I ago to the doctor now, I write down all of my questions and concerns and bring them to the appointment. Then you can write down the doctor’s answers. I think the doctor is more accountable and you get all your questions answered. For complex issues, it can be very helpful and you can refer back to your notes later. I hope you get some answers!
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8 ReactionsHello @tiffrox81 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I've moved your discussion to the "Just Want to Talk" group. You are asking good questions about the best way to approach a new doctor! It is important to be proactive when you are meeting with a new physician. In addition, to the helpful comment of @edb1123, I would also invite you to look at this discussion, which addresses similar questions.
– Your Tips on How to Get Off to the Best Start with a New Specialist https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/\ The post by @roch, with the list of ideas for a first visit are especially good.
As was mentioned by @edb1123, it is good to make a list of questions in advance and to take notes on the doctor's answers. If possible, have someone go with you to the appointment who can take notes for you. Also, if you have had scans or x-rays done previously, it might be helpful to bring copies of those reports (or the CDs of scans) with you to the appointment.
Have you decided on a new PCP yet?
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4 Reactions@tiffrox81 I would to to the ER to rule out a heart attack. Better to be safe than sorry.
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7 Reactions@tiffrox81 …I understand what you are going through. I have been in and out of the hospital since Early September for unbearable chronic chest pain which leaves me feeling extremely unsafe on my feet, suffocated, winded, exhausted, and with the fear of passing out. All because of a clotting issue since September. All my practitioners and ER’s know about my pain, I wish they understood tolerance levels. I applaud your effort by trying out a new doctor. It shows that you care about your health, and understand that you know that there is something that is just not right. I found that when my practitioners saw how determined I was by my consistency in questioning results, asking for second opinions, I was able to get my needs met.
I live in an area where the hospitals share information with each other and doctors know each other. So, When I would walk in, they already had an idea what and who they were greeting. So I would go outside my area for second opinions prepared with a small chronicled sheet of my medical and pharm history of illness.
I am not sure this is helpful, still I think you did well for yourself. God Bless you.
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1 ReactionNo it is very helpful. Healthcare can be so frustrating. I ended up going to the ER because my anxiety got the best of me. Scans all looked normal. Blood work looked normal. However my blood pressure was sky high!! They didn’t even bother to look for the reason behind that. They chalked it up to white coat syndrome. Well I’m now thinking that’s the real culprit behind my ill feelings. Of course getting into my PCP is next to impossible. I’ll probably find myself at the ER again.