What can you do when doctors downplay your pain?

[fuzzy]

YES I have. I had a similar situation with my lumbar for years they told me to go away it is what it is and live with it. Never mind the then mild but increasing neuro symptoms as the pictures did not show them. So they don't exist its in my head (yeah, right). I have the same now with my cervical. Some doctors seems to not want to deal with cases that are difficult i. e. are more work and no easy answer. It definitely is about finding the right (expert for a reason) doctor. You are not alone and its tough and frustrating.

[dridobits]

For the first four years of my injury I wasn't getting proper pain controll and the docs at my HMO made it out like I was making it all up as they didn't know what my problem was, nor did they take any interest to figure it out.

I hate to say it but I think the thing to do is get as far away from those docs who don't understand, cause they probably won't ever understand. I paid out of pocket for many years for pain controll as I wasn't getting help from my HMO. Disgusting. I was really bad off. Even if you can find someone outside of your insurance to write a really strong letter to the right docs can make a huge difference. Sometimes that's all it takes. I think this is a fairly common thing and something I just won't stand for anymore.

Years later, they are finally treating me...but I went through hell and back getting them to treat me. I think I get treated now because I am able to stick up for myself now and I get in their face when they pretend something isn't wrong. If you don't feel well enough to advocate for yourself, try to get a friend or family involved. I'm sorry your going through this. I went through it for a long time and now I will just get in their face if they do that to me. I can't deal with it anymore. Hugs.