I sometimes wonder.............

[rob_zzz]

Janene if possible you should be trying to see another GP about this because it doesn't sound like this one is listening to you.

I've had a similar experience with one GP and the best thing I did was to change GP's to someone that was willing to help with the situation. It is a ridiculous situation to be in to have a serious problem and have it ignored in that way. Don't doubt yourself - persist in trying to see a specialist - either via this GP but if possible try to see if you can find another GP that is more helpful.

[rob_zzz]

Another thing - make sure you explicitly ask to see a specialist and get them to verbally refuse - i.e. don't wait until they volunteer it or circumnavigate the topic - be very clear: "I am extremely worried about the symptoms I am having and want to see a specialist, please refer me to a specialist spine surgeon." (or even "I insist that you refer me to a specialist spine surgeon").

I have found they are actually unlikely to refuse a strong direct request even if they don't really want to do it.

I suspect the reason they are unlikely to refuse a direct request is because if later on you end up with a serious problem/incident you could point back and say that they refused a direct request by yourself to see a specialist which would not make them look very clever.

[dshobbies]

Janene,

Some doctors feel they are always right and should not be questioned but it is out duty to ourselves that directs us otherwise.

If you are stuck with this doctor for some insurance reasons you need to be direct and question why he doesn't believe you. Ask him why he thinks you'd be making up pain and that if he continues to refuse to take you and your symptoms seriously, that you want to be transferred to another gp who will direct you to proper care. You deserve better and should not have to settle for less.

If you get tongue tied when this doctor tries to minimize you and your pain, write down what you'd like to say and read it!

Good luck, Dale

[sahuaro]

Ditto to all that's been said above. A further thought: have you made it clear to this doc that your symptoms are occurring while driving? If you have and if you get into an accident because of those symptoms, he may have some liability. Obviously, I hope that doesn't happen, but that should be a concern of his, if nothing else.

[rob_zzz]

sahuaro thats true - the only risk there is that instead of helping, the Dr just orders that Janene shouldn't be driving - in which case any liability in an accident suddenly becomes a big problem for Janene.

I think its a really awful situation you are in Janene, I hope you manage to get through to someone that starts acknowledging the problem and making some sense.