How to Ensure Doctors Take Your Health Seriously
I'm using this alternate account because my main one connects to personal details. I find myself trapped in a frustrating cycle where I have to plead with medical professionals to pay attention to my symptoms and request necessary tests, only to end up with a simple blood test and subsequently ignored. At 16, I've been facing these challenges since I was a child. Initially, my health concerns revolved around persistent headaches, severe stomach cramps, and leg discomfort. There were instances when my legs would seize up, forcing me to either kneel in pain or refrain from walking altogether. The headaches occurred at least weekly, along with intense cramps. Doctors attributed these issues to growth spurts and assured me my period was imminent, even though I was just five years old and didn’t menstruate until age 11. Today, I’m plagued by an unrelenting headache, suffer from migraines nearly twice each week, and can no longer run due to severe pain that feels like my bones are grinding against one another. My discomfort has expanded to my arms, hands, jaw, and rib cage. After doctors diagnosed me with costochondritis, claiming it was the cause of my rib pain, it took nearly a year and a trip to the ER to arrive at that conclusion. With a family history of endometriosis, doctors suspected I might have it too, given my menstrual difficulties. I experience only short breaks between heavy periods, soaking through large pads every half hour amidst painful cramps. Testing from my doctors has been sporadic, only initiated when we addressed my biological father's drug problem, resulting in a blood test that showed I was vitamin B12 deficient. They estimated I’d been lacking B12 for about two years, with my condition progressively worsening. Stress seems to exacerbate my symptoms; after a breakup with a former abusive partner, I lost the ability to walk. At a doctor’s visit, I discovered I had a significant vitamin D deficiency, yet it was only identified months after it had been flagged. With a vitamin D level at 14—far below the normal 100 or optimal 150 in winter, according to my doctor—I was prescribed supplements I couldn’t obtain and never followed up with again. Despite repeatedly raising my health concerns, particularly regarding breathing difficulties, the response from my doctors has been to attribute my issues to youth and anxiety related to exams, which I had already completed. How can I make them hear me? My jaw pain is intensifying, and I fear my health is deteriorating further. I've pleaded for attention, yet all I receive are blood tests and a few ECGs because they suspect heart issues due to my frequent fainting and fatigue. I don’t seek a diagnosis, but if anyone has faced similar symptoms, I’d be grateful for any advice on how to get medical professionals to listen. I’ve endured a childhood marked by abuse, and now, my teenage years are slipping away as my concerns are dismissed. Hearing older patients talk about their back pain and telling me to toughen up is exhausting. I've attempted to portray the severity of my illness, explaining how it has impacted my education—resulting in only a 64% attendance rate—and how debilitating attacks make it nearly impossible to write during exams. None of these efforts seem to make a difference. I've even contemplated intentionally injuring myself to prompt an X-ray, hoping it would lead to discovering an underlying issue and allow for more effective pain management, as I constantly face refusal for medication stronger than basic pain relievers like naproxen.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 6:11:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience and the ongoing struggles with your health. It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated when feeling unheard and dismissed. Your symptoms are significant, and it's important to advocate for yourself to ensure your health concerns are addressed appropriately.
Main Points:
- Start documenting your symptoms systematically.
- Prepare for medical appointments by outlining your concerns clearly.
- Seek support from trusted adults or advocates.
Detailed Explanation:
Managing health concerns, especially when they feel dismissed by professionals, can be challenging and disheartening. It's evident you've been through a lot, both physically and emotionally. If you're experiencing consistent symptoms like severe pain, headaches, and significant menstrual issues, these deserve full attention and proper evaluation.
Here’s a structured approach to help make your case clearer to doctors:
Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms. Note when they occur, their intensity, duration, and any triggers you notice. This will provide valuable information for your doctors and demonstrate the pattern and severity of your situation.
-
Prepare for Appointments:
- Write down a list of your key symptoms, concerns, and the impacts they've had on your life (like your attendance rate at school). Always begin with the most urgent issues. Having this written document can guide the conversation and reinforce that you mean business about your health.
- Bring a trusted adult or family member to appointments. They can help advocate for you and ensure your concerns are clearly communicated.
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Advocate for Yourself:
- Clearly express how your symptoms affect your daily life, including academic performance and mental well-being. Avoid phrasing that leads to dismissal, such as "It's nothing serious." Instead, say something like, "These symptoms are seriously impacting my ability to function."
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Explore Alternative Medical Providers:
- If possible, seek a second opinion from another doctor or a specialist who has experience with young patients and complex symptoms. Sometimes being referred to a new healthcare provider can bring a fresh perspective.
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Explore Mental Health Support:
- Considering the emotional weight you're carrying, reach out to a mental health professional who can help you process what you’ve been through, including trauma, and teach you strategies to cope with stress and anxiety about your health.
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Emergency Situations:
- If you ever feel your symptoms worsen drastically or experience severe pain, don't hesitate to seek emergency care. Be explicit about your chronic issues and that you believe they may be connected.
Final Note:
You deserve to be heard and to receive the care you need. If you feel that your concerns are still disregarded after following these steps, continue to find doctors who will listen. It’s your health, and you have the right to advocate strenuously for it. Please remember that there are people who care, and you don’t have to face this alone.
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