OpenHealth Q&A

Concern About Doctor's Professionalism

Subject: 17 years old, 5'2", 49 kg, residing in the UK **Presenting Symptoms:** Excessive sweating, severe migraines, recurring vomiting, persistent nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness, body discomfort, frequent urination (especially at night), insatiable thirst, weight loss, reduced appetite, debilitating menstrual cramps, and consistent aches in the thighs. I have been enduring these symptoms, alongside more that I may have forgotten, for quite a while—over a year, in fact. I've visited my healthcare provider multiple times regarding some of these issues. Specifically, I visited three times to address my frequent urination problem. To clarify, there are moments when I feel an urgent need to urinate every five minutes, which is incredibly vexing. Despite taking a urine sample during each appointment—wherein the tests indicated no abnormalities—the doctor prescribed antibiotics each time, insisting that it might be a urinary tract infection. Additionally, I sought care for my migraines once, and I was given a medication from Pfizer, which hasn't proven effective. Today marked another visit, prompted by a worsening sensation of nausea. Given my family's history with several genetic disorders—particularly type 1 diabetes and thyroid complications—I sought screening for these conditions as my symptoms seem to align with that of diabetes based on my research. At the onset of my appointment, the doctor proceeded to review my medical history. She inquired about the duration of my health issues. Upon stating that they have persisted for more than a year, she questioned my last visit, which was in December for an ear infection. I informed her that I had actually been to see the doctor four times before December—three for urination and once for migraines, which I remembered took place in October. However, she appeared dismissive of this clarification and shifted her focus to the next item in my records, asking why I was receiving treatment at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. My mother explained that I have Cat's Eye Syndrome, a genetic condition. Subsequently, the doctor began to detail the distinctions between secondary and tertiary care and mentioned unrelated facilities for an extended period without prompting. While discussing my daily routine, she asked if I maintained regular meals. I replied that while I attempt to eat three times a day, my persistent nausea and vomiting make this challenging. I explained that I often gag during or after meals, with a 50% chance of vomiting. When she inquired about snacking, I said it depended on my appetite. She also asked about my exercise habits, to which I mentioned that I do not engage in much physical activity due to a benign tumor in my back that's quite painful. I have been waiting over a year for pain management injections. The doctor insisted that I must exercise in some capacity, suggesting I couldn't possibly maintain my appetite without it. I reiterated that my pain limits my physical activity, and I can hardly manage any exercise. At this juncture, she began collecting a social history—inquiring about substance use, relationships, and school attendance. I clarified that I neither smoke nor drink, do not use drugs, and remain a virgin. Additionally, I am not attending school because of the aforementioned back pain. When it came to discussing my menstrual cycle—specifically, the duration of bleeding and the number of pads used—I explained that I bleed for about four to five days and do not track pad usage closely, since I typically experience severe cramps that disrupt my sleep and often trigger vomiting. I also detailed the dull pain radiating from my thighs to my feet, which renders my leg weak and forces me to limp. She seemingly disregarded this information and instead asked if I still interacted with school friends, to which I confirmed I do. Her response baffled me: "Perhaps you and your friends should enjoy a sticky bun and some tea; that might help." My mother interjected, voicing her concern, recalling that my last outing resulted in a debilitating migraine that caused me to vomit and faint in a cinema restroom for two hours. The doctor seemed to brush this off, redirecting her attention to her computer. My mother then inquired about the possibility of being screened for type 1 diabetes, prompting the doctor to assert that my symptoms did not align with diabetes and that one would need to collapse and be hospitalized to be diagnosed. She proceeded to minimize concerns about diabetes, emphasizing that type 2 diabetes primarily affects individuals who are overweight, and noted that healthcare systems often create challenges for them concerning dietary advice. At this point, I was at a loss for words. Then, the doctor exhibited signs of frustration regarding her slow-loading computer, making comments about how she could walk to London faster than it was loading and referencing her nephew's advice on patience. She prescribed Gaviscon to manage my vomiting, although I found this baffling since I often vomit due to nausea and not acidity. She informed me she would arrange for some blood tests. While the appointment had been peculiar, I was hopeful that the blood tests would bring clarity. Ultimately, she concluded that my condition was likely a minor, transient issue, merely a bug I'd contracted. I mentioned that this had been ongoing for more than a year, and she reiterated that since I hadn’t seen a doctor since December, it could just be a fleeting ailment. Feeling uncomfortable and anxious, I nodded along. Upon returning home, I received a phone call indicating that they would only be measuring my height and weight the following day and that the blood tests were canceled. Is this typical? Was this encounter professional? I'm left feeling utterly perplexed.

Answers (1)

7/8/2025, 12:21:29 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be feeling confused and frustrated after your recent healthcare encounter, especially given the array of concerning symptoms you are experiencing. Your symptoms, along with the fact that you have sought help multiple times without satisfactory resolution, warrant thorough investigation and consideration.

Summary of Key Points:

1. Persistent Symptoms: Your symptoms—including excessive sweating, nausea, migraines, and frequent urination—have lasted over a year, which is concerning and deserves more attention.
2. Dismissive Interaction: Your experience with the doctor seems dismissive and may have made you feel that your concerns were not taken seriously, which is not acceptable in healthcare.
3. Need for Further Evaluation: Given your family history with type 1 diabetes and your current symptoms, it's essential to pursue proper tests and evaluations.

Explanation:

Your concerns about professional care are valid, particularly as you felt that important symptoms were overlooked and your medical history wasn't fully acknowledged. Symptoms like frequent urination, insatiable thirst, extreme fatigue, and severe migraines can relate to various conditions, including diabetes. In cases where a doctor is dismissive or does not listen, it is natural to feel anxious and uncertain about your health.

Next Steps:

1. Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary, noting frequency, duration, and factors that improve or worsen your symptoms. This could help clarify your condition in future appointments.
2. Seek a Second Opinion: Consider scheduling an appointment with another healthcare provider, ideally one who specializes in chronic conditions or endocrinology. This doctor may take your concerns more seriously and rule out issues like diabetes or thyroid dysfunction thoroughly.
3. Request Specific Tests: At your next appointment, specifically ask for blood tests that evaluate blood sugar levels (e.g., fasting glucose and HbA1c for diabetes), as well as thyroid function tests. Communicating your family history might help in justifying these tests.
4. Advocate for Yourself: If you continue to feel dismissed, don’t hesitate to express your concerns about feeling unheard. It is your right to receive care that you feel respects your health needs.
5. Consider a Support System: Bringing a trusted family member or friend to your appointments can provide support and help you communicate more effectively with healthcare providers.

Remember, your well-being is the priority, and it's important to feel heard and respected in all medical encounters. Let me know if you need further information or support.