If you speak to a GP or other healthcare professional and you feel they are not listening to you or are dismissing you, here are some tips (from a TV doctor) that you can try.
I am not suggesting they will work, but unless you try, you won’t know!
I feel shattered, and I’m tired
I’m more than just tired. It’s affecting my life.
My family (and/or colleagues) have, on a number of occasions, all told me that I look tired - and I feel fatigued.
I’ve had to rearrange (insert activity/plan/event) because I don’t have the energy to get there
I’ve had persistent fatigue for (insert number) months, which is affecting my daily life
I would like this to be looked into further. I was thinking we could do some investigations.
You are right Ann - this sort of stuff is advertised (click baits) on various sites and newspapers such as the Express, Surrey Times etc. often have these sort of advice articles often referencing the various TV doctors who do the rounds in the morning TV programs etc.
I copied this from there and referenced the TV doctor but wasn’t specific. I take no credit for this other than for sharing it as I thought it might help and I am sure I have seen members of this forum saying things like their GP is not listening or doesn’t understand etc.
@ManjiB I would never have seen this if you did not post, which is appreciated. I do not read newspapers, watch TV or read the news on the Net. Appreciated that you posted. I go to GP with a list and their eyes widen when i take from my pocket and tick as I go through.Have a great day
I find that if I need to see the Dr especially if it’s to do with the medication I’m on. I just say I’ve spoken to the pharmacy and they have advised I see the Dr.
But to be honest I am one of the very few who don’t seem to have any issues getting an appointment.
If your GP was my GP and I had this problem then I most certainly would
It’s not just the GP though, it could be any healthcare professional.
Also, this tip came from a TV doctor and I guess “Trust me, I’m a doctor” comes to mind
I don’t mind if I don’t get empathy from them, but I would like them to take my concern seriously and make an attempt to address it rather than dismiss it which seems to happen and has been reported by members on this very forum.
There are some clever psychological tips and tricks that can be used when faced with this type of difficulty or challenge. I am trying to think of any example to illustrate …
Not sure if this is a good one, but let’s say you have asked your doctor to help you with a problem you have. Having explained it, the doctor says “Don’t worry, it’s something that will go away”.
IF you are not happy with that (and some people might be because they trust their doctor implicitly) you could:
Ask “How long should I allow for it to go away?” That puts the ball back in their court and so they then have to support what they say with a timeline after which you can go back (if the problem persists).
Or, if you have done some research e.g. talked to someone or checked the web etc., you could respond by saying, for example “According to the NHS website, it suggests …” so again they have to respond.
These are just a couple of things that come to me off the top of my head, but if there are specifics then perhaps they can be looked at.
My final comment on this is that, and sadly it is not an option for everyone, you can register with another GP or if your GP is in a group practice see another doctor in that practice.
If all else fails, you do have a right to lodge a complaint.
You can complain to the NHS or to the CQC (Care Quality Commission). There may be other places you can complain to as well.
As I remember you yourself are a nurse and so maybe you have come across such scenarios?
