When I first become sick with my fibromyalgia condition, it was a nightmare panic. Doctors would treat various symptoms with mixed results. I was shipped from specialist to specialist, given tests after test, tried a myriad of medications (many of which compounded my health problems.) Finally, I zeroed in on a good general physician. Specialists & urgent care doctors actually recommended him for his clinical & diagnostic skills.
At first, he was just as stumped as everyone else. A young, 30-something male is a rare candidate for my condition. The diagnosis came through a series of events that I initiated by making a journal of my symptoms & sketching a diagram of my pain-centers. When my doctor looked at my sketches, I could actually see the light bulb go off. He quickly ordered a series of blood tests and a visit to a rheumatologist for a second opinion. After months of misery, I wasn't out of the woods. Heck, that diagonosis was over 2 years ago and look at me now.
Together, my doctor and I worked hard. He already had experience with fybromialgia & chronic fatigue syndrome and as evident by yesterday's visit, continues to inform himself. My job was to make hard choices about my diet, exercise more, keep track of symptoms for him & stay informed. I have spent hours upon hours reading online, wandering the stacks at my local library & even listening to audio books.
When I go to my doctor, I give him data, in writing, about my symptoms. I have a list of questions to be answered. I talk. He listens. He takes notes (often on the pages I've given him.) Somewhere mid-visit, he takes over. I don't let the visit end until I get answers to the key questions. He always gives me a plan and goals for our next visit.
This is how all doctor, patient relationships should work. This is especially true for people with chronic conditions. My doctor regularly encorages me that it's my efforts to exercise, eat right and give him data that is making the difference. His job is to support me by finding the right medications and dosages to help me get even better.
Yes, there are times when this just plain sucks. But, I continue to thank God for the people in my life who help and support me, including my Doctor. I wish more people could find that kind of doctor/patient relationship.
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