I am putting this in writing. Today I went to the cardiologist. I stood in line to check in behind five people, two in wheelchairs. I sat in the waiting room with a dozen folks. The average age was 20+ years older than me. Out of a dozen patients... I was the only person in that room able to drive herself to an appointment.
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| Just figured out the new camera on my computer... don't I look tired after a day of docs? |
I am having issues being taken seriously in the doctors office. I look healthy. I am sparky. (Oh, especially if I have an excellent double shot of espresso before heading in to the doctors office). I am eloquent. And If I am not, I write it down so I don't forget. I am confident. I don't whine, cry, or look sad. Worried, yes. I want them to take this seriously so I put on my "work face". The one that I would use to get people to donate money and the one for public presentations. I need something from them, so I express that need. My old doctor pre-stroke blew off all my CLASSIC stroke symptoms because she said it was menopause symptoms. I feel like my cardiologist blows me off because I am female, way younger than him, don't smoke, don't drink (enough), have a healthy heart, am a decent weight, eat well. When I am in front of him, my heart is fine. Well no duh. After telling me I had a small stroke, (when my neurologist calls it a serious stroke) he suggested it was anxiety. That sounds a lot like he is going down the menopause road. They can make me feel like a hypochondriac until I remember... nope, not a hypochondriac if I had a stupid stroke people.
Note: I am the least litigious person in the world. I am not condoning suing. There is a lack of
significant medical studies on women, menopause and embolic episodes, hence a lack of comfort by doctors to venture outside of the "averages" of prescription drugs and medical journals.. Unless I find a study of some sort - my medical concerns will not be addressed fully until a) I do have a heart attack or another stroke or b) I age. Probably need to find other doctors, too.
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Be careful of that virus that turns on your webcam. I know people that duct tape their camera eye. I don't even bother going to doctors anymore.
I went flamingly hyperthyroid about a year ago. For those of you not having had hyperthyroidism, it attacks pretty much every body system - heart rhythm, weakens muscles including breathing muscles, metabolism revs up to exhaustion. People can die in what's known as a thyroid storm from untreated hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms developed over about a month and were discounted by my cardiologist and the ER (where I dragged myself in when I could barely walk) "You got in here, didn't you? You look all right to me." Age was no help - white haired, nearly 70, but hulking Scandinavian.
Only on the second visit to the ER did a different doctor take me seriously and find the problem.
The first time I had contemplated laying down on the floor of the ER waiting room and not moving until they took me seriously, but I figured they'd just have me arrested :-)
I'm not sure what the answer to this is. Apparently if you have an arm falling off or something you have credibility, otherwise, well...
Dean, there are days I feel I am approaching going without doctors. I'll keep my neurologist, but toss all the others. I am not quite there yet - I want to think that someone has a clue in the medical field...
K.A., My ma had that happen. Good for you for not giving up!!! So my age theory is not going to help, huh?
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