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BlondeGirl1216

440d

I had to see a cardiologist (Not my usual one or one of his team) in December 2022 as an urgent appointment I had contracted a severe case of flu which had flared my POTs and pericarditis. At the time he prescribe a long course of steriods which helped greatly. He also said he would refer me to a specialist in POTs and pericarditis to help with my conditions as the current management plan isn't working. Today (04/02/23) I received a copy of the referral letter he sent to them. In it he acknowledges my pericarditis and POTs diagnosis he believes that its actually anxiety and depression that I am ill. I literally sobbed as I read the letter. He implied that it was health anxiety and depression that I am ill not the case of flu exacerbating my long term conditions. Has anyone else experienced this, where a consultant writes off/minimises your concerns as mental health issue and ignores the real physical illness?

Top reply
    • Juno2191

      440d

      @Juno2191 Thankfully I was able to find a good care team who believed me. I now have a POTS specialist who said that most of his and his wife's (husband/wife joint practice) patients have stories like that, unfortunately.

    • Juno2191

      440d

      I'm sorry you experienced this šŸ˜„ you aren't alone in it. I have had this happen as well for my POTS, as well as for my other medical conditions. I have cPTSD from my medical experiences as a child, and the doctors would write off my symptoms as medically related anxiety when I physically couldn't get out of bed without passing out from the blood rush. Doctors fail to realize that any anxiety I have is BECAUSE of the symptoms and not the true cause

      • Juno2191

        440d

        @Juno2191 Thankfully I was able to find a good care team who believed me. I now have a POTS specialist who said that most of his and his wife's (husband/wife joint practice) patients have stories like that, unfortunately.

    • beingnotseeming

      440d

      Iā€™ve definitely had doctors write off and/or minimize my symptoms. When I was able to I switched doctors and found someone reasonable and willing to actually listen and work with me. Iā€™m sorry youā€™ve experienced this too and I hope youā€™re able to find better help soon

      • BlondeGirl1216

        440d

        @beingnotseeming Thank you. It took 5 years to get the POTs diagnosis and he effectively dismissed all that in the letter. The thing is I have health anxiety because no one seems to want to help me manage/control the POTs. If they did help me manage this condition my mental health would no doubt improve.

ā˜ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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