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idk_182

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Struggling to Get Doctors to Take My Symptoms Seriously

Does anyone have any tips for getting doctors to take them seriously? I am not yet diagnosed with pots but my symptoms are becoming debilitating leaving me quite literally home bound. Just walking to the corner shop now feels like a marathon and like I’m going to pass out. I drink double the recommended intake and have upped my salt intake and move slowly like my gp first suggested but it didn’t help so we got a heart monitor put on me. The heart monitor shown tachycardia when moving ranging anywhere between 120’s to 160’s because of this we then decided it was time for a cardiology to look further into this as we already suspected pots due to my severe hypermobility. I was told the referral had gone through but that I would have to call cardiology myself to book the appointment and so I did. When I called them they said they didn’t receive a referral for me and they said they looked at my heart monitor and although it shown tachycardia it “wasn’t serious” and apparently wasn’t something I should be concerned about. The problem is my gp physically cannot treat me for my symptoms without cardiology seeing me. I spoke to my gp stating I needed them to look into treatments for me and compression garments to try help too. They said the only treatment they can give for it is any recommended by cardiology so until cardiology agrees to see me and to treat me my gp cannot do a thing to help me leaving me in a tricky situation when cardiology won’t take my debilitating symptoms seriously. I don’t know what else to do anymore. I can’t do anything. Sitting on my couch all day with water, ice packs and a fan on me is the only thing keeping me from going to pass out everyday. I’ve expressed how unfair this is and that I have no quality of life living like this but it made no difference to their opinion. I don’t know how else I can convince them I need help. I cannot live like this

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"If they continue to not take you seriously after those results, ask for a tilt table test. If they won't do that, I would suggest finding a different doctor. Doctors who don't listen honestly aren't ...See More

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Kesart26

3w

Make a list of all the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) that these symptoms affect, and get a second opinion if you're not getting anywhere still. Maybe seeing a specialist outside of cardiology and your GP, like a neurologist or rheumatologist, will get you a little further, too. Also, if they don't want to run a test for you, tell them, "I want you to note in my file that you refused to run ABC test for the symptoms I'm experiencing." That can often work, too.
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Bre19

1w

❤️❤️❤️
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avemcg

2w

I’m currently going thru a similar situation trying to get a pots diagnosis. Fortunately I have a functional neurologist in my area who is a dysautonomia specialist. So you should see if you have something like that where you are. But id also try looking into other cardiologist (I always read their reviews before I make an appointment) I’ve also noticed when I bring someone to help advocate for me it makes a large difference. I’ve also started taking photos kinda like evidence of episodes and high hr using a pulse ox. Personally I don’t faint enough to be able to do this but I know some people say it’s helpful to record syncope episodes and then show doctors. But overall the biggest things are: don’t give up, do your research, and advocate for yourself! I know it can be extremely exhausting but you’ve got this! 💛
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Bre19

1w

❤️❤️❤️
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Kitcat4389

6d

Sounds like you need a new GP. With or without a cardiologist, a GP should be able to diagnose you with tachycardia, which you seem to have, and get you on meds at least for that. The POTS diagnosis can come after that, if needed. We didn’t know I had POTS until YEARS after the tachycardia started, but they put me on meds right away for the tachycardia.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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