Struggling with Pain: Tips for Young Women Going to the Doctor

My biggest piece of advice is to make them add to your file what they refused to do. If you ask for a test, make them write done they declined. It makes them accountable later and a lot more likely to actually listen. Others advise taking an advocate. I strongly second that! Have you thought about getting tested for Lyme? You don't always know if you've had a tick and the rash isn't 100% either. There are people that have gone years with fatigue and joint pain only to find out they needed the right antibiotics.

Yup same here chronic joint pain , fatigue, dizziness, chest pain , headache , high BO and lightheaded feelings and so much more all dr did was run a blood test which didn’t even test everything says I should be fine with vitamins I take vitamins and get my age is to young

I would write a list of symptoms and press them to refer you to rheumatology. I was in the same position a few years back. You can also see if there's other GPs in your area or ask to see a female doctor as its your right to and maybe they will be less dismissive

The best I've gotten is to be assertive and a bit of a bully to the doctors. And if they show a significant lack of empathy multiple times I ditch them. I haven't found a doc that is consistently empathetic unfortunately, so I don't advise ditching them the very first time they show a lack of empathy towards you.

I absolutely HATE that this is my advice, but whenever I see a new doctor I bring my dad, boyfriend, or a male friend. They don’t speak usually, but if I’m not being listened to, they speak up and basically repeat what I said and then the doctor will listen. Again, I hate that this is what I have to do, but it has made a huge difference. After the first appointment I’m usually fine on my own, but it really helps make sure I’m listened to

No one should ever be told they are too young to feel the way they do. I'm glad you have an answer and hope you have a game plan on how to manage it. I am sure you have been dealing with the pain and other symptoms for a long time already. Prayers that you find some relief soon.

Glad you got a diagnosis did they give you a treatment plan

Update: i got diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome which is likely the main cause of my pains! It is common for autism and hypermobility to be co-morbid so it explains a lot!!

It’s been since 1992 for me. Doctors I’ve seen don’t really seem to care. They think FMS is psychosomatic.

I would try to find a new doctor if you can.. I was very fortunate to have a doctor that saw my disability past my weight and age and other demographics. It’s really important that you find a doctor you have a good fit with instead of settling! Best of luck 💕

I have no idea what will help except find a female doctor.

I've been doing the same for a few years, I've tried so hard to get someone to listen but they just wipe it off like it's nothing. One doctor did say it was fibromyalgia but didn't say how I could try and help it. I'm honestly so over doctors 🙄

Honestly I spent 7 years doing the same thing, the only time a doctor took me seriously was just recently... It just takes the right doctor really. I've tried as many variants in my dialogue to doctors as I could and nothing ever really worked, they either said it was hormones, anxiety, or just plainly I was faking or there was nothing they could/wanted to do. It sucks, but eventually you'll find the right doctor. Especially now that there's more research in chronic pain. If there's a hospital that allows you to see reviews on the doctors, I'd recommend doctors that are specialized in chronic pain or chronic disease management.

Ask them to check your B12 levels for pernicious anaemia. Thats what causes my m.e.