Unbelieving Doctors & CFS

[lvfrogs]

Hello all, this isn't really a question, more of a venting! I recently underwent 2 major surgeries, got pneumonia in the hospital and so a pulmonologist visited me and treated me.  I told her I am tired when I wake up in the mornings (very common) and that I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Well, I could tell she wasn't buying the CFS. I had to follow up with her because of a spot on my lung and follow up for the pneumonia.  I saw her yesterday.  Among everything else, she keeps insisting that I have a sleep study done (I had a small one done and passed that), mainly because I am so tired all the time. I told her again that my previous pulmonologist had done blood work and was convinced I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Once again, she made a derogatory comment and facial expressions indicating she thinks it is BS.  Just wondered how you handle that with your doctors?  I think I am a classic CFS patient and I don't want her telling me otherwise. However, I do want to follow up with her on the spot on my lung and I have to have a pulmonary function test.  Any ides how to handle her? Thank you!!

[lvfrogs]

Hello dusty,
I could see my previous pulmonologist and will go back to him, but I am treating this as a second opinion. I would like to see what she says about my pulmonary function test and the spot on my lung too. I am going to ignore the sleep study and I will just not bring up CFS again with her.
My primary believes in CFS but doesn't know how to treat it except for anti-depressants and I don't feel I need them at this point. I sleep fine and that is the main concern with the anti-depressants, I guess.
It was just annoying - her attitude. It isn't the first time and probably won't be the last time I have run across this attitude towards CFS. I knew I could vent on her because you all would understand. Thanks for the reply!!! I hope you are doing well.

Colleen

[dustybrown]

Why can't you see your previous pulmonologist for the test? Just curious? And if you have to see the new one is she the only doctor you see? Are you being treated for your CFS by any other doctor? If so I wouldn't worry about getting her to believe you because it's obvious she just doesn't believe in CFS.

I would just follow up for the pulmonary function test and see how that goes and only follow up on further testing if you feel it makes sense to what your other doctors have said. But if she is the one who is supposed to treat you exclusively, I might consider either having a talk with her about it and being rather clear about your feelings and where you stand and find out if she is willing to treat you properly and if not- find a new doctor if possible.