Questioning the effectiveness of seeing doctors

[MeanOleRedHead66]

I have posted a few times here, and it seems like most everyone here suffers from just about the same problems I do.  I am interested in learning about what tests you have been subjected to, as I have been subjected to a myriad of them all with NO answers.  I was told today that there is nothing physically wrong with me.  Does that mean that I am making myself hurt?  I asked him that and he replied, "It just means that the source of your pain is not able to be found by scientific means."  OK, now what?  He said he "thinks" I just have IBS.  Just?
I don't understand why we have no rights as patients to be told what they are actually thinking.  I saw it in my chart as we were talking, my primary care physcians office refferal nurse indicated that I am "Hypochondrial in nature".  Hello. That REALLY ticked me off.  
I am seeing my chart from my primarys office on Friday.  And then that same day seeing my primary doctor too.  
My request to you, please, if you would take a few minutes and send me an email with your symptoms and diagnoses, (you don't have to add your real name if you don't want to)your age of onset and what YOU think caused(es) your pain.  I will print them and take them with me.  I want them to be able to tell me that all of you are "HYPOCHONDRIAL" too.  
I think its high time someone stands up and takes notice of the pain that people go through and are forced to live with because doctors think they know everything.

My email address is:  ***@****

My name is Denise and I am 35 years old with 5 children.  Please help me to maybe help us!

[feelbetter]

I can't believe some of the stuff everyone has gone through!! I feel so bad for everyone. I have a friend who is a young girl (22) who had pain when she peed. She was sent for all kinds of tests and they could not figure it out. She was also treated for a bladder infection (altho the only evidence of this was pain when urinating.) After some more tests they thought she had bladder cancer. Well anyway, she ended up having severe crohns and had to be rushed to the hospital for surgery. She was really bad off and ended up getting an infection which then required more surgery and an iliostomy (not sure of the spelling there)While in the hospital she was not well cared for because it was so under-staffed. It was terrible but she is doing better now. Anyway, I hear so many of these stories. It is just so sad. We really have to fight for good health care which is terrible considering that you are not feeling well to begin with. SHAME on these doctors who just because they can't find what is wrong, tell people that it is all in their head!

[Baseball_Mom]

What part of the country do you live in?  Perhaps there is someone who visits this board that is close by and can suggest another doctor for you.  Even though you live in a small town, you may have to go to a larger one to be treated.  Sorry to hear you had a rotten Easter.  Anyway, stay focussed.  You are the best advocate you have for your health care.  Never give up!  Take care and best of luck to you.

[Bionic Granny]

I hope everyone had a blessed and wonderful Easter. My started on a sour note. Got the results from my upper GI series and it seems everything was normal, except my small intestines are all on my left side, instead of being spread across the abdomen. Makes me wonder if during one of my many surgeries, someone forgot to put them back, Also my surgeon, whom I trust with my life, suggested that I should seek a second opinion. He never did tell me the results of my ultrasound on my right side to check my gallbladder. I just don't know who to trust anymore--any suggestions. I live in a very small town-not a big selection of doctors to choose from. I'm scared and depressed, because after I eat, I am in pain and my heart beats very fast. The surgeon put me on Elavil to help me sleep and for the depression, but I really don't feel any better. Should I ask him if he is finished treating me or just find another doctor. I just have this sick feeling and am afraid to ask him if he is putting me off. Thanks to all of you for your support.

[MeanOleRedHead66]

Thanks so much for that link... I have signed up for the forum and already info is streaming in!  

I hope you have a great and pain free Easter!

{{{HUGZ}}}
Denise

PS That wish was for everyone!

[Baseball_Mom]

Hi - I read your posting about them finding some Pancreatic disease when they did your ERCP.  I would like to offer this URL to you.  I have many friends that have used this board that have gotten really good contacts.  I hope this information helps you.  Here's the URL:  http://www.pancreatitis.org.uk/  Best of luck to you and Happy Easter!

[feelbetter]

Hi. Is it really crucial to have surgery for endometriosis? After 3 years of scopes in my colon, my gastro doc could find nothing wrong. I was just there a couple on months ago for yet another exam and he said it was a mystery for now (I have rectal bleeding/blood in stool) He said if I had further problems, he would send me to a colon/rectal surgeon because they can cut and see more in your system (CUT????) But anyway, a friend found that endo can cause rectal bleeding and had me check out several websites and indeed it can. I went to my GYN and she put me on the pill (mostly to help with the awful bloating) and will see me again in May. She wants to avoid surgery if possible. I read that sometimes surgery does not help. What do you know about this? I guess this is my "bad" doctor story as well because WHY didn't my Gastro doc even consider endo especially after I charted my symptoms and the bleeding almost always happens a day or two before or during my period? He has never had a patient with endo. of the bowel? He was going to pass me and my problem off to a surgeon? I am sick of getting examed in that area. When I called my insurance Doc. who answers questions, he asked me if I was SURE it was blood and if I ever had it tested to see if it was blood! He then insinuated that I must want another colonoscopy and why since everything showed uo healthy! I was so shocked I didn't even tell him how offended I was. I hesitate to ever call HIM again for any advice. I just wanted to AVOID any other tests that I did not really need. Was I sure it was blood? It is like a heavy period from the wrong end for crying out loud!But anyway, I look forward to your experience with endo if you get a chance. I might also add that in my case, woman go through the change at an early age (I am 38) so wouldn't it go away then anyway? Thanks for listening.