I cant get a doctor to listen

I tried calling the VA to make an appointment to get further testing done to verify if I have fibro.

But they said "you have an appt with your primary care doctor in Jan, cant this wait?" very rude, they just dont care.

I cant afford my copays right now because my husband has been having several knee surgeries, so my health care through my work is useless...

How should I approach my doctor about this so that they will listen?

Any advice? I know it takes a long time, but I just dont know how to bring it up.

Thanks

I'm so sorry you're coming across these rude people! Some days I'm good about standing up to them, and other days, I just don't have the umph.

And it seems it's always a fine line between being assertive enough to get their attention and getting so angry that it makes them even more rude and uncaring!

This is what I try to do (when I remember!): Call on a day when you've had a good sleep and are feeling clear-headed. Try not to let your voice show impatience or irritation, but don't just let them brush you off, either. Say, calmly and clearly, whatever you want to say - that you're having such-and-such symptoms, that you don't feel you can wait, etc.

My husband and I have a good friend (who lived with us for a month after his mobile home got washed down the river in September) and he gets all his healthcare from the VA. He also talks about their uncaring attitude...

Good luck!

Debbie

I love to play devil's advocate, so take what I type with a grain of salt.

For what it's worth, I agree with Achey about writing a script, being calm and clear, and sticking to your script.

However, I feel for the VA services. They ought to be doing a better job, but they aren't and they are overwhelmed. FMS as a condition is a tough fit, even though many servicemen and women are diagnosed. Truly, the organization is better fit to treat injuries and rehabbing, and not so ready to treat mental problems, and chronic issues that fall outside of their purview.

There are great people who work there, but I am sure they are overwhelmed right now with the need they see.

Also, bear in mind that your doctor, when you see him/her, may have their own ideas about what is wrong, based partially on what you tell them, and also on what they observe, what the tests say and what your file says.

Personally, since you have health care, I would make an appointment with a rheumie outside the system. I know money is tight right now, but your health is important too.