We all have stories like these. When we experience or hear about situations like these it makes it very difficult to continue seeking care, particularly when the condition in not life-threatening, like incontinence or chronic pain.
If you can't get the doctor to listen, try expressing your concerns and frustrations in a letter to your doctor. Bear in mind however, that most doctors will not acknowledge the letter and may not read it. Letters sent this way are supposed to be made part of your medical record, but this rarely happens.
If you do write a letter, try to avoid putting the doctor's name on the envelope. If the doctor is in a practice that has a name such as "North Wiener Town Urology," address the envelope to the practice but not to the doctor. If you address it to the doctor, it will be placed on their desk unopened. When they see that it is from a patient, they will probably chuck in the trash. Remember, they can always claim they never received it.
If the letter is addressed to the practice, someone will have to open the envelope to see what's in it. Still doesn't mean the doctor will see it, but maybe it will be made a part of your record, for whatever that's worth. Remember: Letter writing is cathartic for the patient, not for affecting any improvement in treatment or care.
If you are still being ignored, try to find another doctor. If it becomes evident that you must change, request your records. Not a copy, the original. They are yours. Doctors don't like to give them up, but they have too if you insist. Keep trying until you find one that listens.
I don't mean to be such a downer. In my case I have been seeing my current urologist for almost three years, and it is quite evident that she is at a loss on how to treat my voiding pain. But she has been very helpful in treating my urge incontinence, so maybe that has to be enough. Kind of a shame, though!
The good news is I have transferred to the pain clinic at the hospital where she practices, so hopefully, between her the pain specialist, I can get some relief!
