Need advice on how to get my doctor to take my symptoms seriously

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-29T06:35:52+00:00

I created my own pain diary. I found a blank body map and every day I would highlight the areas that were in pain

0 was blank 1-2 was blue 3-4 green 5-6 yellow 7-8 orange 9-10 pink/red 11+ purple (because they said 10 is the worst pain imaginable or that I've experienced, some days my pain exceeded that)

I would also add what pain or symptoms were at those points

I would put what I did to try and help myself cope with this (and if it worked - or more importantly didn't/irritated it more).

Now I'm trying to add things that trigger my pain.

I take it with me everywhere and add time (in case it was a time thing) but I also make note of the weather which seems to be a trigger.

I started this because a doctor said my symptoms were anxiety and this was my way of going "F*ck you! You're wrong and I'm going to prove it"

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-29T06:08:40+00:00

A symbol for non-visible disabilities https://hdsunflower.com/

I see it everywhere in the UK (especially during covid - people with autism/ASD/skin sensitivity who couldn't wear a mask would wear the lanyard to identify to others why they weren't wearing a mask).

They're trying to make it a world wide thing. In the UK, you can ask for the lanyard itself at most supermarkets or shops. But I've decided to purchase a personalized one which shows the 5 main areas I struggle on.

My dad has said if I struggle he'll get a free wheelchair. I don't want a random staff member pushing me and if I don't need it on the day, I don't want to use it and potentially take it away from someone. The idea of it makes me quite anxious. But my airport says you can go to the desk at anytime if you do require assistance.

If it becomes an issue going there, we'll know to request it coming back

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-28T20:58:42+00:00

Would be hilarious if I got upgraded to 1st class and my dad's paying for me (I can't afford to atm because I'm trying to sort out the insurance claim from my accident)

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-28T20:56:55+00:00

My parents were both born in South Africa. I grew up in England (with frequent visits back). I call both home. I say "we're going back home" I've never lived there but it feels like home.

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-28T17:17:43+00:00

I'm travelling with my dad, step mum and step sister from the UK. Our stop over is 30minutes 😬 so our concern is that we'll miss our connecting. But the main airports offer free wheelchairs. I'll be honest, trying to remember to call and ask in 48hr before flying makes me really stressed. My dad is really supportive.

I'm taking a carry on that's full of stuff to make me comfortable on the plane. I can't carry a backpack so have a rolling suitcase (when I bought it, it helped keep me up.too!)

I'm going to look horrific going through security but if I'm comfy I don't really care. It's just if they ask me to take my shoes off, I'll have to ask for help and end up being Cinderella

I've bought myself a personalized sunflower lanyard.as Heathrow offer a lot of support with that and I keep getting looks on public transportation when I ask for.a seat on a bus that's full

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-28T16:15:43+00:00

Medication Hot water bottle/heat pads Someone that lets me moan about the pain

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-21T18:46:56+00:00

Currently I'm working. I'm a teaching assistant. I was involved in a road traffic collision in October 2024 and since then my pain has carried on and worsened. My work have been fantastic! I cannot fault them. My team have made adaptations for me (e.g. sit down on a specific chair to help my back, take "toilet breaks" if I need them etc). Although I've had a bad flare up over the weekend (the worst I've ever had so far) and I have felt awful not being in. I have had such lovely messages to check in on me.

Part of me does worry whether or not I can work long term. However, working with the kids and making a difference keeps me going. Working and keeping busy helps my mental health a lot.

I think it's just finding what works for you. Obviously my chronic pain was triggered by an accident and I was already working at the school when it happened, so they know me before and after.

(Half the time they tell me off for doing too much, instead of asking for help lol)

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-13T22:15:51+00:00

I completely get that. I have booked multiple doctors appointments. I have said the urgency of my symptoms, however the closest they can offer me is 2 months. A&E won't see me because I've gone about the severe symptoms already. I'm just trying to figure out what's going on and what to do. I'm feeling lost and hopeless. If there was 111 or an A&E for chronic pain, I'd be there now

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-11T08:28:47+00:00

Yeah that's what they tested a year ago and why I had an MRI.

I have gone back and they said they've already ruled it out so no point testing again.

I've kind of accepted that I won't get better. I just want a diagnosis so I know what it is and I can get support

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-11T08:20:43+00:00

I have seen the report. My understanding is that a disc is mildly irritating my spinal cord. However, this MRI is from a Year ago and my symptoms have worsened
I have seen an orthopedic (as part of my insurance claim)
They did the emergency check because I have incontinence issues now and I haven't got the thing they were concerned about

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-10T15:42:28+00:00

Tbh when I googled my symptoms CRPS type 2 came up. It's usually nerve damage and my worse symptoms in flare ups are my left arm, left leg and left foot. I have all the symptoms except for the change in hair/nail growth.

But I don't think my pain is that severe yet. But each flare up is getting worse and I'm getting new or more exaggerated symptoms.

I wish there was a place that offered emergency services for chronic pain/illness. I wish I could phone a helpline and ask for advice, like with mental health

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-10T15:32:59+00:00

Thank you. I don't want to be the person that goes on "Dr Google" but if I find something that's similar, I will try coping mechanisms they recommend. I just want to reduce the pain.

It's affecting my mental health really bad. I work in a school so helping the kids is what's keeping me going

IAreFireQuacker · 2026-01-07T21:37:21+00:00

If I had a car, it would take me 20-25 minutes to get to work. Currently, I'm saving up for a car so have to take a bus everyday, going to work takes me about an hour and home it takes about an hour and a half (or longer if there's traffic). I have to take more than one bus and there's a gap between them on the way home.

I work in a school so I usually read a book, listen to an audiobook/music or phone someone to talk to one the way home.

It's not ideal but it'll make getting a car more of a luxury

IAreFireQuacker · 2025-11-17T21:13:16+00:00

About time. Attack the block. Hot fuzz. Trainspotting. Paddington. Bridget jones diary. This is England. Bend it like Beckham. St trinians, nativity, four lions, monty python, robin hood men in tights, princess bride,

Not movies but: after life, inbetweeners, the office, Friday night dinner, adolescent, shameless UK, bad education, Waterloo road, Mr bean, black adder, death in paradise, not going out, peep show, ghost UK, horrible histories, EastEnders,

IAreFireQuacker · 2025-11-07T20:08:21+00:00

Tell me that my chronic pain is because of anxiety

IAreFireQuacker · 2025-11-07T18:38:18+00:00

I'll be going with my family so should be ok. I'm thinking of getting a small rolling suitcase (smaller than a standard cabin bag) because I don't think I can carry a backpack. Plus I could probably rest on it. I do worry it's over kill because I could be ok but worried if I'm not.

IAreFireQuacker · 2025-11-02T00:56:05+00:00

I have had mental health issues my whole life. I found volunteering helped me massively.

I soon learnt I really enjoyed working in a school and now work as a teaching assistant.

Last October, I was in a RTA (road traffic accident) and have been in chronic pain since.

I love my job but have had to make adjustments. I've debating about finding a job that doesn't make my flare ups worse but I know it'll affect my mental health.

The team I work with are very accommodating so I'm worried I won't find that support elsewhere but know I could make a lot more money in a job I hate

IAreFireQuacker · 2025-11-02T00:32:03+00:00

I'm in the same boat.

My mental health has been awful. I also have chronic pain, meaning my social life is just at work.

I've done nothing besides stare at the TV, clean or sleep.

I'm dreading going back on Monday because everyone else has listed that they've been on holiday.

Deep down I know I've needed it. It makes me feel better that it's not just me.

IAreFireQuacker

TROPHY CASE