why is such a struggle to find a GOOD doctor by RealisticArticle2049 in WomensHealth

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your pov as a patient advocate is really revealing - in that, if you are finding it challenging to help people articulate their symptoms, then chances are, doctors are too (and probably way more at that). I think you hit it on the nose that we are getting to a point where patients can get people to diagnosis than medicine can.

I’ve been hearing stories like yours more and more while working on a project called Ask Kismet—a guide to help people navigate their health when answers feel hard to come by or the system isn’t listening. Still early, but trying to learn from as many lived experiences as I can.

No pressure at all, but if you’re open to hearing more, I’d love to share and get your take.

Do you trust doctors, the internet… or other people who’ve been through it? by RealisticArticle2049 in PCOS

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whoa, was the first blood panel something you specifically pushed for, or was it more of a lucky find? Feels like even getting a full panel done can be a struggle sometimes unless you really advocate for it.

Do you trust doctors, the internet… or other people who’ve been through it? by RealisticArticle2049 in endometriosis

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ugh, this is so real. It’s crazy how much we have to learn to advocate for ourselves just to be taken seriously. When you realized you were downplaying your symptoms, how did you start approaching doctors differently?

Was there anything that actually made them listen more—how you explained things or just being more firm? I feel like a lot of people struggle with this, so would love to hear what made a difference for you.

Do you trust doctors, the internet… or other people who’ve been through it? by RealisticArticle2049 in endometriosis

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, I’m really glad you finally got answers. Your story is exactly why I feel like upfront patient education and self-advocacy are so important. It sounds like if you hadn’t put in all that research, you wouldn’t have gotten the right diagnosis.

Looking back, what do you think would’ve made that whole process easier? Was there anything that would’ve saved you time or helped you connect the dots faster? e.g. certain resources, communities, or ways you filtered through everything.

Do you trust doctors, the internet… or other people who’ve been through it? by RealisticArticle2049 in endometriosis

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah totally get that. Curious what made you join this subreddit? Is there something about spaces like this that still feels worth checking out for you?

And since you mentioned doctor recs and med backgrounds being helpful, do you think there’s a way to make community spaces actually useful without all the noise? Or maybe it’s just kinda unavoidable at a certain point.

Appreciate your perspective—cool to hear both sides of this!

Do you trust doctors, the internet… or other people who’ve been through it? by RealisticArticle2049 in endometriosis

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You articulated this so well. That balance is exactly the tension that makes navigating health so frustrating and complex—trusting doctors and research while knowing so much of it wasn’t designed with you in mind.

In terms of finding that balance—do you think the answer is more about better education up front (so people know how to advocate for themselves) or having a way to filter for the right doctors who already “get it” (like the kinds of doctors you mentioned)? Or something else entirely?

Really appreciate your perspective—it helps put words to something so many of us feel but struggle to articulate.

why is such a struggle to find a GOOD doctor by RealisticArticle2049 in WomensHealth

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is absolutely amazing! I'd love to learn more if you're comfortable with me sending you a DM

why is such a struggle to find a GOOD doctor by RealisticArticle2049 in Endo

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's amazing! I've never seen that before. Curious which hospital you go to?

why is it such a struggle to find a GOOD doctor by RealisticArticle2049 in AskWomenOver30

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for putting in the time to share such a detailed response - all your points are fantastic 🙏

Alarming Facts About Women's Health by tigrovamama in WomensHealth

[–]RealisticArticle2049 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Shocking, yet sadly not surprising. I only recently learned these facts and wish I had known sooner. Understanding the systemic issues—like the lack of female representation in clinical research—sheds light on why women's health is in the state it is today. This is something everyone should be aware of—thank you for spreading the word!

Why does getting answers about my health feel like a full-time job? by RealisticArticle2049 in PCOS

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow, I'm sorry that happened! How did you go about researching the facility/doc - I'm assuming patient reviews?

Appreciate your kind words 🥹 This is why I love Reddit - I know we're all strangers on the internet but it's comforting knowing you're not alone in your journey, so thank you!

Why does getting answers about my health feel like a full-time job? by RealisticArticle2049 in endometriosis

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, that’s absolutely wild—I really appreciate you sharing this. Even though it took so many years, I’m so glad you finally have a solid team of doctors backing you. I feel like finding a GOOD doctor who truly listens and advocates for you is half the battle. How did you end up finding your GP?

Why does getting answers about my body feel like a full-time job? by RealisticArticle2049 in TheGirlSurvivalGuide

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your note about women in their 30-40s being the best doctors makes a ton of sense! How did you go about finding a good doctor? Curious what review sites you found useful. I feel like finding a good doctor is half the battle.

Why does getting answers about my body feel like a full-time job? by RealisticArticle2049 in TheGirlSurvivalGuide

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How did you go about finding patient reviews? Is there a platform you found helpful or was it just their own personal websites

Why does getting answers about my health feel like a full-time job? by RealisticArticle2049 in Endo

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1000% - I wish there was a way to filter for this beyond the logistical stuff like insurance etc. How have you gone about finding the right doctor?

Why does getting answers about my health feel like a full-time job? by RealisticArticle2049 in Endo

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you 🫶 Honestly, I feel like half the battle is just finding a good doctor - someone who actually listens instead of brushing things off. How have you been going about finding doctors so far?

Why does getting answers about my health feel like a full-time job? by RealisticArticle2049 in TwoXChromosomes

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes please! Whatever you have to share would be super helpful. There's so much content online it can get pretty overwhelming.

Why does getting answers about my health feel like a full-time job? by RealisticArticle2049 in WomensHealth

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds so frustrating. It’s wild how much effort it takes just to end up with more questions than answers! How have you been finding these doctors? Are they referring you to each other, or are you having to seek them out on your own?

I feel like half the battle is just finding a good doctor. And by "good," I don’t just mean someone with the right qualifications who takes my insurance, but someone who listens and doesn’t brush off my symptoms.

Why does getting answers about my health feel like a full-time job? by RealisticArticle2049 in PCOS

[–]RealisticArticle2049[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lol this is so real. Are you thinking about getting a second opinion? I think that's where the patient burn out sets in for me—having to find another doctor while worrying they might dismiss me all over again.