How much should I tell the doctor?

Question

I am 21 years old, a dancer in professional training and reasonably healthy looking, but I seem to be having some problems lately. I've been prescribed birth control by a HORRIBLE gynecologist who I never want to see again and didn't let me ask any of the questions that I needed to. Now, I've made an appointment with a doctor (internal medicine) and I want to ask him about all the weird stuff that I've been noticing lately (which is kind of a lot since I haven't gone to a doctor for years), but I'm worried that he will get annoyed and just think that I am complaining. I don't want to be seen as a hypochondriac or a whiner, but shouldn't you tell your doctor everything? Especially if you work in a physically demanding profession? I've also had an eating disorder (EDNOS) for about seven years and this may or may not have something to do with my physical and/or mental issues. How much should I tell him?

Answer 1

A Dr. needs to know everything to make an intelligent diagnosis.

Answer 2

You should tell him everything. You might leave something very important out and that could cause serious sooner or later. I know how you feel though. I'm 21 too and recently been seeing the doctor since I finally got some insurance. First doc I went to was kind of a bad one. He just rushed me in and out without explaining everything wrong and that just annoys the hell out of me since I would have to come back to tell him about the other stuff. Point is, he's a doc. That's his job to listen to all the problems you have so he can diagnose you properly. Even if he tries to rush you through it, make sure to let him know you want him to know everything so you can fix whatever it may be wrong with you. That's what there getting paid all that money for anyways. Hope this helps and sorry for making it so long. Hope everything works out for the best and take care.
Dru

Answer 3

First off you should feel free to discuss anything with your doctor for as long as it takes to make you feel comfortable. Good Doctors know that bed side manner is important and critical to patient care. If a doctor fails to demonstrate this you can complain to the practice/hospital or request another doctor. Nothing is more important that your health.
From the buisness side you need to realize 2 things first you are paying alot of money for your healthcare so you need to treat it as any other service. For instance what would you do if you paid $800 to fix your car and when you pick it up from the mechanic it is still broken. Why would you expect anything less from your doctor. The second thing to remember is that there is currently a glut of doctors. This means that there are actually more doctors than patients, which means that the position that a bad doctor is filling in can easily be replaced by a good doctor. Do not be afraid to complain if you are not recieveing the care you are entitled to.

Answer 4

I'm glad you dumped the insensitive doc. You happen to run across a bad med who didn't listen. For the sake of your own health you need to tell the new doctor about your concerns. All doctors are not bad. Please don't be ashamed or embarrised to talk. Your eating disorder might have a lot to do with the problems you are experiencing so go ahead and tell the doc. I find that some doctors are curious themselves about their patients problems and they will do everything to figure out what your problem is. Explain to the doctor that you are really worried and you need to know whats going on with your health. Believe me no matter what the doctor figures out you will be glad to finally know what to do about matte.r.

Answer 5

It's important to tell your doctor as much as you can. When making the appointment make sure to let them know that you'll have several issues to discuss with them. I say that because there are some places that only allow 2-3 issues per visit. So maybe the place you're going to can schedule some extra time for you so you can have a meaningful/informative discussion. Doctors can only properly diagnose an issue if they have as much information as possible. It's their job, they will understand - at least I hope so!
Best of luck!

Answer 6

You should tell your doctor everything that you're concerned about and be able to ask them any through your health issues without any judgment.
If you see this doctor and he makes you feel like you are being "whiny" or is not paying attention to your needs, find another one. Everyone should feel free to "shop around" for doctors until they find someone they feel completely comfortable with; this is even more important for you since it sounds like you may have more medical issues than the average person.
Incidentally, you may want to think about finding a female doctor. Although it shouldn't technically make any difference, sometimes female doctors are more sensitive to their female patient's needs, and you might feel freer to talk about your problems.

Answer 7

To me the best case is to explain enough to the doctor so he can get a solid understanding of what is going on with your health. The more you tell them the more they can help you. A true doctor will not think you have issues if you explain issues you are having.

Answer 8

Absolutely tell him everything! That is your doctor who took a vow to contribute to their patients health in the highest possible way. You know your body and know if something is not right, and it is your responsibly to share those concerns. If you ever feel they are rushing you or 'rolling their eyes' , find a new doctor. You deserve better!

Answer 9

i have always believed you should tell your doctor everything. and if they dont want to listen to you, then you should find another doctor, you pay them to help you and keep you healthy. the eating disorder can have ALOT of effects on you body so you really need to tell them everything. if you doubt how important it is i sugest watching house on fox on tuesday nights, perfect example of how important it is. and i did actually have a paramedic tell me the show is very accurate.

Answer 10

be completely honest, tell him everything that is bothering you. don't worry about being seen as a hypochondriac. he will know what is important and what is not. you might think you're overreacting about something, but it might actually be serious. don't be embarrassed, doctors see everything.