What can you do when doctors downplay your pain?

[dridobits]

For the first four years of my injury I wasn't getting proper pain controll and the docs at my HMO made it out like I was making it all up as they didn't know what my problem was, nor did they take any interest to figure it out.

I hate to say it but I think the thing to do is get as far away from those docs who don't understand, cause they probably won't ever understand. I paid out of pocket for many years for pain controll as I wasn't getting help from my HMO. Disgusting. I was really bad off. Even if you can find someone outside of your insurance to write a really strong letter to the right docs can make a huge difference. Sometimes that's all it takes. I think this is a fairly common thing and something I just won't stand for anymore.

Years later, they are finally treating me...but I went through hell and back getting them to treat me. I think I get treated now because I am able to stick up for myself now and I get in their face when they pretend something isn't wrong. If you don't feel well enough to advocate for yourself, try to get a friend or family involved. I'm sorry your going through this. I went through it for a long time and now I will just get in their face if they do that to me. I can't deal with it anymore. Hugs.