If you're dealing with a lot of strange symptoms that sound like POTS or dysautonomia, understand that your regular or family doctor might not be equipped to understand what's going on and may think your symptoms are psychological because there won't be a lot of definitive results from the usual range of tests. Similarly, and no offense to anyone, but specialists can do this too, because they have their 'specialist blinders' on and may not be considering the whole picture. So, it's your responsibility and in your best interest to arm yourself with a set of guidelines to make sure you get good information, treatment and relief instead of misdiagnosis and more issues. Here's a few guidelines as a place to start:
1. Don't Take 'It's All in Your Head' at Face Value---If a doctor can't seem to find a specific physiological cause for your symptoms, they'll often start talking about anxiety, which is one of many ways to say 'it's all in your head'. You know what symptoms you're having and you've probably done a little research, so if it doesn't right, get another opinion, ask for clarification and if it still doesn't sound right, get a second, third or fourth opinion. Dysautonomia patients get the 'anxiety' or 'stress' diagnosis quite often and that usually means you need another opinion.
2. Be Assertive in the Diagnostic Process--if you feel something doesn't sound right, or you don't understand, tell the doctor you don't understand and ask him or her to explain. And don't do anything until you do understand and agree with the diagnosis or treatment being suggested. There is no law that says you have to accept what they say at face value. Also, be sure to keep good notes of everything.
3. Find the Right Doctor--modern allopathic medicine still seems, to a large degree, to focus on individual body parts rather than on full-body systems and tries to treat just those organs or parts--which isn't always best. Your best bet is to find a knowledgeable holistic physician that treats the whole body and considers all possibilities before settling on a treatment plan. Sometimes a D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) can be more open to these whole body treatments and often get better results.
4. Don't Get Brushed Off--if your physician attempts to give you what feels like a quick answer, again, don't just accept that. This is your health and it's up to you (and your right) to question anything you don't feel right about--especially when it feels like the doctor is in a rush and just wants to write a prescription, etc.
5. Educate Yourself--one of the best things you can do for yourself and your doctor is to educate yourself--this helps you communicate with a doctor more effectively, too, so they will see things more clearly. And yes, Google University often works very well to gain specific knowledge about symptoms, conditions, etc. Plus, by educating yourself, you'll be able to recognize when something is off much more easily. Online symptom checkers are good, too.
The main point here is to take charge of your health and seek help with your eyes open and knowledge. If you think you have dysautonomia, POTS or some other autonomic disorder, a great source of information and dysautonomia treatment is Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC in Birmingham, AL. Dr. Paula Moore and Dr. Susan Phillips bring many years of real world experience with diagnosing and effectively treating autonomic disorders to patients of all ages, nationwide. Call for an appointment today at 205-286-3200.
Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC
Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results
2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
(205) 286-3200
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