When visiting a doctor with unexplained symptoms, you may be expecting answers! But if your doctor is unable to provide a reasonable answer, it can be understandably frustrating. It can also make it difficult for you to get treatment.
You may be feeling unwell and are certain something is wrong. However, since there is no concrete diagnosis, your illness lacks validity. So, what to do if you are unable to find answers to your health problems? Read this post to find out!
Become your own Advocate
You know your body better than anybody else. If you feel unwell and your instincts tell you there is a problem, do not dismiss your suspicion. Your doctor negating your doubts since there is no diagnosis may further dishearten you. But it is important not to lose hope and continue to advocate for yourself.
Since rare conditions are hard to diagnose, you may have to do considerable research to determine what is ailing you. Keep a journal and continue to track your symptoms. This will allow you to discuss with your healthcare provider in detail and also help you ask probing questions.
Keep your Doctor in the Loop
It is important to find a doctor with whom you can develop a respectful bond. Look for a doctor about whom you are certain will not undermine your symptoms or dismiss your suspicions as nothing serious.
Do not harbor resentment against the doctor if they are unable to come up with a definite diagnosis or treatment plan. Continue to schedule appointments for follow-up on your conditions and keep track if there are any changes.
Having a good relationship with your healthcare provider may encourage them to advocate for you. They may also empathize with you and try to soothe you and give you assurance. In such uncertain times, a few words of reassurance and encouragement can be very effective for your morale.
However, if you feel like your relationship with your current doctor is not fruitful, it is ok to end the arrangement and find alternatives.
Do Extensive Research
If your primary healthcare provider is unable to determine your health problem, it is time to take the matter into your own hands. Consider exploring clinical trials and health studies. This may help you find individuals with problems or symptoms similar to yours.
You can also consider seeking a second opinion. Many times, people with undefined illnesses or rare conditions seek guidance from multiple doctors at a time. If you are considering doing the same, keep in mind that the doctors present in different locations may not be sharing electronic records. In such a case, it helps to maintain a copy of records. This way, you will have access to your medical records at all times.
Get Support
Human connection, especially in despairing times, can be very helpful. Surround yourself with supportive family and friends who can offer encouragement and positivity. Staying lonely or isolated when you are feeling down can push you further toward depression and will affect your mental health.
Do not isolate yourself! If you feel you do not want to socialize and let the frustration and disappointment at not getting a diagnosis overwhelm you, it will only slow you down. Stay optimistic and reach out to your family and friends. Express your concerns and frustration. Who knows, besides offering support, they may also be able to give you helpful advice.
Consider Testing
At this stage, you may want to consider going a step further and doing deeper investigations to assess the cause of your condition. In this regard, you can consider getting a OAT test done. The organic acid test can identify any nutritional deficiencies, genetic disorders, intestinal issues like gut dysbiosis, or toxicity in your body.
If the test reveals there is a problem, you can take your findings to your doctor. This may give them an idea about which route to follow to diagnose you accurately. It may help you get answers for your condition and enable you to get treatment to manage your condition.
Conclusion
Getting an accurate diagnosis sometimes can be a very long process. While no doctor wants their patients to be left undiagnosed or untreated, sometimes it cannot be helped. However, sometimes the doctor may even dismiss your symptoms as non-issues.
In such instances, it is important to listen to your body and advocate for yourself. It is also important to not lose hope and be persistent in pursuing your diagnosis. Finally, taking charge and considering investigative testing may provide you with the answers you are looking for. This may help you get treatment in time or enable you to manage your symptoms so you can experience a better quality of life.