I think finz hit the nail very firmly on the head here. Couldn't agree more, and very elegantly put

Renee, I'm sorry you have your burden added to by such poorly-thought-out ignorance and lack of compassion. Sounds like you could maybe think about trying a new doc, or you could express to him how you feel about what he says. I used to suffer dreadfully from White-coat Syndrome, and just agreed with everything they said (still can if I'm feeling very low ). I learnt the hard way that they're not always right, and in fact quite often are poorly informed, and can do real long-lasting harm. I wish I'd stood up for myself more before...sigh... It's a hard thing to do though. There never seems to be an easy answer for us does there?

I hope things feel easier soon for you. Try a bit of pampering chick - some nice music, nice smells, self-massage (very soothing) and something altogether pleasant to eat and drink De-stressing and feeling even a tiny bit more in control should help a little bit. I'm on to it myself today after a rough few days... I felt the need to push myself and claw something back and braved the outdoors alone yesterday - I took the dog for a short walk around the block. It was scary but felt good (in a way, not in terms of pain of course ). But of course last night and today I am paying for it ten times over. I'm going to try it again though. I'm fed up with so much loss.

Hark at me. Lol. Take care of yourselves and keep being who you are, whatever size that might be

Bram.