Isn't that the million dollar question....

Quite honestly, there are some that just won't listen. If you have one of those then I would dump them and find a new one. Having a doctor who really listens to you and works WITH you through this is so important.

BUT...I have found that some things can help a visit to be more productive even if you have not so great a doctor and I'll list them below:

1. Prepare for your visit. I always write out a list of questions and things I want to go over with the doctor and bring the list to the appointment. It's really easy to get side tracked and forget about something or for the doctor to want to get up and leave when they think you are done...by having a list in my hands it keeps me focused and signals the doctor that I have a number of things I want to discuss.

2. Bring someone with you. I find that some of the worst doctors I have had tend to be more attentive when they have more of an audience. When my boyfriend or his mom came with me to appointments the doctors were LESS likely to bully me (some did it anyway). They can also help to remind you about things you want to talk about...I would usually tell whoever I was with, "Don't let me forget to ask XYZ."

3. Try to stay calm. I know this is hard and I'm not saying you should hide your feelings or down play the pain...don't do that. But if you get hysterical they are less likely to take you seriously and more likely to just think you are emotional or being overly dramatic. Good doctors wouldn't do this but then those doctors usually don't need extra incentive to listen to you.

4. Be assertive. Don't let the doctor walk all over you. Be assertive and don't be afraid to speak up for yourself and ask your questions. You can't tell the doctor what to do but you want to make it clear that your opinion matters and that you make the decisions about your own treatment. If something is not working for you then don't let the doctor get away with ignoring your concerns. Make sure you are a part of this process and KNOW what the treatment plans are. And if you don't like them or are concerned about them, talk to the doctor about it.

Bottom line...if a doctor isn't listening to you then they are not the right doctor to be treating you. I had a bunch of these doctors last year and when I finally dumped them and started treating with my current doctor it was such a HUGE difference. I leave every appointment hopeful and feeling better (at least emotionally) than I did going in. You need a doctor who is supportive and who cares about the patient. If a doctor won't listen to you then they don't care about YOU and what you are going through...so you better get out before they do you more damage than good.