[remotetime]

My story in a nutshell is told elsewhere here, I'm too new to post the link

It's been fairly clear that the physicians I've asked to help me don't believe me, or the objective evidence, but I couldn't understand why until today. The doctor's say the same thing, ignore what I tell them and generally treat me with disdain.

When I didn't get a bill for lab work that was supposedly preformed a few months ago I HIPAAed the records from the lab. Only one of five or more tests were actually preformed. I don't know who paid for that, but despite my record request no bill was sent. That struck me as very strange, but I figured the bill would come eventually.

The arthritis in my hands, which x-rays show is bone on bone, is excruciating. There is no point in asking a doctor for help for reasons already stated. A second opinion in the new electronic world is the reiteration of the first opinion.

So, as I was searching for solutions I ran across an article on "factitious disorders" at the Cleveland Clinic site (sorry, can't link). If a physician makes assumptions in the areas that aren't verifiable, they could easily use this faux diagnosis to avoid actual diagnosis and treatment. I have been to a ton of doctors for help. I do leave when it is clear that I won't get help. I've even traveled to find a diagnosis. Worse, I know big words about possible conditions. AND I'm educated. They are allowed to talk to my family, and my daughter even went with me for a couple appointments, but the facts have nothing to do with the conclusion.

The only way to have avoided this would have been to act stupid, and try not to let them know I work to learn as much as possible.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is their conclusion. It is the perfect Catch 22. If you don't fall into a disease on their handheld, and you've been desperately seeking help for symptoms that are transient, this is the perfect "diagnosis" to use for a physician to avoid help.

It also makes it impossible to get help. It is the end of the road.