How to get Doctors to listen....
 

I had a few doctor's appointments over the last few weeks... The one with the physiatrist went as expected, and although I reacted to the meds he gave me, at least I felt heard....

I saw my optometrist, and as you know my eyesight has significantly changed. The optometrist was adamant that the changes in eyesight was not due to the hit on my head.... And while with glasses my eyes are improved, it can take a long time for my eyes to properly focus at times.... The eyes are def not functioning the way they should.

I also had an appointment with an endocrinologist regarding my thyroid. Since it was barely out of range, they basically doubted that I even needed to be there, and as well, when I suggested that this could be because of my head, possibly related to pituitary issues, they absolutely refused to listen, and sent me out the door without even looking into it further.

So.... I know I am improving. I have days at a time now where I feel pretty decent... but if I over do it... they symptoms come right back... I'd love the doctors to actually listen to me, but have no clue how to do that.... Any suggestions?

camyam,

I can see how a generic endocrinologist would discount you. They know nothing about PCS or other head injury issues. Have you tried to find a hormone specialist who specializes in 'life extension' therapy? They often are more specific in their hormone analysis. The referral at https://www.womensinternational.com/..._referral.html is also good.

Did the physiatrist have any comments about your eye sight?

Do you have access to a therapeutic optometrist? There is an association for them. Maybe Eowyn or EsthersDoll will suggest the name.

What symptoms are you still struggling with?

Is you eye sight a functional limitation?

I haven't seen that type of endocrinologist... I figured the link you gave would be for US practitioners only? I'll take a look.

The physiatrist asked about my eyesight, but did not make any recommendations.

I'll look into the optometrist. I just went to my family one for a vision check.

ATM - Headaches, fuzziness, inability once again to concentrate or read. Noise sensitivity, fatigue. Bad balance (I fell on sunday in front of a large group of people after standing up, and last night I nearly fell down the stairs)

My eyesight seems mainly an annoyance, but I wonder if it's connected to my headaches?

Have I mentioned how I have learned to get up slower? I do not risk a quick stand up. It can cause to much imbalance. I start to get up but pause and make the effort of getting up/standing up two moves. First, I shift my weight to a position to stand-up then briefly pause before standing up.

The concentration issue I deal with by taking steps to increase focus. I need to work to ignore the distractions so I can focus or concentrate.

If I am in the car riding shotgun and need to read a map, I often have to turn off the radio and a/c fan.

I started with more severe difficulties concentrating and would even need to close my eyes.

Getting to where I am now has been a disciplined effort. Now, I can pull my focus together much easily. I don't think I have less struggle focusing, just better skills at doing it.

Before PCS, I did not need to make an effort to focus.

My balance and focus problems started in 1987 after two general anesthesia surgeries within a year. My balance was a mess. Then, in 2001, my injury seriously effected my concentration.

I have cut a finger off because of difficulty concentrating. I now know in what environments I need to take extra precautions.

It is a learning process in addition to a healing process.

My best to you.

My vision problems WERE connected to my headaches.

Look for an optometrist who does Vision Efficiency Evaluations. You can get referrals at these websites: http://www.braininjuries.org or http://www.nora.cc

A medical eye exam will most likely not show the true extent of the visual difficulties you are having; only a VEE will.

Did you ask the physiatrist about vestibular therapy due to your balance problems? You may have to push for physical and/or occupational therapy. I did, and it's been one of the most helpful things I've done.

I sent for their information packet and there are Canadian ones listed... however... when I contacted the ones on the list for my area, NONE of them had any idea of what I was talking about.

After many explanations, they finally understood what I was referring to, and then I was told that their specialities were all OB/GYNs and only took referrals for OB/GYN related issues, except for the one that is a GP/Family doc, which I would not be able to see either, since I'm signed up with my local clinic.

They did list a few in Toronto, if you're interested, I can pm you their contact info and you can give them a call or look them up online.

Starr

Starr - I sent away for the packet. Hopefully there will be someone available on it when it comes...

Eowyn - I'll have a look at your link.... hopefully there's services available to canadians as well?

Mark - your information is always great. thank you. It should be an interesting weekend, as I have my first photoshoot this weekend, and it's even with strobes... and a baby.... There's no option now to delay or cancel, so I'll just need to make sure I do my best to focus, and since I'll be down on the floor shooting, careful when I rise...

thanks everyone!

WOW! the nora site had one practitioner in my town! I'll be contacting them today!!! thanks!