How to overcome a "factitious disorder" diagnosis?
 

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.

Hi there remotetime,

Am I to believe that your doctor thinks you're making up all your symptoms?

ugh.

I don't know if it's the same one you wanted to post, but here is one from the Cleveland Clinic that I'll post on your behalf below.

Cleveland Clinic- Overview Factitious Disorders

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That is my assumption.
 

Only a guess as to why I can't get diagnosis and treatment. Remember there is no interest in even the most verifiable symptoms, as well as that list.

There is a way to indict me on almost every count, if you ignore the facts and make leaps.

AND it is the way I'm treated.

I know exactly how you feel at 19 after foot surgery I became sick and with in 3 months couldn't walk, swallow , use my hands or feet. All the doctors I saw and I traveled too I saw a total of 65 doctors in 3 states with more then half saying I was having a conversion disorder or that it was in my mind. Even after I finally got a diagnosis I would run across doctor saying that disease wasn't real just cause they didn't learn it in school. 9 years later from there I have now seen over 187 doctors in 13 states for treatment and about half thought I was crazy. Thankfully I found a hospital and Just in time cause as it was one disease I needed help for and quickly turned into finding 6 more diseases or conditions. The doctors that just want to put a label on something cause they have no clue what it is should be able to be sued, as if they had believed me and found the cause I may not be as disabled as it has come to now. And if they don't know what it is they should be honest and try and direct the patient to another doctor they believe may know. Every disease I have been diagnosed with it was me and my mom that had to push the doctors to investigate and really look from not having oxygen cause of sarcoidosis they were just going to let a 23 year old live on oxygen not knowing why until we said no there must be a reason then they found the diagnosis and got me on meds. Then thyroid cancer they said it wasn't but when they took it out found out it was, even now my bones are dieing and when I first told them my bones hurt they didn't listen I had to push for the mris to find out my leg bones are dead in multiple spots. If they had listened to all my complaints with all 7 disease then their spread may have not been so great. Doctors are in denial and I hate it when they get mad that I know more about the disease then themselves but that's their fault for not doing the research and actually trying. If it wasn't for both my moms and my persistence on the drs I could have died several times.
I would still try and find another opinion if your arm and bones hurt so bad. It took me seeing 5 different orthos including in a top clinic before I found 2 to actually listen and want to help and its wonderful when you find those ones. I now have my team of drs who listen to me and really investigate to find whats wrong and to get the treatments I need. It took awhile and every time I am diagnosed with another condition going through the motions of finding that right doctor starts again. I do the same as you if Iam in an appt. and I know real quick they wont help I walk out. I have been to, to many drs to go through a useless appt again.
I truly am sorry that your going through the doctor roulette I know how it is and how it feels to have drs stare at you and either not care or think your nuts. I do hope you find help that you need and a doctor you can trust and will listen.

Sam

remotetime's thread from the new members forum - (info)
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread214335.html

Thanks for this Lara
I didn't know that such a thing as 'Factitious Disorder' existed - or is it just a 'Fictitious Disorder' made up by the doctors so that they don't have to deal with patients who are fed up with them not doing their jobs properly? :rolleyes:

This article has certainly opened my eyes - I'm always wary of giving too much info that may lead to a misdiagnosis of a Mental Health (aka "Forget Getting Any Proper Treatment") but this adds another barrier to trying to get doctors to listen to you. Will keep it in mind when next I go into battle!

remotetime - thank you for bring this topic to attention. I hope you find a way around those stroppy doctors you are facing. Let us know how you get on.

Too much information indeed
 

If I could go back I'd not let on that I'd researched the issues or even give all my symptoms. They need to believe they hold all knowledge, and we are in awe of their insights.

Going to bat again far away from home next week. The triumph of hope over experience. This time I know nothing, I'm not sure if I'll even remember my name. If they read it, that will mean the doctor is really smart.

I hope you're able to get some answers. Please let us know how you get on.

I just re-read your post on New Members.

You mentioned testing and mentioned PMP22.

Not sure if you checked out the Link that Kiwi33 left you there.
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/cha...-tooth-disease

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/PMP22

Just a little more ...
 

Came across the article in this link and thought it was relevant to the subject of being given a 'mental health' diagnosis:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...health-patient