Few experiences are as damaging to a patient's mental health as being in pain and not having that pain believed, according to Dr. Max Pemberton.
Writing for the Daily Mail, Dr. Pemberton outlined strategies for individuals who feel their concerns are being dismissed by their general practitioner, a phenomenon he described as being "gaslit by your GP."
He advised patients to meticulously document their symptoms, including when the pain started, its severity, and any factors that make it worse or better. Keeping a detailed diary can provide concrete evidence of the issue.
If a doctor is not listening, Pemberton suggests seeking a second opinion. "Don't be afraid to get a second opinion," he wrote. "It is your right as a patient to seek another doctor's expertise if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed."
He also recommended bringing a trusted friend or family member to appointments. This companion can offer support, help remember details, and act as a witness to the consultation, potentially encouraging the doctor to take the patient more seriously.
Pemberton stressed the importance of understanding that medical professionals, like all humans, can have biases. He noted that gender, race, and weight can sometimes unconsciously influence a doctor's perception of a patient's pain.
"The reality is that medical professionals, like all humans, are susceptible to unconscious biases," Pemberton explained. "These can sometimes influence how they perceive a patient's symptoms, particularly when it comes to pain."
He also highlighted the prevalence of conditions like endometriosis, which affects approximately 1.5 million people in the UK. This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, causing inflammation, scarring, and pain, and can often be misdiagnosed or dismissed.
"If you feel you are being dismissed, it is crucial to advocate for yourself," Pemberton concluded. "Your pain is valid, and you deserve to be heard and treated appropriately."