Orange Lightning
09-10-13, 11:36
At long last, after suffering for an entire year I am going to see a specialist in about a fortnight's time regarding my ongoing acid reflux symptoms, including a burning throat, liquid belches, globus hystericus and throat clearing.. All my attempts to stop my H2 blocker meds have failed. Diet changes do nothing. Antidepressants are useless. I get symptoms every day, and they all tie in with reflux. Furthermore there is no concrete evidence my symptoms are therefore I am totally convinced it's real and incurable. The only problem is I can't convince anyone else how much I'm suffering, not even my GP, so this appointment is highly important to me, to work towards evidence of my illness.
I'm really worried though; if I say the wrong thing(s) I may be struck off and told "It's all in my head" again. I know I've been worried about non-existent problems in the past, but this time it's just not going away, even on my good days, so I don't think my mindset could take it if I mess this up. How should I convince the specialist that I need help? Also, since my parents don't believe I'm ill either, should I stop them from coming with me to the appointment?
This means a lot to me, because if I play my cards right I may be eligible for life-changing surgery in the future, which can be reversed if it doesn't work. I WANT MY LIFE BACK. Half the quality of life is in food, and it hurts so much to not be able to eat anything I enjoy at all, and force down disgustingly bland food instead. It hurts to take meds; they just remind me I'm stuck with this forever. Stress relief doesn't help; it all just comes flooding back whenever I eat or so much as bend over slightly. I cry many days, and have considered "s word" too many times for my own good. If I can't get help this time, I'm worried I'll actually hurt myself this time. :(
I'm really worried though; if I say the wrong thing(s) I may be struck off and told "It's all in my head" again. I know I've been worried about non-existent problems in the past, but this time it's just not going away, even on my good days, so I don't think my mindset could take it if I mess this up. How should I convince the specialist that I need help? Also, since my parents don't believe I'm ill either, should I stop them from coming with me to the appointment?
This means a lot to me, because if I play my cards right I may be eligible for life-changing surgery in the future, which can be reversed if it doesn't work. I WANT MY LIFE BACK. Half the quality of life is in food, and it hurts so much to not be able to eat anything I enjoy at all, and force down disgustingly bland food instead. It hurts to take meds; they just remind me I'm stuck with this forever. Stress relief doesn't help; it all just comes flooding back whenever I eat or so much as bend over slightly. I cry many days, and have considered "s word" too many times for my own good. If I can't get help this time, I'm worried I'll actually hurt myself this time. :(