If you suspected that you had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), went to a doctor or medical professional for help and received only ridicule and put down, the title of this post probably just made your blood boil.
Too many people with bonafide cases of CFS (or similar illnesses like Fibromyalgia, FMS) are treated in such a manner.
(A) You need help, hope and professional care, but with that type of start to a doctor/patient relationship, how do you have much hope of a good conclusion?
(B) If the professional does treat you, is there much chance for success since he or she doesn't believe in your underlying problem?
In most cases, it does not work out well when your physician "doesn't believe" in your illness, thinks "you" are exaggerating or putting on, or does not possess the skills or knowledge to provide you good care. Your only goal is to seek out a medical professional (of some type) who can really help you.
Keep in mind that most people need a regular medical doctor from time to time. Such an example might be when 1) you're sick with a life-threatening illness, or maybe, 2) when you need qualified patient records that enable you to file a disability claim.
Other types of health professionals may be able to assist you in getting well, but that's not said to encourage you to forget about finding a good medical doctor. Keep looking. They're out there.
Thanks, Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show
