Chronic fatigue is almost as difficult to treat as it is to experience, and finding an effective treatment plan means working with a physician who has the experience, approach, and temperament it takes to truly help you make some progress. If you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, the prospect of going from doctor to doctor to look for the right fit can be overwhelming, but it can be made much easier if you understand the key elements to look for in a physician before you even step into their office. Today, we’re discussing seven of the biggest signs that it’s time to look for a new doctor for chronic fatigue. By keeping these in mind on your new search, you’ll be well-equipped to find a physician who can truly help you find a better quality of life.
1. You Haven’t Experienced Improvements
This one may seem obvious, but it’s a useful reminder. Of course, chronic fatigue hardly ever disappears overnight; it can require long treatments that include multiple approaches and pivots. With that said, if you’re been seeing a doctor for some time and feel there hasn’t been even a marginal improvement in your experience with chronic fatigue, it could be a sign that their approach to care simply isn’t working for you. Consider discussing your options with your current physician; if they don’t have much else to offer in the way of treatment, it may be a good idea to look somewhere else.
2. Your Symptoms are Isolated in Treatment
Chronic fatigue doesn’t simply appear out of thin air. It can be inextricably linked to a variety of underlying conditions; lifestyle factors; and overall physical, mental, or emotional health. If you’re working with a physician who is more focused on the symptoms of your chronic fatigue than on addressing its underlying causes, it might be worthwhile to work with someone who takes a more holistic approach.
3. You Don’t Feel Heard
Your experience of chronic fatigue isn’t just valid; it’s an important part of the puzzle when it comes to treatment. If you ever feel as though your input is dismissed, ignored, or undervalued by a physician, it’s a great idea to work with someone else as soon as possible. Being your advocate means not just hearing you out; it means actively listening to what you have to say in order to make sure your needs are met.
4. They’re Always Playing Catch-up
5. Your Time Isn’t Valued
This one may not even be your physician’s fault, necessarily, but it doesn’t make it ideal. Studies show that, within a 60-minute appointment window, physicians actually only get about 10-15 minutes of facetime with their patients. The rest of the time is spent in the waiting room, on paperwork, or with nurses and medical assistants. For a condition as complex as chronic fatigue, this is nowhere near enough time to make an effective deep dive and meaningful progress in treatment. Find a physician whose approach requires less time spent on administrative tasks and more time with you.
6. You Don’t Feel Advocated For
Your doctor should be your most passionate and knowledgeable health advocate. In order to do this effectively, they must not just know the ins and outs of your condition, but understand how it impacts (and is impacted by) other key aspects of your life. In the event of your hospitalization, there’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your best interest is being actively protected by a knowledgeable medical professional who knows your health profile inside and out. This is exactly the kind of service that a concierge physician provides.