I wasted a year with a GP who exposed me to way too much radiation (pointless CT scans), rushed through each appointment and prescribed drugs without getting to the bottom of what was going on. This was my family GP, someone who had seen me since I was a new born but failed to stitch together anything that was going on over the 30 year span I saw him.

The final straw was when he ordered a test because I had chest pain, made me book an appointment for the results when I asked them to be sent to me, and then in said appointment I paid $90.00 for, “oh I don’t know what this means, I’ll send it to you for you to have a read and interpret”.

I'd had it, so the hunt began for a new GP. 30 reddit posts later and an extensive google search, I’d narrowed it down to 3 GP’s and picked one who had her own custom website (it oozed passion for women’s health). We managed to get more traction in the short 4 months we had worked together than the 30+ years I’d worked with my family GP.

How do you know it’s time to break up with your GP?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do they listen? Do you feel heard in your appointments—or talked over and rushed?

2. Do they action things? If you asked for a specific test would they order it?

3. Are they a partner in your care? Do they work with you? Or do they get offended you brought some medical research to the appointment?

4. Do you leave appointments satisfied and more empowered? Or do you feel more confused and alone?

   
   

My new GP listens to me. Orders the tests I ask for. Works with me and brings research, podcasts and information to each appointment about EDS and associated conditions. Is it time you re-assed your relationship with your GP?