I know that I’ve felt dismissed on occasions and subsequently learned to live with symptoms bothering me - thankfully nothing like this.
It doesn’t seem to affect my dp who doesn’t go to the doctor often but is usually taken seriously and investigated. Incidentally I go much less than him and am still made to feel like a hyperchondriac.
I asked for a blood test in my third trimester outside of the standard ones because I felt so anaemic (I work with HCP’s who advised it as well) and was sent packing. I tested anaemic during my labour and had to have a blood transfusion afterwards because I was so severely anaemic. If I had the balls I would’ve gone back to each dr/midwife who brushed me off and told them the needless trouble that was caused over a poxy blood test and some iron supplements.
It’s frightening really, I’ve mulled over the possibility of having my appendix removed privately because I know of a few cases where women have had their pelvic/abdominal pain dismissed and ended up in real trouble. One very sadly died.
It’s also made me very mistrustful, almost resentful, of HCP’s which isn’t great all round really. I understand that doctors are a lot of worried well but I think that there is almost a reliance on the patient repeatedly presenting themselves to ‘test’ whether there is actually a problem rather than taking their word at face value the first time.
Admittedly a lot of it is down to the patients personal assertiveness but that’s a lot to expect from people who it doesn’t come naturally to. I’ve also come across to many people (particularly elderly) who have had it drummed into them to not make a fuss and the lack of resources who will not seek help even in dire circumstances. Even with the lack of resources it’s sad to see that the NHS is seen as hostile by the very people who need it most.