What to Say to Your Doctor

It can be frustrating, and even nerve-wracking, to know what to say to a doctor to get them to listen and take your symptoms seriously.

Many of us often understate what we’re going through, assuming that symptoms have to be “10/10, the worst pain we can imagine,” before something is wrong. And if you’ve felt unheard before, it can feel scary, or even impossible, to keep pushing and advocating for yourself.

So what can you say to your doctor to get them to listen and take your symptoms seriously?

Give a Timeline

  • “This has been going on for (X number of) months.”
  • “This is persistent.”
  • “I thought it would go away, but it hasn’t.”

This shows doctors that your symptoms are not temporary and will most likely not go away on their own.

Discuss the Impact

  • “My symptoms are getting worse / worsening.”
  • “My symptoms are progressing.”
  • “I had to stop doing X” or “I can no longer do X like I used to.”
    • X = sleeping, eating, exercising, working, walking, etc. 
    • Something that you have normally been able to do your whole life that is now impacted by your symptoms.

This shows doctors that your symptoms are more severe and are impacting your quality of life.

Share Comparison

  • “This is worse than X, which I’ve experienced before.”
    • If X is back pain or bleeding from hemorrhoids, you can say that this new pain or bleeding is significantly worse than you’ve experienced before.

Being able to compare what you’re currently going through to a past experience shows doctors that you understand how these symptoms differ from more common, less concerning causes. 

Give Detail / Be Specific

  • “I had sudden fatigue/bleeding/pain in my abdomen/lower back.”
  • “My bleeding looks bright red and is roughly X tbs.”
  • “My pain is sharp, and worsens when I use the bathroom.”

Being more detailed rather than using vague statements such as “this is the worst” or “I’m miserable” gives doctors a clearer idea of what you’re going through so that they can understand your situation better and be able to help more effectively. 

You can also add, “I want to be sure that my symptoms are thoroughly checked out. I don’t want to look back and regret that something treatable was missed.”

Ask For Your Concerns to Be Recorded in Your Chart

  • “Please record in my chart that I reported X.”
    • X = blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, etc.
  • Or even, “Please record in my chart that after reporting X, no test/treatment plan/follow-up is being given.”

By specifically asking for your symptoms to be recorded in your chart, and your doctor’s response to your symptoms, you will have a record and a timeline of your symptoms and treatment plan if needed at a later date or with a different doctor.

TIP: Always mention your family history if you have one.

Having an immediate family member (parent, sibling, or child) with polyps, cancer, or even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can increase your chance of polyps, cancer, or IBD. IBD can also increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Ex: “My mother and several of my aunts have had pre-cancerous polyps removed,” “My father had colon cancer,” or “My sister has Crohn’s/ulcerative colitis.”

Know that if something is bothering you, it is worth looking into and seeking help for. You should not brush aside your symptoms or try to reason them away.

You are worth the time and effort it takes to help you. And if you do a bunch of tests and everything comes back clear? That is wonderful news and gives you peace of mind.

We understand that some people face more barriers than others when seeking health care. If you have ever felt unheard or dismissed, speaking up for yourself may be especially difficult. This is why it’s so important to find the right doctor for you. Continuing to advocate for yourself does not mean sticking with a doctor who isn’t the right fit. We encourage everyone to find a doctor you feel comfortable with and trust. See: How to Pick the Right Doctor.