How to talk to my Primary Care Doctor?

I have an appointment with my PCP on Friday 13th Dec .He is very new to me ,as I am to him,so...do I straight out ask him what he knows about Chiari ,or do I just get my regular prescriptions and go.You see , this man is my lifeline between feeling BAD or feeling really, really BAD.I need to know if he thinks a 6mm herniation is just " borderline " or that it is the amount of symptoms that determine just how bad the problem is.My gut feeling ,after the last time I saw him, was that he new very little, apart from his medical updates,and we all know what that means...Yeah not much ! I just don`t get it! My life is extremely tough as it is without this stuff.I need his help , but I don`t want to put him offside in the process. I would appreciate any suggestions on how to handle this, but I know you all have your own problems with doctors.Here is my question. Do you,try to change your doctor`s attitude or do you,, change your doctor.????Thanks again. Sorry I forgot . My next appointment with my NS is 20th Dec to decide on decompression surgery ,but that`s another bag of worms.

If you can begin to get your PCP on board with you that’s best. Over time they may come around as they learn more, especially if you are including her with your NSs reports. My PCP has the typical things to say about CM, but I just ignore it and ask for what I want, and fortunately she does not fight me. If you continually meet the brick wall…then switch PCPs.

Jenn

I was upfront with my PCP. I did not give him the chance to doubt me or act like he could not be bothered by me. Luckily, he understood ad has been very supportive and helpful since I got home from the hospital. You can try this PCP and remember that you can always change primary physicians. This is a very difficult time for you and you need a doctor who is going to be helpful and understanding. Most of u have changed doctors so many times we lost count! Good luck in your decision.

Thanks everyone for the advice.