This has just always been a thing I’ve known but now I wonder if it’s common knowledge bc it should be;
If you’re going to a doctor about anything, instead of just describing the symptoms, describe how it has affected your life. ‘My arm hurts when I straighten it’ will usually get you ‘wait a few days to see if it gets better’. ‘My arm hurts when I straighten it, and it has stopped me from being able to drive or use my computer at work, so I can’t function properly’ will usually get you a lot more consideration, and usually tests or a prescription.
This also applies for mental conditions, including gender dysphoria.
Make sure your physician knows the effect that your condition is having on your life, as this makes it a lot harder for them to dismiss you. This also makes it easier to hold them accountable if they ignore a dangerous condition, should you wish to pursue legal action.
It’s a roundabout way of giving them a number on a pain scale. It hurts isn’t specific. It hurts enough to affect my daily life is concrete. Be an effective communicator.
Doctors see a lot of trivial complaints. You need to be specific enough you don’t come across as a whiny toddler.
What kind of pain is it? What exacerbates it? What is the pain level? How does it affect your life? Give them the tools they need.
It crosses the line from “I’m worried about x” to “x is a problem”.
Some people do actually go to the doctor for reassurance, and “it’s fine, don’t worry about it” is exactly the response that’s needed.
Stuff like getting a mole checked out is just like that.
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