PCP who believes CFS/ME is real
I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalitis (CFS/ME) and a host of other related health issues. I am getting great care from a medical doctor who specializes in these disorders, but I need a new PCP for regular health care unrelated to CFS/ME. I’m looking for someone who I can see for preventive care, mammograms, injuries, etc., who will not be dismissive of me because of the CFS/ME diagnosis. I need someone who understands that CFS/ME is a real disease and is willing to be educated about it if not already aware of recent research developments, who will not tell me that everyone is tired, it is stress-related, it is in my head, or try to refer me for mental health care, and who is comfortable with me getting unconventional (but helpful) treatment from my specialist. Anyone in a similar position who loves their PCP? Anyone who just plain loves their PCP and thinks that they’d be open to working with me? Thank you!
Parent Replies
I don’t have any recommendations, but am in the same boat as you are! Right now I’m in a remission period, but have relapsed several times in my life. Nobody seems to understand what it is or how it affects my care.
I've had the same problem finding a primary care doctor knowledgeable in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). Because Stanford has an ME/CFS clinic, there may be some primary docs there who are more knowledgeable (and Stanford has an outpost in Emeryville). Also, Marcey Shapiro in Albany is an integrative MD who understands ME/CFS and does some primary care such as well woman exams, preventative care, etc., but she's out of network for all plans