Working with your Doctor
Building a trusting relationship with your doctor is an important part of any illness management plan. This is especially the case when you have a complex and long-term illness like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis /Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and may also have other comorbidities.
ME/CFS can be a challenging illness for doctors. They may not have received any training in ME/CFS, nor be aware of the current clinical guidance. Also, ME/CFS can present differently in each person and there are limited treatments available. This situation can lead to frustration for both the doctor and the patient.
An informed GP with a good understanding of your situation, may be able to refer you to other health services and can provide medical evidence for a range of financial supports from Work and Income and information for employers.
We have put together some tips that may help you to partner with your doctor, to share the lived experience, and to ensure that the doctor is aware of current and emerging evidence-informed practice.
Finding a new GP
There are services around the region that can assist you with finding a local General Practitioner and other services. Ask them to recommend a GP who is taking new patients and supports and understands your health conditions:
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Tautoko Hauora in Canterbury
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Awawhenua Whanau Services in South Canterbury.
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West Coast Health for the West Coast.
The national www.healthpoint.co.nz website also has a search function to find local and online services.
Pegasus Health in Canterbury also provides useful advice about finding Your Best Care | Choose your best health care option.
It can be useful talking to other people living with the same health conditions about the health professionals that they have found helpful.