https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12099111
Read the above article today and it gave me a sense of deja vu with what has been happening with my family.
We saw 5 different GPs for my son who all flogged us off as crazy parents before I self diagnosed him after reading countless number of medical journals and articles (luckily for me I had friends in the medical community that could access Doctors only material for me) and then finally an overseas diagnose we were able to obtain via video link and subsequent travel overseas for a specialist to see him. If we waited around for either private or public system we’d not even get an appointment for a good 6 months+ for a paediatric neurologist.
I have come to the conclusion that the NZ healthcare system is beyond broken, the GPs are undertrained, lack the desire and drive to dig deeper with patient concerns.
My suggestion to all those out there seeking medical help - google the hell out of it and keep querying the “professionals” - not everyone can know everything even with a decade of medical training. Arm yourself with knowledge and don’t take one diagnosis at face value. Always be skeptical and follow your instincts. If a doctor tell you to stop googling, find another.
Rant over!