Don’t Dismiss Me | 12 Questions to Ask Your Doctor

For many people living with chronic illness or autoimmune disease, being told ‘everything looks normal’ doesn’t always match how they feel.

In this video, I share my “Don’t Dismiss Me” questionnaire...a set of 12 questions designed to help you feel more confident, heard, and supported when choosing a doctor or navigating complex medical care.

These questions aren’t about challenging doctors. They’re about helping patients understand how a provider thinks, listens, and responds, especially when symptoms are complicated, overlapping, or hard to explain.

If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling rushed, ignored, or unsure of what to do next, this guide is for you.

Inside this video:
• 12 questions you can bring to medical appointments
• How to tell if a doctor will take your symptoms seriously
• What collaborative, patient-centered care should sound like
• How to protect yourself when your health journey is complex

You don’t have to use every question. Just choose the ones that match your situation. You deserve care where you feel safe, respected, and taken seriously.

🫁 One Breath at a Time
Sharing my real experience living with autoimmune and chronic illness.

QUESTIONS:
1. How do you approach patients with complex or overlapping conditions?
2. How much time do you typically spend with new patients?
3. How do you feel about patients who track symptoms or bring notes?
4. If standard tests come back normal but symptoms persist, what’s your next step?
5. How do you handle cases where the diagnosis isn’t clear yet?
6. How do you involve patients in treatment decisions?
7. If a treatment or medication isn’t tolerated, how flexible are you with adjusting the plan?
8. How do you differentiate between stress-related symptoms and physical illness?
9. How do you ensure symptoms aren’t being overlooked or minimized?
10. How do you coordinate care with other specialists when needed?
11. What happens if symptoms worsen between visits?
12. Are you comfortable saying "I don’t know" and seeking additional input?

Disclaimer: This channel is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health concerns.