Hi Robin - Many of us have gone through this "doctors are useless" phase before you. You just need a little schooling on how to be a good patient advocate. That's one of the things we do here to help the new guys, so read on.

When I didn't understand the rapid fire super short answers my doctor gave me I just told him to stop, I need more detail, in layman terms and slow down. More than once I asked him to explain it again, in different words. He did. Initially he was a little irritated at me, but over the next few visits we developed a nice working relationship where he became very helpful in answering my questions and was patient with me until I understood the answers to my questions. By the end of treatment he would ask me on every visit "what questions do you have for me this time" instead of bolting for the door at the earliest opportunity.

I asked him once why they always start off with the super short answer to patient questions. He replied, most patients don't want to know what is going on with their disease or treatment. They just want to get it over as quickly as possible and not have to invest any personal effort.

Once your doctor knows you really are serious he will take the time to teach you because he knows you are being a good patient "advocate" and good patients and good advocates get better results in treatment.

So, just be a little more persistent. Show him you are serious and won't take the short answer as being sufficient. If that doesn't work throw the "I just want to be a good patient advocate" phrase into the conversation, that will make him/her come around. And lastly, don't overlook the nurses as a source of answers to your questions. They are often the most helpful of all.

Good luck
Tony