It can be very difficult to get a doctor's appointment, find time when they are available, and get work to let you have time off. At some places it can feel like the doctor is trying to get out of the room with you as fast as possible, so if you forget to ask something you're out of luck. That doesn't even get into the anxiety around how much a doctor's visit will cost. On top of all that, sometimes it doesn't feel like the doctor is trying to work with you to solve a problem, but rather just feeds you a line that they've been told to say.

There are complex reasons for this. For example, maybe that youtube video on clearing your sinuses could result in a worse infection. The doctor will tell you not to do that, and to get sleep and drink water. But the advice to get sleep and drink water feels almost patronizing with how difficult it is to get the appointment.

Predatory crippling medical debt and the fear of it. Last surgery I had in the ER (acute appendicitis) in 1994 I was being charged $13 per pair of Tylenol 3s pain pills. By comparison for a bottle of 10 from corner pharmacy (with prescription) was $8. Pair of disposable gloves $10. Per pair. That's all I remember on the bill because as a 20yrld with zero life skills I knew I would never pay that.

Getting an audience with ~~your~~ an actual doctor can be a real process