I am so upset that those were your experiences. None of that was acceptable, and you deserved much better care.

I have to admit my own reticence to go to the doctor, which is different but related. Just as your doctor didn't listen or believe you when you told him truths (that contradicted his expectations) about your lifestyle, I've had so many experiences over the years of medical professionals being dismissive, condescending, or ignoring relevant information.

I believe that being a woman has been a big part of my own experiences with being brushed off and not helped by some of the doctors I've seen.