What to say:
“I know my body and I know something is not right."
"I know this is different for me and I really need your help.”
"I appreciate your expertise."
Try to engage the doctor as a partner, but be firm.
Express that you appreciate the doctor’s expertise, but emphasize that you know yourself.
Bottom line: Don’t stop asking questions and keep speaking up until you get the answers that you need.
In short, it’s all about framing. You need to suggest that someone else is making you ask them about whatever it is you want to bring up.
This approach shifts the focus onto a third party, which helps doctors lower their defenses. If they think medical suggestions from patients are inane, you’re just feigning agreement with them. It effectively puts you on the same side as the doctor — the two of you against one.
Or just get another opinion before deciding w/ them.