I agree that you need to find a different doctor.

Why are pills the first thing doctors recommend?
Because that's how they are trained in the USA. The medical schools are funded by the big pharmaceutical companies.
Why isn't he listening to you?
He could just be bad at listening.
And / or he needs to rush all patients through so he can treat his daily patient quota to pay his overhead and insurance.
System stinks.

You have to find a primary care provider that speaks your language, listens and addresses your concerns. Sometimes, going to a physician's assistant or nurse practitioner may be a better fit. They often spend more time with the patient, are more thorough and have more general enthusiasm for the practice of medicine. They can be your best advocate as they have most times have immediate, direct access to the overseeing physician.

Donnajean,

Numb, tingling lips indicate a nerve problem. I suggest you see a neurologist. It's possible that an allergy could do that, but not as likely. Please have that investigated as soon as possible.

I agree with all those who said to get a new DR. My experience with some DRs is that after they see you a few times, you become a "condition", and they listen to you with that "condition" filtering their thoughts. When you aren't getting through to them, it's time to find a new Dr.

No he is not an allergist. Some of the allergists I have tried don't treat food allergies. Still looking for one so I thought my doctor might have knowledge of one. As for the medications, it is a matter of severe reactions to them so I can't take them, therefore I won't. Depending on the type, I do usually do try new ones a couple of times to be sure.

Another thought (I work for a physician).....The general medical community gets unreasonably testy if a patient admits to searching on the internet for medical info. Really gets their hackles up. Okay to mention you've been doing some research on your own but best not to admit to Googling.

My doctor listens to me. That is why we are getting to the bottom of my problems. She sent me to another M.D. for an upper endoscopy, and he listened but told me I was crazy to think food stays in my esophagus. I have haad his test, and yesterday a gastric emptying study, and I was right. My Doc says I might have to go on a liquid diet for the rest of my life!

I agree with that advice. Still I have tried so many doctors over the years and have the same thing happen no matter who I go to for help or what their speciality happens to be. They all depend on pills for everything. I'm glad changing doctors worked for you. Right now I am looking for one who treats food allergies. :)

After working in a medical facility for years I can tell you that some docs are just better than others. You can bet each one of us in the department I worked in ( GI) knew who we'd see and who we'd NOT see for medical advice.

Oh, I hope that doesn't have to happen. I have been thinking about it for myself and often blend things so I can drink them. Still, it is the allergies that cause a problem even if the food is blended.

I had the gastric emptying test and that isn't a problem. Another thing done by the gastroenterologist was to stretch my esphogus. He wanted to do it again 2 months later. I passed on that and eliminated wheat and that helped. Hearing that you found someone, helps me not to lose faith that I will, too. :)

Good advice. :)