When Doctors Don't Understand

When I was first diagnosed, it wasn’t the first time I heard about lupus. It runs in my family. I was hurting all over, got blood work done (a lot of blood work). Then I was told to see a rheumatologist who started me on hydroxychloroquine. The worst was that it slowed down all my muscles after 3 months. I was scared sick, hurting, and crying. I was then treated with steroids.

Feeling like "the problem"

Then, for me, I became "the problem." The rheumatologist spoke unkindly to me. I felt that I wasn’t being heard. Things were said to me that left me in tears. I am now hurting and crying. I went back to see my primary doctor, who listened to me and treated me with respect. I am now afraid of my rheumatologist after being treated so badly. I just pray and pray, ask God to help me. Thank God for my primary doctor, who is still saying I have to see a rheumatologist. I will, but I don’t ever want to be treated like that again. It’s so hurtful when you're already hurting and scared because you don’t understand the illness!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Lupus.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.