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!