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Cancer Patient Story: Doctors Dismissed Me Over & Over Again (Medical Gaslighting) | Nadia K.

The Patient Story・22 minutes read

Individual experienced various symptoms including rashes, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, with doctors initially dismissing concerns before eventually recommending further tests and urgent assessment due to alarming symptoms. Despite facing disbelief and lack of support, patient advocated for herself and relied on close relationships and a counselor for support during the challenging process of seeking proper medical attention.

Insights

  • Initial doctor dismissed concerning symptoms as anxiety and infection, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment, showcasing the importance of listening to patients' concerns and conducting thorough evaluations.
  • The patient's perseverance in advocating for necessary medical procedures, such as needle biopsies, despite initial pushback from healthcare providers, underscores the significance of being proactive and assertive in ensuring comprehensive healthcare and diagnosis accuracy.

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Recent questions

  • What were the symptoms experienced by the individual?

    Rash, itching, hot flashes, neck pain, headaches, fatigue.

  • How did the initial doctor respond to the individual's symptoms?

    Dismissed as anxiety and infection, leading to medical leave.

  • What prompted the new doctor to recommend urgent medical assessment?

    Alarming symptoms and dismissive attitude of previous doctor.

  • What did the CT scan reveal about the individual's condition?

    Enlarged lymph nodes in neck, armpits, abdomen, indicating mass.

  • How did the patient advocate for themselves in the medical process?

    Insisted on needle biopsy to avoid unnecessary surgery.

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Summary

00:00

Unexplained Symptoms Lead to Urgent Medical Assessment

  • The individual experienced a rash on their lower legs, worse at night, with welts or bumps appearing sporadically.
  • Symptoms from 2018 to 2020 included unexplained itching, spotty rashes, daytime hot flashes, neck pain, headaches, migraines, fatigue, increasing fatigue, a lump under the left arm, and a distended abdomen without weight gain.
  • On July 17, 2020, the individual visited a GP due to a lump under their arm, leading to mammograms, X-rays, and blood tests, all showing normal results.
  • Despite concerns about rashes and other symptoms, the doctor dismissed them as anxiety and infection, leading to medical leave.
  • A new doctor listened to the individual's concerns, conducted a physical exam, and ordered additional blood tests for autoimmune illnesses.
  • The new doctor recommended urgent medical assessment due to alarming symptoms, contrasting with the dismissive attitude of the previous doctor.
  • The internist at the urgent medical assessment clinic initially doubted the swollen lymph nodes but eventually ordered more blood tests and a CT scan.
  • The CT scan revealed enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and abdomen, indicating a mass of lymph nodes, explaining the swollen stomach.
  • A core needle biopsy was scheduled for October 14th, but the doctor performing it deemed it unnecessary, causing confusion and concern.
  • The internist, upon learning of the biopsy cancellation, insisted on its necessity to avoid missing a potential health issue, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation.

15:52

Patient advocates for needle biopsy over surgery.

  • Doctor suggested a surgical biopsy due to medical malpractice concerns.
  • Patient requested a needle biopsy while waiting for surgical biopsy.
  • Second doctor found previous biopsy medically unnecessary.
  • Patient insisted on needle biopsy to avoid unnecessary surgery.
  • Counselor advised patient to advocate for herself with doctors.
  • Patient experienced disbelief and lack of support from doctors, family, and friends.
  • Patient faced worsening symptoms and struggled to get timely medical attention.
  • Patient relied on close relationships and counselor for support during difficult times.
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