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Title: I Was Gaslighted By Doctors For 13 Years Over My Crippling Gynecological Conditions – They Told Me To Just Take Paracetamol, Medical Misogyny Is Worse Than Ever
As I reflect on my 13-year ordeal with doctors, the words of a friend come to mind: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s a phrase that resonates deeply, especially when considering my own experience with medical misogyny.
It started innocently enough. A series of unexplained symptoms led me to visit my primary care physician for the first time in 2009. The diagnosis was a mystery illness, and after further testing and consultation with various specialists, I found myself facing an even more profound mystery: why these doctors couldn’t or wouldn’t listen to my concerns.
It’s hard to fathom that it took me over a decade to discover the truth about my condition. Gaslighting by medical professionals was at play, and I didn’t realize it until recently when confronted with the reality of my situation. In hindsight, those 13 years were marked by more than just frustration; they symbolized a broader struggle against systemic oppression.
The memory still haunts me: the countless nights spent crying myself to sleep after being belittled or dismissed, only to be told that I must be experiencing stress and anxiety. Stress! Anxiety! Those words became a euphemism for “your symptoms are all in your head.” The message was clear: my pain wasn’t real.
My first gynecologist, a prominent doctor in his field, would not listen to me when I reported chronic pelvic pain. He told me it was probably just hormonal and recommended paracetamol as the solution. Paracetamol! For 13 years, that was the extent of their medical advice. No further testing, no consultation with other specialists, no concern for my well-being.
As time went on, I developed a sense of self-doubt and felt isolated from others who were experiencing similar health issues. It’s as if I’d become trapped in a never-ending nightmare, where the truth was repeatedly distorted by those entrusted to heal me.
But then came that fateful day when everything changed. A new doctor took on my case, listened attentively to my story, and ordered a barrage of tests. And what did we discover? Fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and possibly a chronic pelvic inflammatory disorder. The diagnosis was a shock to me, but I finally had a name for the pain.
It’s crucial that I emphasize this: medical gaslighting is real, it’s prevalent, and it’s not limited to my story. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 women will experience menstrual-related symptoms each month, and we’re still struggling to address these issues effectively.
As I navigate this new reality as a patient-turned-advocate, I find solace in knowing that there are others who have suffered similar ordeals. It is my hope that by sharing my story, I can help bridge the gap between those who are suffering silently and those who are willing to listen.
To all the women out there who’ve been gaslighted by their healthcare providers, I want you to know that your pain is real, your symptoms matter, and it’s never too late to seek a second opinion.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
