I just had my first doctor tell me to âtake off your mask so I can see your pretty face.â
I was there for an issue with my FEET. There was absolutely no reason for me to remove my mask.
I donât know how much of this was misogyny and how much was related to pandemic politics (ie perhaps this doctor resents having to mask)⌠but I was incredibly uncomfortable with his remark.
I declined - as politely as humanly possible - and the whole tone of the appointment changed. I didnât even get a diagnosis - I was told that the issue on my ankles was ânot as ugly as I thinkâ ( I didnât think it WAS ugly) and sent on my way.
I waited 18 months for this appointment - and the âissueâ is likely related to my vEDS and possibly severe. Multiple other doctors have expressed concern but said I had to wait for a specialist.
When patients are treated this way - it causes harm. It causes a distrust of the medical system. I canât just âget a second opinionâ when the first one took 18 months.
When Iâm less angry I may write an article about this - because patients (especially female presenting) deal with this crap FAR too often.
In the meantime - this experience underscores why we must always have an advocate with us in healthcare settings. It shouldnât be this way - but it is.
My article on how to be the best possible advocate for a disabled patient: https://www.disabledginger.com/p/how-to-be-an-effective-advocate-for
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