Dealing with Diagnosis Delays? Here’s What You Can Do When Your Symptoms are Dismissed
It can take an average of 4 ½ years and up to four doctors to receive an autoimmune disease diagnosis. One of the most frustrating aspects of the care journey for people with autoimmune diseases is getting a diagnosis. Despite the information available on autoimmune diseases, many are medically gaslighted and dismissed.
Some chronic illness warriors may have healthcare providers that dismiss their symptoms. When symptoms of chronic illnesses are gaslighted, it can lead to extra stress and fear. Also, it can cause them to deal with painful symptoms that could be treated with a proper diagnosis.
Here are six actions to self-advocate for your chronic illness when your symptoms are dismissed.
Get informed about your symptoms
Learn about your chronic condition symptoms to communicate with healthcare providers. Take the steps to research your symptoms and reach out to other patients. Knowing your condition can help you describe your symptoms and advocate for different tests or treatments.
Keep track of your symptoms
A detailed account of your symptoms will be useful when sharing your health information with providers. A symptom journal or tracker can track your symptoms. Symptom journals or trackers can highlight any unique patterns and what might trigger certain symptoms. As you track your symptoms, note how severe they are and any factors that may have contributed to them, such as stress or changes in medication. This information can identify patterns and show healthcare providers that your symptoms are valid.
Chronius offers a free symptom tracker available for download. You can enter your symptoms in Google Sheets or write them down if you decide to print them out.
Don’t be afraid to be assertive
When speaking with healthcare providers, try to be assertive as possible. As many may know, having a chronic illness may require lots of self-advocacy for your health. With this in mind, don't be afraid to speak up and communicate about your symptoms. Let your health providers know about your symptoms and how they impact your life due to the absence of a care plan.
If a provider dismisses your concerns, calmly and assertively restate your symptoms. It’s crucial to remember that you have the right to receive effective care for your chronic illness. So, never allow a healthcare provider to dismiss your health concerns.
Get a second opinion
If your symptoms are not being taken seriously by your current healthcare provider, consider a second opinion. You can get medical advice from another healthcare provider with advanced expertise in your chronic illness. A second perspective can provide new insights and treatments.
Join a support group
A support group can provide emotional support and valuable information about your condition. You can connect with others with similar experiences and learn about new treatments or coping strategies. Also, support groups can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Consider mental health support
Living with a chronic illness can be emotionally challenging. It's important to focus on your mental health too. If possible, consider visiting a therapist or counselor specializing in chronic illnesses. Mental health professionals can help you create coping strategies to manage the emotional impact of your chronic condition.
Continue advocating for yourself
Managing a chronic illness can be a lifelong journey, so it's crucial to continue advocating for yourself and your health. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or dismissals from your healthcare providers. Instead, continue to educate yourself, keep track of your symptoms, and communicate your health needs to your providers.
Having your chronic illness symptoms dismissed or minimized by healthcare providers can be frustrating and disheartening. Dismissal of your symptoms can delay an official diagnosis and effective treatment plan. There are steps you can take to advocate for yourself and ensure that you receive the care and support you need. As a chronic illness warrior, you deserve compassionate and effective care that can help you manage your symptoms.
Found this blog helpful? Here are some other blogs to check out: The Emotional Impact of a Chronic Illness Diagnosis: How to Navigate Your Feelings and 10 Ways to Pace Yourself with a Chronic Illness.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
Interested in learning more and signing up for our waitlist? Claim your spot today.
