Ten Years

It took 10 years for providers to listen to me.

I was told it was “all in my head” even as I dropped things and fell while walking.

I have since learned that women take up to 4 years longer than men to be diagnosed. Women are often misdiagnosed with mental health conditions rather then receiving treatment for the physical reason they sought care.

The reasons appear to be based on the stereotypes held that women are too sensitive, hysterical or time wasters while men are viewed as stoic or brave.  

I have learned to advocate for myself and use my voice (sometimes loudly) to be taken seriously.  

Things I have learned:

Talk about how your day to day life is impacted not just a number on the pain scale. What are you able to do some days and not others? What are you no longer able to do?

Be specific about how you are affected physically.  Where does it hurt? How long does it hurt? 

Share what you have tried to do.  Over the counter pain relief? Physical therapy? Meditation? Exercise?

Above all never ever ever give up.  If one provider won’t listen find one who will.  Talk to others to find out who they went to for care.