All articles tagged with #medical misdiagnosis
Sasha Pieterse revealed she was ignored by 17 doctors while suffering from symptoms like rapid weight gain and seizures, which were eventually diagnosed as PCOS after years of misdiagnosis, highlighting the importance of listening to patients and proper medical evaluation.
Courtney Bailey, a 26-year-old woman, was initially dismissed by doctors who attributed her bleeding nipple to hormonal changes, only to later discover she had early-stage breast cancer. After a biopsy revealed precancerous cells, she opted for a mastectomy, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Bailey's experience highlights the rising breast cancer rates among young women and the need to challenge age-based medical assumptions. She urges women to trust their instincts and push for referrals if they notice unusual symptoms.
Jelena Tompkins, a 34-year-old mother, was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer despite being in excellent shape and attributing her symptoms to probiotics. Colorectal cancer rates are rising in young people, with experts attributing the increase to unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles. Tompkins underwent radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, and is now in remission. The disease's symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, leading to misdiagnosis. Tompkins advises others to advocate for themselves and seek support from online communities.
Canadian women are sharing their experiences with perimenopause, a stage leading up to menopause characterized by hormonal changes and a wide range of symptoms beyond hot flashes and mood swings. Many women are unaware of symptoms such as urinary tract infections, heart palpitations, pain during intercourse, muscle and joint pain, insomnia, and sex issues. The lack of awareness and education on perimenopause has led to many women feeling isolated and struggling to receive proper treatment, with some experiencing medical misdiagnosis. It is important for women to understand the full range of symptoms and advocate for themselves to receive the support they need during this stage of life.
Alyssa Davis, a 26-year-old from North Carolina, struggled with debilitating exhaustion for years, only to be dismissed by doctors as lazy and advised to drink coffee. In 2017, she was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia, a narcolepsy-like condition causing excessive sleepiness. Now in the process of obtaining approval for the first FDA-approved medication for the condition, Davis hopes for a better quality of life after years of misdiagnosis and struggle.
Fiona Gallacher, a 33-year-old mother from North Lanarkshire, died just 11 weeks after being diagnosed with stage-four adenocarcinoma, an aggressive cancer, which was initially mistaken for pregnancy symptoms. Her family and friends are urging people to get regular health check-ups and not ignore symptoms, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention for abnormal stomach pains. Ms. Gallacher's sudden death has left her family in shock, and a GoFundMe page has been started to help cover the cost of her funeral and support her children.
A UK woman, initially diagnosed with hormone-related migraines, discovered she had a Grade 2 oligodendroglioma after experiencing intense headaches and déjà vu. Following a craniotomy, she is now being monitored every three months. Her school held a fundraiser for Brain Tumour Research, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support for brain tumor patients.
A lawsuit filed in Superior Court in Hartford alleges that a rheumatologist with Hartford HealthCare misdiagnosed a patient, leading to a year of suffering and worsening symptoms. The patient, initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, was later found to have systemic lupus after enduring intense pain, burning rashes, and other debilitating symptoms. The lawsuit claims the doctor failed to consider alternative conditions, neglected to order necessary tests, and prescribed medications improperly. Hartford HealthCare has not commented on the pending litigation, while the plaintiff is being represented by a Hartford-based law firm.
Camilla Row, 39, was misdiagnosed with severe heartburn for over two years before discovering she had stomach cancer. Despite being in her 30s and healthy, her symptoms were dismissed until an endoscopy revealed the cancer. After undergoing surgery to remove her stomach, ovaries, and breasts, she faced a recurrence of cancer in her ovaries. Row has since undergone multiple treatments and surgeries, advocating for stomach cancer awareness and supporting other patients while maintaining a positive outlook on her prognosis.
Camilla Row, 39, endured severe heartburn for over two years before being diagnosed with stomach cancer. Despite leading a healthy lifestyle, her symptoms were initially dismissed by doctors due to her age and health. After undergoing surgery to remove her stomach, ovaries, and breasts, she faced a recurrence of cancer in her ovaries. Row has since undergone multiple treatments and procedures, advocating for stomach cancer awareness and supporting other patients while maintaining a positive outlook on her prognosis.
Women and minorities, particularly Black women like Charity Watkins, are disproportionately affected by medical misdiagnosis, with nearly 1 in 4 hospital patients who died or were transferred to intensive care having experienced a diagnostic error. Racial and gender disparities are widespread, with women and minority patients suffering from heart attacks, depression, and other conditions being more likely to be misdiagnosed. The covid-19 pandemic has also highlighted the issue, with pulse oximeters being less accurate for people with dark skin. Efforts to address these disparities include raising awareness, advocating for better care, and sharing personal stories to help improve medical practices.
A Reddit thread revealed numerous instances where people's "weird quirks" turned out to be actual health issues, from undiagnosed endometriosis and hearing problems to Tourette's syndrome and autism. The thread's creator, u/minbye, shared their own experience with depression and anxiety, sparking a conversation about the importance of distinguishing between quirks and symptoms. Medical professionals advise paying attention to unusual behaviors and seeking professional advice if concerned, as some quirks may indicate underlying medical conditions.
Women with endometriosis in the UK are often dismissed and told their symptoms are psychological, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. A study found that patients felt "gaslit" by doctors and faced a postcode lottery for accessing specialist care. Many reported feeling angry, fearful, and powerless, with some giving up seeking further care due to their treatment. The study highlighted the need for better doctor training and a change in how women's pain is handled. NHS England emphasized its commitment to supporting women with endometriosis and is rolling out dedicated pelvic health clinics to provide further support.
Amanda Banic, a 35-week pregnant woman, experienced severe chest pain dismissed as indigestion and panic attack by doctors, but it turned out to be a near-fatal aortic dissection. Her husband's insistence on returning to the hospital saved her life, leading to emergency open-heart surgery and a cesarean section to deliver her baby. Amanda's recovery has been challenging due to a connective tissue disorder, but she remains grateful for her life and encourages others to advocate for their health.
A grandmother expresses anger towards her granddaughter's primary care doctor for dismissing her concerns about a lump, which turned out to be stage 2 breast cancer. The granddaughter's decision to trust her instincts and seek further testing led to early detection and treatment. The advice columnist acknowledges that the doctor may have been following guidelines but emphasizes the importance of evolving screening guidelines for younger women. In another letter, a fiancé seeks advice on boosting his partner's self-confidence and asserting their wedding planning choices. Lastly, a family adopts a puppy, but the dog becomes more attached to the mother, causing concern for the son. The columnist reassures the family that it's normal for dogs to have favorites and encourages the son to continue caring for the puppy.