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Expelling Today's Medical Frustrations

Having a mysterious illness is so exhausting, both from the fatigue caused by the illness, and the burnout from all the medical appointments and emergency visits. The emergency visits are especially awful because every twelve hours is a new on-call doctor. I've been to the ER three times in the last two weeks, and I've never had a repeat doctor. I have to recount my entire medical history each time, and explain all the testing and results from the last time I was in. The three doctors I've seen in these visits have all focused on different aspects of the issues I'm having as well, the one tonight completely ignoring my main concern.

BELIEVE PATIENTS!

I shouldn't have to say that, but just because you've never seen someone show symptoms of low potassium or magnesium before it is extreme, doesn't mean it doesn't happen! I can tell when my potassium is low just by the way I feel! My doctor tonight simply shrugged off my intense chest pain, lightheadedness, and heart palpitations as possible anxiety. Just because I've had anxiety my whole life doesn't mean that all my issues are just anxiety manifesting and I should go home. I know what my anxiety and panic attacks feel like, and these symptoms don't line up.

I am the only one that has lived in my body, so please believe me when I explain what is happening to it. I know what I'm doing, I've seen many doctors for this before, don't treat me as if I'm a child and new at this. I am a grown adult. Also, don't default your diagnosis to "faking it until proven by numerous tests," especially when I have to specifically request for you to actually do the tests.

I'm sick of being sick, and sick of doctors not taking me seriously because I am autistic and have anxiety. I'm begging for someone to listen to me.

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