I am sure that every person here has a story about healthcare and how it affects them. What I do know definitely is that since being diagnosed with systemic lupus in 1988, when it was not an easy condition to track down, I have had to diligently advocate for myself and my health. If that meant standing up to the medical doctors and saying, "prove it" or doing my own research, respectfully suggesting they were incorrect in an assessment, it always has meant taking an active role in my own healthcare. What has that earned me? A label of "involved patient", sometimes raised eyebrows as they consider my thoughts, but always I feel better for being up front.

We owe it to ourselves, and really to the medical community, to not be a doormat. Just my humble opinion....
Ginger