Previous Medical Trauma and options to get care at Mayo

Posted by mindfulintentions @mindfulintentions, Feb 5, 2023

Hello

I have been essentially gaslit/ abused by providers for years now and have MASSIVE medical trauma.

I would love to hear everyone elses experience with patient care and in person/ facility care from those of you who have received care for complex situations or undiagnosed issues.

You know, when something is wrong and nobody believes you so it makes you go crazy scrambling to find help? Yeah, thats me.

I have several diagnosis, however I am never believed and spoken to like a child here in my state. I have also experienced horrific providers down to them assuming I was on drugs and attaching it to my medical record without testing me.

I have had DSS called on me, been screamed at, dismissed, mocked. I had a neurologist stab me in the feet at night and even emergency workers taking scissors to my legs because they didnt believe I had conversion disorder. Immediate judgement based on tattoos and piercings and age. I guess I am looking for the good the bad and the ugly to brace myself.

Its hard when the people you need to listen think you are absolutely nuts because you have mental diagnosis and severe medical problems.

Trying to remain hopeful, I am so tired of this struggle. Looking for honesty, give it to me straight! 🤣

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 5, 2023

Welcome @mindfulintentions, I like your username. 🙂 I'm sorry to hear that you feel unheard. It sounds like you still have medical issues that remain undiagnosed and unresolved. I admire your perserverance to remain hopeful in your search for answers.

People are quick to judge based on outwards appearances. These intentional and sometimes unintentional biases are not right. More and more healthcare professionals are being trained to recognize their biases and to give eequitable care. Have you found an ally among your team of healthcare professionals?

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 5, 2023

@mindfulintentions Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You ask a very "loaded" question, as it were. I don't know what state you are in, but sometimes we need to just keep looking to find the medical team who will have our best interests at heart. It took me personally a lot of effort to do this, and I won't lie it was work, even sitting down with a proposed new doctor and interviewing them to see if they would be a good fit for me! And, not be afraid to change doctors if needed.

Not every medical professional has had the sensitivity training, nor the "complete person" training that we wish they would get. Some are under pressure by insurance to push patients through the system, and bill for everything. Some don't know what to do, and appear to us to not care. And, some truly don't care. Yep, been there, done all this!

It has taken me a long time to gather my current team. I am not afraid to ask them, "what would you tell your wife/sister/aunt if they were faced with my situation?" to put a personal spin on it. I am not afraid to tell them I don't feel they have my best interest at heart and ask how they plan to change it, or should I seek a new practitioner. They aren't used to such bluntness, let me assure you! I'm not afraid to do research using reputable resources like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins, Baylor University, etc to gather information if needed. You have to be your own advocate, afterall. The illustration I use is like a wheel. We as the patients are the hub of that wheel, and our medical professional are the spokes. One cannot function without the other. Having good communication between you and the spokes is critical, as is communication between your providers to each other.

Sorry for being long-winded here. I will be interested to read what others have to say!
Ginger

mindfulintentions | @mindfulintentions | Feb 6, 2023

1. Thanks I liked my name as well! Mindful is keeping me grounded 🤗

2. No I am losing hope at this point of all the episodes ive had in the last 10 years : this is even worse than getting my conversion diagnosed. I am really just trying to find someone but the amount of doctors I have seen and continue seeing is purely neglect and insanity. Such a block to quality care.
3. I am personally in NC but I am a CA native.
4. I agree about communication. Unfortunately there is a lack of competency or trauma informed education for providers: it can really take its toll when you literally cant find help.