After I had a doctor ruin my health, cost me years of my life, and nearly kill me by missing the diagnosis of a tumor which was compressing my spinal cord, I learned this script:
āIām not here to talk about my weight; Iām here to talk about [problem]. I have a history of doctors focusing on my weight and ignoring problems like āa tumor in my spine,ā so Iām sure youāll understand why I would prefer we did not ignore my stated complaint to focus on my weight instead.ā
āI would like to focus on the complaint that brought me in today, which is [complaint], not my weight.ā
āWhat tests or course of treatment would you recommend to a thin person presenting with my symptoms? Why are we not doing that? I would prefer to proceed with those tests and that course of treatment.ā
āPlease write in my chart that I asked you for these tests and course of treatment that you would give a thin patient with my symptoms, and you declined.ā
āIād like to request a copy of my visit notes from today,ā [if the above donāt work and you donāt have MyChart, āwhatās the correct email for my written request?ā
It may be difficult to insist on a patient advocate to be in the room with you, but in many states you are legally entitled to one. I bring one of my partners bc I have medical-triggered PTSD. They know how to advocate for me or support me if a doctor tries to steamroll me..
If you are in a hospital situation and cannot get an official advocate in the room with you, ask for a chaplain. Chaplains are used to being in a room to comfort and help patients and in many circumstances, just having a witness in the room will change a doctorās tune REALLY fast.
Medical fatphobia is a big problem, and it really heavily affects but is not restricted to people that doctors perceive to be women (whether or not those people are women). Donāt let yourself be bullied!
blakekathryn
germansingergirl
prguitarman
romaincrisis
janainaart
vaporwave
turnnoffyourmind
dailybridgerton
