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Few things are as frustrating as having your health concerns dismissed by a doctor.
Sadly, this is an all-too-common experience, especially for women.
Many find themselves jumping through endless hoops, searching for answers, and battling exhaustion along the way.
Disability and human rights advocateJessica Wetzdecided shed had enough.
By bringing it to every visit, she feels prepared to address any doubts or questions about herhealth.
Jessica took toTikTokto share her approach, and her videos quickly went viral.
Read on to discover how her system works and why its made such a difference in her journey.
Let me explain how it works.
I had a doctor say to me, Theres no way you had straightening of lumbar curvature at 14.
You dont have to believe me, I have the report right here.
Lets read it together.
I go, What blood work do you want?
He goes, Vitamin D, vitamin B, iron.
Perfect, I had it 2 days ago.
I have it right in front of me.
We dont need to wait 6 weeks.
Hes like, Oh, that was easy.'
Hold up, doc, my CT showed liver disease.
He goes, No, Jessica, you never had a CT, you had an MRI.
I go, No, doc, pull it up, you have the report, Ive had both.
No, Jessica, let me explain to you the difference.
Oh, OK, yeah, Ill order that.'
Like, a doctor diagnosed you with that?
I go, Yup.
He goes, Whats the doctors name?
You dont have to believe me, dude, I literally have the report right here.
There you go.'
I had a doctor say to me, Okay, Jess, were gonna order you an ultrasound.
I already had an ultrasound a week ago.
Yeah, we know, but weve called that hospital multiple times and they wont send the report over.
Guess what, I have it right here.
If Im trying to talk to you about my knee pain, Im not reading you my colonoscopy report.
Im not reading you my echocardiogram, thats not relevant.
Unless you accuse me of never having one and you wanna argue with me.
So talk about wasting time, this is how I avoid doctors wasting my [freakin] time.
A misdiagnosis can be dangerous or even fatal.
Nearly 18% of those misdiagnosed were harmed or died.
However, some groups are more at risk than others.
Thats significant and inexcusable, he toldKFF Health News.
Among minorities, Black people with depression are more likely than others to be misdiagnosed withschizophrenia.
In this context, Jessica Wetzs practice of carrying a medical binder is both practical and effective.
In the meantime, if you feel youre not being treated fairly, dont stay silent.
Speak up, voice your concerns, and if necessary, seek a second opinion.
Your health is worth it.
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