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Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses

Bradley Dixon

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Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses

by Sarah Fay

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2674 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages

Pathological is a gripping account of six misdiagnoses that led to years of suffering and misdirected treatment. The book delves into the complexities of the medical system and the often-elusive nature of diagnosis. It raises important questions about the limits of medical knowledge and the importance of patient advocacy.

The book follows the stories of six patients who were misdiagnosed with a variety of illnesses, including Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In each case, the misdiagnosis led to years of unnecessary suffering and ineffective treatment. The patients were often dismissed by their doctors as hypochondriacs or drug seekers, and they struggled to find the help they needed.

The Cases

The six cases featured in Pathological are all unique, but they share a common thread of misdiagnosis and mistreatment. The patients' stories are heartbreaking and infuriating, but they also offer a valuable insight into the challenges of navigating the medical system and the importance of patient advocacy.

Julie Rehmeyer was a young woman who was misdiagnosed with Lyme disease after she developed a rash and joint pain. She was treated with antibiotics for years, but her symptoms persisted. She eventually found a doctor who diagnosed her with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition.
Dennis Stanfill was a man who was misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome after he developed fatigue and weakness. He was treated with rest and counseling, but his symptoms continued to worsen. He eventually found a doctor who diagnosed him with Addison's disease, a rare hormonal disorder.
Donna Stewart was a woman who was misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia after she developed pain and fatigue. She was treated with painkillers and antidepressants, but her symptoms continued to worsen. She eventually found a doctor who diagnosed her with lupus, an autoimmune disease.
Dean Dauphinais was a man who was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis after he developed muscle weakness and numbness. He was treated with steroids and other medications, but his symptoms continued to worsen. He eventually found a doctor who diagnosed him with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder.
Sandra Wilson was a woman who was misdiagnosed with depression after she developed fatigue, anxiety, and weight loss. She was treated with antidepressants, but her symptoms continued to worsen. She eventually found a doctor who diagnosed her with cancer.
Martin Brochstein was a man who was misdiagnosed with hypochondria after he developed pain, fatigue, and digestive problems. He was dismissed by his doctors as a drug seeker, and he struggled to find the help he needed. He eventually found a doctor who diagnosed him with amyloidosis, a rare protein disorder.

The Impact of Misdiagnosis

The impact of misdiagnosis can be devastating. Patients may suffer from unnecessary pain and suffering, and they may miss out on the treatment they need to get better. Misdiagnosis can also lead to financial hardship and social isolation.

In the case of Julie Rehmeyer, her misdiagnosis with Lyme disease led to years of unnecessary antibiotic treatment. She also lost her job and her health insurance. Dennis Stanfill's misdiagnosis with chronic fatigue syndrome led to years of unnecessary rest and counseling. He also lost his job and his health insurance. Donna Stewart's misdiagnosis with fibromyalgia led to years of unnecessary painkiller and antidepressant treatment. She also lost her job and her health insurance.

The Importance of Patient Advocacy

The stories in Pathological highlight the importance of patient advocacy. When patients are misdiagnosed, they need to be their own advocates and fight for the care they need. This can be difficult, but it is essential. There are a number of things that patients can do to advocate for themselves, including:

Educating themselves about their condition. The more patients know about their condition, the better they can advocate for themselves.
Talking to their doctor openly and honestly. Patients need to be able to communicate their symptoms and concerns to their doctor in a clear and concise way.
Getting a second opinion. If patients are not satisfied with their diagnosis or treatment, they should get a second opinion from another doctor.
Joining a support group. Support groups can provide patients with valuable information and support.
Filing a complaint. If patients feel that they have been misdiagnosed or mistreated, they can file a complaint with their doctor's licensing board or with the hospital where they were treated.

Pathological is a powerful and important book that sheds light on the challenges of navigating the medical system and the importance of patient advocacy. The book's stories are heartbreaking and infuriating, but they also offer a valuable insight into the resilience of the human spirit. These patients were all able to overcome their misdiagnoses and find the help they needed. Their stories are a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses

by Sarah Fay

4.1 out of 5