Lupus Awareness Month: Navigating Medical Fatphobia

Since my lupus story began last year, I've been to 59 medical appointments. Tbh, it's safe to say I've experienced more doctors appointments and labs and procedures in the last year then I have in my entire fucking life. I always hated going to the doctor because (spoiler alert) medical fatphobia is real AF. So, for a long, long time, I just didn't go to the doctor unless I absofuckinglutely had to. Well, now it's not an option to avoid them, and I've been faced with more weight discrimination because of it.

But there's a light at the end of this tunnel, I swear! Because in being faced with my own health crises, I found community in lupus support groups and have learned so much just by hearing my peer's lived experiences. It's given me the opportunity to fine tune my ability to advocate for myself in medical settings, as well as become an expert about my own body so I can advocate firmly and confidently.

Now, when a doctor dismisses me or says some ignorant shit, I leave and never go back--but I don't give up, and I find another doctor who will fucking listen to me. I've navigated all sorts of infuriating bureaucratic bullshit between doctors offices and insurance, but I've also learned how to read my own lab work, track my symptoms and flares, articulate my capacity and particular needs to others, unapologetically maintain COVID boundaries, and probably even more stuff that can't make it past the brain fog today.

Anyway, I don't wish lupus on anyone and I'm not grateful that I have it. But I am grateful for what I've learned as a result of it, and it's already helped me help others navigate the medical system, too. So, there ya have it. That's my second Lupus Awareness Month post. Ta-da! Do ya feel more aware? Ya fucking better be!

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