to the editor: Lauran Neergaard's article exploring the medical mystery that is lupus (and other autoimmune diseases) effectively highlights the journeys of many patients, including mine (“The push to find help for autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus,” November 10).
The “disdain” and “gaslighting” mentioned are very real, especially when it comes to women's symptoms. However, I have been dismissed and misdiagnosed by doctors and women alike, all medical professionals with poor bedside manner and an inability to truly listen. Equally traumatic is being frequently dismissed by the public, or even your closest associates, due to the invisible nature of autoimmune diseases. If people can't see it, they don't believe it.
My saving grace has been finding doctors (and other healthcare professionals) with genuine compassion, open ears, and the ability to look deeper. Congratulations to patient Ruth Wilson for not only advocating to find a proper diagnosis, but also for volunteering to educate others about lupus and chronic illnesses in general. It took standing up for myself, having adequate health insurance, family support, and courage to finally shed light on my own medical mystery.
Alexis P. Markowitz, Playa Vista
