#weightstigma #Fatphobia #anxietystigma #MentalIllnessStigma #Undiagnosed
Over the last 7 months, I have lost about 40lbs unintentionally. I am still overweight (about 30 on the seriously antiquated BMI chart). I also have a lot of other symptoms including swollen axillary lymph nodes. Four months ago, my doctor authorized an ultrasound and a biopsy was done. It returned results of no cancer or lymphoma. Since then, I saw a gastroenterologist who put me on a low FODMAP diet for IBS, refusing my request for a colonoscopy because I had a clear one 6 years ago. I said that I have new symptoms, but he wasn't convinced my problem isn't anxiety/food-induced IBS - mixed c/d. I did the diet with very little change in symptoms. At my follow up, I asked for a colonoscopy, and he gave me excuses why I am fine. I asked about the weight loss and he said, "Well, at 168, your BMI is still..." and then I cut him off. I said I didn't want to hear any talk about my BMI. I am losing weight unintentionally and fairly quickly. The fact that I am overweight is irrelevant. I yelled at him until he said he'd order a colonoscopy/endoscopy. Luckily, a different doctor will be performing it. My primary also doesn't seem to care that I am losing weight. She refuses to refer me to rheumatology because my "bloodwork is fine," even though I have symptoms of a possible autoimmune disorder. My therapist even called my PCP and asked her to refer me, but she won't until the GI is done with what he's doing. I am having symptoms unrelated to GI and there are waitlists for most providers who accept my insurance. I don't understand why I have to wait when my insurance doesn't require it and I am suffering. I've spent the last 18 months trying to get care for my pain and symptoms. It took me 6 months and changing providers to get a referral to ortho and neuro because all my symptoms were blamed on anxiety. I am still being held back because I have mental illnesses and am overweight. I'm tired of all the stigma and bigotries in medicine.