My Doctor Just Doesn't Understand

Do you ever feel that your doctor does not understand what you are trying to convey about your hep C? Or that your feelings, symptoms, or questions are being minimized?

I was fortunate to have a very caring team for my liver. I had the best hepatologist and research coordinator in the country.

It was not always like that, however. When I started my diagnosis journey, I felt that my primary doctor lacked compassion and did not have my best interests in mind.  

Facing an unprofessional doctor

Being newly diagnosed and being treated this way made me feel even worse. I felt judged. I felt like I did not deserve his care and treatment. 

In fact, during the initial diagnosis in his office, he rudely said that I needed to go elsewhere to be seen about this. His staff did not offer me any direction regarding who or where I needed to go. 

He gave me my “pink” slip and kicked me out of his practice.

It was not until I found my second liver specialist and the one who lierally saved my life that I saw how unprofessional the first doctor was to me.

I have made it my foundation's mission to help those in similar situations with doctors unable to provide adequate information regarding hepatitis c and the available treatments.

It is each patient's right to get professional, educational, and guided instructions when diagnosed with hep C.

Doing your research about having hep C

Now, I do understand that not all medical physicians are trained and up to date with hep C information, and as a foundation, we are doing our best to reach out to rural offices with educational materials to help aid in the process of diagnosis and treatment of hep C.

I highly suggest that if you are diagnosed and then left in the dark about the next steps in the journey, you seek support either online or through local community events educating about hep C.  Get yourself the knowledge of the steps needed to get treated and ways to also help you if you contracted through IV drug use.

The important thing about hep C is there is a cure. However, there is no vaccine. Suppose you return to the activities that led to your hep C infection. You would have the same chances of being infected again if you don't take action to avoid activities that could re-infect you. It is important to understand all you can about how infections are transmitted and what treatments are available to you to cure your body of hep C.

Finding support so you feel heard

Support in our community is a great resource for gaining knowledge and understanding of hep C, the clinical terminologies, and the steps required to gain treatment to cure. 

This is an online community that truly understands. We cover all variations of how we each got infected, and we are all here to help.

You are not alone in the fight. It may feel isolating and scary, but know that you found a place you can ask questions, and seek advice. We are not medical experts, but we have personally fought hep C and we are here to share experiences that might help. 

For medical advice, always seek information from your doctor.