'I have cried. I have begged. I have yelled': Couples clash over COVID-19

[Ms. Toad]

49. Boy do I know that story!

I was repeatedy accused of being an over-anxious mother when I reported my daughter's classic IBD symptoms to her doctor. Ultimately (skipping lots of infuriating visits), he handed me a phone book and wished me good luch in finding a gastroenterologist who would see her.

Within 2 weeks she was diagnosed. 13 years later she was diagnosed with a companion disease she might have escaped had her IBD been diagnosed when I started reporting it.

Doctors are notorious at dismissing syptoms when reported by (1) women (2) people with disabilities (3) children, (4) fat people, etc. Fortunately I'm not so easy to dismiss, after that first time with my daughter.

Advocacy for ourselves and our kids (and lots of research) is often the difference between life and death - and infliuences quality of life a lot.