All My Patients Are Women: A Personal Journey of Self-Discovery and Advocacy

As I reflect on my own experiences, I realize that I'm not alone. Thousands of people were seeking a support community, and it was then that I understood that my story wasn't unique. The video I shared on social media racked up over a million views, with thousands of comments from women who had similar stories to share.

What struck me most was the overwhelming response from women, primarily, who were sharing their own experiences with autoimmune diseases. It became clear to me that this was indeed a women's health crisis that no one was paying attention to. Eighty percent of autoimmune patients are women, after all.

My personal journey began when I found myself bedridden at just 25 years old due to debilitating symptoms. Tests revealed antibodies suggesting I was on the road to Lupus, and it turned out that toxic mold in my apartment was also affecting my health. Hormonal imbalances, gut dysfunction from antibiotics as a child, and even Lyme Disease all played a role.

I felt lost, second-guessing myself, and wondering if my symptoms were just in my head. Others suggested I seek therapy instead, while some specialists dismissed me altogether, telling me that I was too young to have these symptoms. I bounced between multiple medical specialists, searching for answers, but none could diagnose my condition.

It wasn't until I found a functional medicine doctor who took the time to 'look under the hood' of my health that I finally started to find some answers. These interactions left me with more questions than answers, but also sparked a sense of determination within me.

As someone who has experienced firsthand the challenges and frustrations of undiagnosed autoimmune disease, I have come to realize just how underserved this community is. It's time for us to take action, to demand attention for this crisis that affects so many women. We need more awareness, more understanding, and more support for those affected.

For me, it was a turning point when my manager encouraged me to prioritize my health, even if it meant taking time off work. I started working at a digital healthcare company, only to find myself struggling to explain my condition to my managers, especially when I couldn't pinpoint the cause of my symptoms.

In retrospect, it's clear that this was never just about my own story; it was always about the countless women who were silently suffering alongside me. By sharing my experience and advocating for others like me, I hope to create a ripple effect that inspires more women to speak out and demand change.

This is a call to action, not just for myself but for all those affected by autoimmune diseases. We need to come together, support one another, and demand attention from the medical community, policymakers, and society at large. Only then can we hope to create a world where all my patients – women, in particular – receive the care and attention they so desperately deserve.

All my patients are women