Agreed. There needs to be a sense of ‘authority’ in the beginning because we’re all looking for reassurance. With auto-immune diseases and the doctor mill most patients run through, it needs to segue to something more helpful.

Of course it’s understandable that doctors want to project confidence, because that might help the patients in some cases. But they seem to be in danger of losing their integrity in the process, by insisting on always being right when clearly they aren’t. I know there are some who swim against this current, but it’s still discouraged on the whole, sadly.

Thanks so much for the offer, I would say the same!

I don’t know that one. Is it worth reading? Or is it a hate read?

I’m so sorry to hear this, Lisa. RA is another nasty bastard. I hope you’re able to get some relief.

The book will provide some solace, but the bottom line is there are no answers. No fixes. Which makes accepting the illness a daily process. Which is exhausting. And around it goes.

Thank you! In the book O’Rourke quotes a doctor who says they are explicitly told in med school to never use the words “I don’t know”.

You’re right about community. Please feel to email me if you just need to vent. I will understand.

Autoimmune diseases are so frustrating though. Mine was pretty well managed outside of my pregnancies when it was AWFUL but then I had an awful flare in December and my blood work showed my disease is not well managed. So I had to add another drug. It’s not the biggest deal but as a black and white thinker, I want an explanation for why my disease isn’t managed on the drug regimen that worked for year. But these diseases aren’t logical/figure-outable.

I wish you courage and strength for your own health challenges and patience with the unsolved mysteries. One thing that I know definitely does help is human community and solidarity. Thank you for your sharing here!