I was in the ER and saw my primary provider multiple times with complaints of shortness of breath, heart fluttering, and severe cold sweats. I was dismissed multiple times by all providers, even when a chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly (enlarged heart). I knew something was not right. I finally found a cardiologist that would see me without referral from another doctor. After an echocardiogram, he diagnosed me with congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. My heart was only pumping 10% of the blood out of it when it should pump between 55-70%. I think that I was being dismissed as an anxious woman rather than being listened to by my doctor. Gender bias is real in healthcare.
Thank you for sharing! What a frustrating, deeply upsetting situation- you’re like the one study come to life. I’m relieved you found help but what a profoundly powerful affirmation of your instincts about what was happening. I feel like when we find these great docs we should shout them out!!
I was in the ER and saw my primary provider multiple times with complaints of shortness of breath, heart fluttering, and severe cold sweats. I was dismissed multiple times by all providers, even when a chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly (enlarged heart). I knew something was not right. I finally found a cardiologist that would see me without referral from another doctor. After an echocardiogram, he diagnosed me with congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. My heart was only pumping 10% of the blood out of it when it should pump between 55-70%. I think that I was being dismissed as an anxious woman rather than being listened to by my doctor. Gender bias is real in healthcare.
Thank you for sharing! What a frustrating, deeply upsetting situation- you’re like the one study come to life. I’m relieved you found help but what a profoundly powerful affirmation of your instincts about what was happening. I feel like when we find these great docs we should shout them out!!