Aww, thank you Molly! That’s very kind of you to say. ♥️

It's so refreshing after years of vitriol. Also, your challenge to the word disability caused me to flip my script. Instead of taking away words, how about altering meaning via signs and symbols such as wheelchair. But for weight gain/loss of 135 lbs I was "invisible" for 50 yrs.

I totally get it. I've basically been three disabilities in a trench coat this whole time.

This is very much part of my motivation to reshape how bias and ablism cripple everyone, even physicians who, through negligence, misdiagnosis, mistreatment and worse rarely if ever own their b.s. Iatrogenic disease is 80% of my issues. Profit not people is not health or care.

Absolutely agree. Apparently I have a terrifying list of issues, so it's hard to get one here to treat me because there's no financial incentive beyond anyone else. I just found a new one online and sent in my application with a cover letter about how nice and easy I am.

And of course how many have ever said, Erin, you have a complex case, we are so sorry and we will do our best to help as we can? Never heard it. Heard "my other patient is riding his bike now" "Oh, my hot flashes." LOL re nice and easy. I told my new PCP I fight stupid. ;-)

I recently found a great group of specialists who have had much empathy and understanding of the complex issues. My fave is my lymphedema guy because he had cancer when he was in med school so he knows the drill from the patient end.

And this. I once suggested all practitioners have an induced set of symptoms as the illnesses they treat. "WHY WOULD you ask them to suffer?" My retort: How's your pain today, scale of 1-10. Cuz that's so scientifically on point. "Goes to 11" is my always answer. Few get it ;-)

Lymphadema must be painful. It's an imossibility in my situation. Do you have high levels of white cells of any kind? Histamine storms? I've had those during stem cell stimulant treatments. Also, baby rattlesnake bite (venom has medical uses in doses) caused one, as do vaccines.

Hey, I want to get into all sorts of details with you. Can we move this discussion to DM though? I’m done for the day but I’d like to pick up on it tomorrow if that’s good for you.