What To Do When You Can’t Get a Diagnosis

In regard to the event by Human Health Project, “What’s Wrong With Me: What To Do When You Can’t Get a Diagnosis,” which was held on October 30, 2020, a significant point of discussion was why a diagnosis cannot be made. Some reasons as explained in the event included symptoms are vague or hard to identify, multiple health conditions could complicate a diagnosis, and some conditions do not have tests to identify them definitively. In the event that a diagnosis cannot be made, seeking a second opinion from another physician or finding a specialist can be helpful in diagnosing an illness.

One of the panelists in this event, Sabina, was diagnosed with lupus in 1988. Sabina noted the challenge doctors had in initially diagnosing her, before she ultimately found a doctor who helped her receive the correct diagnosis. Another panelist in this event, Dr. Andreas Reiff, also reaffirmed the challenge of lupus in making it difficult on the part of doctors to give a diagnosis and provide an effective treatment. However, Dr, Reiff also elaborated that advancements in medical technology have enabled doctors to effectively diagnose as well as treat lupus. Dr. Reiff also noted that medical advancements, in regard to the treatment of lupus, can help significantly to minimize any side effects that patients may experience as well.

In addition to Sabina and Dr. Reiff’s comments on lupus, clinical social worker Maggie Sepkowitz also provided some important insight in regard to diagnosing lupus as well. Ms. Sepkowitz noted that it is imperative for doctors to listen to patients thoroughly, and that it is important for doctors to believe that the symptoms that patients are describing are relevant and real. This is to help doctors ensure that a disease such as lupus is being properly diagnosed and is not being mistaken for another disease. The mutual relationship of trust between the doctor and patient, as Ms. Sepkowitz alluded to, is vital in helping to diagnose as well as treat lupus.

The commentary provided by the panelist Sabina, Dr. Andreas Reiff, and clinical social worker Maggie Sepkowitz about the diagnosing and treatment of lupus was beneficial, and it can continue to be of great assistance to a wide range of patients.  

More information about the event, “What’s Wrong With Me: What To Do When You Can’t Get a Diagnosis,” can be found here: https://humanhealthproject.org/events/