I Felt Seen

I went to my rheumatologist today and it turned out to be great! A resident came in, seemed kind of excited to meet me, seems he has never seen or met anyone with Ankylosing Spondylitis and a WOMAN AT THAT! He said there was very little taught or covered about this disease and wanted to know more.

He was so kind and compassionate and excited to question me about things, the questions he asked me caught me off guard because no one had ever thought to ask me about those subjects. It was a wonderful visit and he asked me if I had any suggestions for him.

I looked at him and said the best thing a doctor can do for their patients is to listen and not be dismissive, because they are the ones that know their bodies and how they feel.

It was a wonderful visit and I walked away with a little smile. I ended up stopping in and seeing the kids on my way, always my favorite thing to do in life.

Today I am grateful that he was so compassionate and kind in how he approached me, that he saw me as a person and not a diagnosis. I felt seen.