Toronto,ON – November 2,2023 – A Toronto woman’s seven-year journey too a lupus diagnosis highlights the challenges patients with pre-existing mental health conditions can face in receiving timely and accurate medical care. Macenzie Rebelo, 28, shared her story with CBC News, detailing how her symptoms where repeatedly attributed to anxiety before a definitive diagnosis was reached.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many diffrent body systems, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Symptoms vary widely and can mimic other conditions, often leading to diagnostic delays. According to Lupus Ontario,approximately 20,000 Canadians live with lupus,with women being disproportionately affected – approximately 90% of those diagnosed are female.
Rebelo’s experience began years prior to her 2016 diagnosis,with a constellation of symptoms including fatigue,joint pain,and unexplained rashes. Initially, medical professionals focused on her history of anxiety, suggesting it was the primary cause of her physical complaints. “I didn’t understand why the doctors kept saying it was my anxiety,” Rebelo stated in the CBC interview. She recounts feeling dismissed and as tho she had to “debate” her doctors, despite her attempts to articulate the severity of her symptoms.
The turning point came with the unwavering support of her mother, Rose Rebelo. Rose actively researched lupus, accompanied Macenzie to appointments, and advocated for further examination. Without her mother’s persistence, Macenzie believes her condition would have worsened. “She taught me how to speak up,” Macenzie said, acknowledging her initial intimidation within the medical system.
Macenzie’s story underscores a broader issue within healthcare: the potential for mental health diagnoses to overshadow legitimate physical symptoms. Studies have shown that patients with mental health conditions may experience diagnostic delays and receive less aggressive treatment for physical ailments. This can be attributed to implicit biases among healthcare providers, and also a tendency to attribute ambiguous symptoms to psychological factors.
Looking back, Macenzie expresses regret for not being more assertive in her earlier interactions with doctors. She now encourages others to advocate for themselves and seek second opinions when they feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed. She participated in the Walk for Lupus Ontario in June, alongside her mother, to raise awareness and support for others living with the disease.
Lupus Ontario provides resources and support for individuals and families affected by lupus,including data on diagnosis,treatment,and research. Further information can be found at https://lupusontario.org/.
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