An estimated 10 million people are living with fibromyalgia, a medical condition that can be difficult to establish. However, getting the right diagnosis is critical in ensuring that you get the proper care, treatment, and management of the condition. Poor-quality medical care due to improper diagnosis can cause complications, aggravate symptoms, and reduce the quality of life. Thankfully, should you become a victim of negligent clinical care, there are available options to mitigate the circumstances and ameliorate your living condition.
How to Deal with Negligent Clinical Care
Get A Second Opinion
Fibromyalgia is a condition that can easily be misdiagnosed because its symptoms are like that of other disorders. Widespread pain and fatigue are the main symptoms, which are also present in a lot of other health problems. For example, hypothyroidism, osteoarthritis, and lupus can cause muscle pain and fatigue just like fibromyalgia. The problem is that there is no test that can diagnose fibromyalgia, so it is difficult for your physician to pin down the reasons and causes for your aches and pains.
Moreover, a patient can also have other medical conditions that mimic the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Therefore, health professionals might not check if fibromyalgia is contributing to the symptoms. Thus, if you believe you have been not been diagnosed properly, affecting the treatment that you receive, it is advised that you see several doctors and get different opinions. Keep a record of your symptoms so that a rheumatologist can evaluate your condition correctly.
Obtain Legal Advice
Doctors can be held legally responsible for their mistakes if you can prove that misdiagnosis caused serious harm. To do this, medical malpractice lawyers will establish that a physician was negligent in providing clinical care, resulting in injuries or damages. In the case of fibromyalgia, delayed diagnosis and treatment can worsen symptoms like chronic pain, tiredness, and headaches. Moreover, you can develop anxiety and mood disorders if fibromyalgia is not treated.
The symptoms of the medical condition can also alter lifestyles. You might not be able to work due to the pain and aches, losing your income in the process. Fibromyalgia will affect family members and relationships as well. Thus, without treatment or medication, the chances of these symptoms improving or disappearing are very low.
Protect Yourself From Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can happen to anyone. Hence, it is vital that you are proactive about your personal medical care. Research your health condition and document the symptoms diligently. Do not be afraid to ask your health providers questions and demand complete answers. Likewise, be an advocate of your own well-being. If you sense that something is wrong, voice your concerns to your physician or health care providers. While it is vital to trust your doctor, it is equally important to listen to what your body is telling you.
Fibromyalgia may be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with other medical conditions. If you believe that you are a victim of negligent medical care, there are options that you can take, including seeking second or third opinions and obtaining legal advice for compensation. Above all, take charge of your health when it comes to confirming a diagnosis by researching and learning about your illness.