The problems of nondiagnosis

I recently came across a really interesting blog that I wanted to share with everyone, it's called Hyoumanity and the authors are focused on increasing awareness of "nondiagnosis" as well as discussing potential solutions.

I think this is a problem that disproportionally affects online community members. How many of us have seen new members, here on WEGO Health or in our other online homes, joining in the hope that they'll find answers, in the hope that they'll meet other people who are going through the same things?

I'm sure many of us started out in this very same place.

Online communities can be a great place for patients struggling to find a diagnosis. Nondiagnosis can be an extremely isolating "condition" (so to speak)--sometimes the longer the process drags on, the harder it can be to find support amongst your friends and family. I am always surprised how quickly online strangers become online friends, and how supportive members of online communities can be.

I think the folks over at Hyoumanity have a good sense of what it's like to be a patient in that process, but they're also looking at the many other aspects of nondiagnosis--how it affects doctors, hospitals, public health and our health care system at large.

I'd encourage everyone to check out of a few of the recent posts over at Hyoumanity. I found "A doctor's view on diagnosis" to be particularly compelling. I think we have all heard that story from "John's" point of view before, it is deeply saddening and frustrating. As fellow patients, we can all empathize. I have not seen much about the physician's point of view in these situations though, and I'm thankful that Elise took the time to describe it.

If you have a few minutes to check them out, I'd love to hear what (if any) aspects of this relatively new blog speak to you? Have you experienced nondiagnosis?