Who We Are

Editor's Note

     The hope and purpose of Lost and Forgotten magazine is to provide an understanding of some of the reasons why there are unacceptable interactions and outcomes in the medical community, and what patients can do.  My desire is that doctors can realize that it is happening and work to improve their communication with their patients. One of my ambitions for this Lost and Forgotten magazine would be that patients who have experienced medical gaslighting will have more knowledge on what they can do and realize that they are not alone in dealing with this issue.  I hope that the community at large has a better understanding of medical gaslighting and how to overcome this obstacle.  

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     For doctors and medical professionals that happen to find or are directed to this resource, know that we believe that you want to provide help to your patients and care about their health. Also, understand that there are things that can get in the way of you accomplishing your goal. Thinking that you are not part of the problem may be contributing to it.  Have you ever had a patient not return after you have given a diagnosis?  Yes, they may have improved and may not need more care, but realize they also may have felt unheard, belittled, and chose to find someone else who could truly hear them. If they have not returned you may have unintentionally medically gaslighted them. Unless you are still treating your patient or have a long-term follow-up on the diagnosis of your patient, there is no way to know if your diagnosis was accurate. Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy way to know if you unknowingly contributed to the issue of medical gaslighting, but becoming more aware can help you improve your communication with your patients.

     For those who have experienced medical gaslighting, know that you are not alone in this experience. If these stories sound familiar, know that there are concrete steps you can take when this happens to you. Realize that there are resources to help you deal with these issues. It’s important to learn ways that you can handle these situations because you never know when you might be faced with them. Remember that you need to advocate for yourself, your family, and your health. You know your child best and you know your body.  If you do not get the help and care you need, seek out another medical professional. From experience, I know that you can have amazing doctors and nurses that can help you on your journey to health.

     All of us can learn more about medical gaslighting through our informational resources. Read not only about some of my negative experiences but steps I took to have positive outcomes.  Watch a short information video on some steps that you can take when you experience different negative situations as a patient.  Look at photos and read about others like you who have experienced some of the same challenges you may have faced or are currently dealing with. Together, with knowledge and understanding, we can hopefully decrease how often medical gaslighting happens and build a stronger community