What Your Child's Vomiting May Mean
A Doctor Thought I Might Have The Same Chronic Illness As Lili Reinhart. He Then Asked If I Wanted A Labiaplasty
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Warning: This post discusses sexual assault and rape.
Lili Reinhart's comments about being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis ring so true for those who've had chronic health issues, including myself.
Cindy Ord / Getty Images
In case you missed it, Lili shared her diagnosis last week along with the caption, "I was inspired to talk about this after my grandmother was ignored by doctors for months when exhibiting clear symptoms of cancer — and it was only after her own strength and advocation for herself that she was given a blood test that diagnosed her. And by then, the cancer had spread."
"The most important thing I have taken away from this experience is the absolute need to advocate for your own health. Do not let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain. I hope the men & women out there struggling to find answers feel even the slightest bit seen by my experience," she continued.
Rich Polk / Variety via Getty ImagesThe first time I heard the phrase "interstitial cystitis," or painful bladder syndrome, I was at a urogynecologist after experiencing weeks of chronic pain. The middle of my back was hurting, I felt exhausted and had numerous GI issues. Even getting the referral to the specialist hadn't been easy — a previous doctor had told me to try eating vegetables (I'm already a vegetarian) and exercising (I can't exercise when I'm in pain). And, on this day, the recommended five-star doctor was running over an hour late during my lunch break.
When I finally saw him, he asked a series of questions about my medical history, including my prior diagnosis of PTSD. He asked what it stemmed from, and I told him that I had previously been raped. "Would you prefer to see a female doctor?" he said in turn. Yes, I thought, but you're already late, I'm hungry, and I'd rather just get this over with.
To my surprise, I had to then undergo medical testing that involved having a catheter inserted. He's an expert, I kept repeating to myself as my legs went into stirrups and my anxiety spiked. This is fine, this is fine—
"Have you ever had a problem with your labia? Like, when you wear jeans?" the doctor asked. I said no, I hadn't. "Well," he added, "if you want to reduce the size of your labia, we can." I immediately felt mortified. Is he trying to upsell me a labiaplasty while I'm half-naked? I stayed quiet until it was over.
In his office after the test, he told me that I might have interstitial cystitis. To deal with the inflammation, he suggested a herbal oil and wrote down the name of a brand. I informed him that I wouldn't feel comfortable taking it. He replied, "Don't worry, this one won't get you high."
Chinnapong / Getty Images
That weekend, I went to a party where I happened to meet someone with interstitial cystitis. Even more strangely, she had been diagnosed by the same doctor. She then proceeded to tell me that she had such a traumatizing experience with him that she'd been forced to kick him out of the room. "Oh yeah, and did he try to sell you the oil he makes?" she asked. I had no idea it was his own product.
In a follow-up, I complained to the medical establishment. I told a somewhat disgruntled employee everything, including what I'd heard that weekend, ultimately repeating again and again, "He suggested to a rape victim that she should get a labiaplasty, that at least feels inappropriate." She told me I had "misunderstood" and offered me a conversation with the doctor, which I declined.
Warner Bros. Pictures
After a lot of crying over the pain and the mistreatment from doctors, I went via the hospital route and saw two specialists who were able to diagnose me. It took half a year, which, anecdotally, is quite fast in the scheme of things. I don't have interstitial cystitis. In fact, the next urologist I saw actually listened to my trauma history and suggested it might be related to the physical manifestation of the pain.
I was able to get appropriate treatment because I have great health insurance and a job that allows flexibility. Numerous studies show that women in pain aren't usually taken as seriously as men. The numbers get even thornier for women with mental illness, such as myself, and women of color.
So, what can be done? Well, if you're a doctor, you're in a great position to make change. But on the patient side, one specialist from the Katz Institute for Women's Health echoed Lili's words and said, "Many women don't feel empowered to speak up for their health and wellness. Instead of reinforcing the idea that they be 'good patients,' we need to encourage them to push back."
Madison Medical Associates suggests that people should ask physicians to summarize what they have said about their pain in writing. Time suggests taking people with you to your appointments when you can.
The Hollywood Reporter / The Hollywood Reporter via Getty ImagesIt's a tall ask for when you're in pain. But, until things change, at least know that you're not alone.
Stunning Netflix Star Reveals Painful Health Battle After 'hardest Year Of My Life'
RIVERDALE star Lili Reinhart has opened up about suffering the "hardest year" of her life with a painful health battle.
The 28-year-old has told how she was filming for her new movie in Germany last year when she experienced the first symptoms that led to a diagnosis with interstitial cystitis.
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Riverdale star Lili has opened up about the 'hardest year' of her lifeCredit: Splash3
In October she was diagnosed with interstitial cystitisCredit: Instagram3
She's now urging fans not to ignore any symptoms they are experiencingCredit: InstagramLili, who shot to fame as Betty Cooper in drama series Riverdale, The third night I'm there, I developed symptoms of a UTI.
"I'm like, 'I've had UTIs before. I'm a woman. We all know how it feels'."
Lili told Self she was initially diagnosed with a "slight infection" and given antibiotics but the symptoms didn't clear up.
It was only after returning to Los Angeles that she found out what was really going on.
She was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis - a condition resulting in an inflamed or irritated bladder wall - in October last year.
Writing on Instagram, Lili said: "Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life.
She continued: "The most important thing I have taken away from this experience is the absolute need to advocate for your own health.
"Do not let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain. I hope the men & women out there struggling to find answers feel even the slightest bit seen by my experience."
ICE AGONY
Corrie's Sam Aston suffers horror injury hours before Dancing On Ice showMAN IN BLACK
70s sitcom legend, 85, looks unrecognisable as he's pictured in LASTAR GONE
Squid Game 2 actress dies aged 81 three months after cancer diagnosisTV STAR CRASH
Love Island star smashes into bus with baby daugher in passenger seatLili was quickly praised by fans for her honest post.
One wrote: "Thank you for sharing your story, your interview really touched me."
Riverdale's Madelaine Petsch strips down for Kim Kardashian's new Skims campaign in 'plot twist you didn't see coming'Another said: "Sending lots of love and well wishes." And a third added: "You are so incredibly strong for going through this and even more for sharing it."
Riverdale first aired on The CW in the US but UK fans can catch the teen drama on Netflix.
What is a UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by E.Coli bacteria - found in poo - entering the urinary tract.
The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra).
Women are more likely than men to pick up UTIs as they have a shorter urethra than men.
This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
According to the NHS, things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include:
Check if it's a UTI
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include:
Your pee may also be dark or smell. If this is your only symptom, it might be because you've not been drinking enough water.
What to do if you think you have a UTI
If you think you have UTI symptoms, you should speak to your GP to discuss treatment options.
Most people will need antibiotics.
Some people may be prescribed a 'delayed antibiotic', meaning they'll be asked only to use it if their symptoms don't go away after a certain amount of time.
If you keep getting UTIs, your GP might recommend you have a low dose of antibiotics over a long period of time or refer you to a specialist for more tests and treatments.
For women who have gone through menopause, there is evidence that vaginal oestrogen creams can reduce UTI symptoms.
Source: NHS
'Riverdale' Star Says 'mysterious' Chronic Illness Has Her 'searching For Answers'
Actor and TV star Lili Reinhart has publicly shared some of her medical struggles, including difficulties in even getting an accurate diagnosis.
The "Riverdale" star and mental health advocate recently had an interview with Self Magazine, in which she detailed her issues with depression and anxiety, fatigue and COVID-19 - as well as the difficulties in finding treatments for chronic conditions, or even acknowledgement that they existed.
Reinhart said she has finally been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition often misdiagnosed as urinary tract infections.
She also recently shared photos and more info in a post on her Instagram page, in which she said "I feel it's important to show an honest glimpse at what last year was like for me, when dealing with my health issues."
"Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life," she said.
Reinhart noted that her grandmother's cancer diagnosis only came after a long struggle and ultimately advocating for herself - but this came only after the cancer had spread.
"The most important thing I have taken away from this experience is the absolute need to advocate for your own health," she said in the post. "Do not let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain. I hope the men & women out there struggling to find answers feel even the slightest bit seen by my experience."
Reinhart told Self Magazine that many suffering from similar conditions lack her resources to address them, and she is motivated to continue supporting others to advocate for their own health.
"Listen to your body, and don't take no for an answer," she said. "Don't let a doctor tell you that nothing's wrong when you know that there is."
To read the full interview with Self Magazine, click here.
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