I have been fat shamed all my life. More than often by medical professionals.
For years, no one ever even considered the possibility that I wasn't fat due to my diet, but due to a health issue.
When I was 19 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto, a thyroid dysfunction.
What Hashimoto does to you is basically this: it fucks your metabolism up. Nothing works as it should. Since it is an autoimmune disease there is no cure. You can just take medication to stop it from getting worse.
You can experience hair loss, extremely dry skin, growing hair in places that you shouldn't, depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, abnormal weight gain and so on. I ticked most of those boxes.
Fast forward to 2015, me being 26 years old and taking my thyroid meds.
I had to bring my meds from Greece because UK doctors wouldn't prescribe my meds for me (even though they happily prescribed opiates and antidepressants).
When I finally convinced my GP that I need my medication she prescribed the wrong amount of mg for me. And she did that on purpose. I waited for a few months and upon realising I was gaining weight for no reason (I eat healthier than most people) I went back to see her.
So, when I explained to her that she needs to change my dose she said I should see a dietician. I explained to her that I will not tolerate fat shaming and that being a vegetarian I eat extremely healthy.
She arranged for a few blood tests and an ultrasound (which may take up to a couple of months to take place). She said we could discuss the dose after I get the results back and see a dietician.
So that leaves me hanging for the next few months, not knowing how my body will react -considering I'm not taking the right amount of medication.
However, I know that if I was wealthy and I could afford a private doctor I would have been tested properly and prescribed all the right medication that I need in no time.
Apparently the price you have to pay for not being wealthy is jeopardising your health.
For years, no one ever even considered the possibility that I wasn't fat due to my diet, but due to a health issue.
When I was 19 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto, a thyroid dysfunction.
What Hashimoto does to you is basically this: it fucks your metabolism up. Nothing works as it should. Since it is an autoimmune disease there is no cure. You can just take medication to stop it from getting worse.
You can experience hair loss, extremely dry skin, growing hair in places that you shouldn't, depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, abnormal weight gain and so on. I ticked most of those boxes.
Fast forward to 2015, me being 26 years old and taking my thyroid meds.
I had to bring my meds from Greece because UK doctors wouldn't prescribe my meds for me (even though they happily prescribed opiates and antidepressants).
When I finally convinced my GP that I need my medication she prescribed the wrong amount of mg for me. And she did that on purpose. I waited for a few months and upon realising I was gaining weight for no reason (I eat healthier than most people) I went back to see her.
So, when I explained to her that she needs to change my dose she said I should see a dietician. I explained to her that I will not tolerate fat shaming and that being a vegetarian I eat extremely healthy.
She arranged for a few blood tests and an ultrasound (which may take up to a couple of months to take place). She said we could discuss the dose after I get the results back and see a dietician.
So that leaves me hanging for the next few months, not knowing how my body will react -considering I'm not taking the right amount of medication.
However, I know that if I was wealthy and I could afford a private doctor I would have been tested properly and prescribed all the right medication that I need in no time.
Apparently the price you have to pay for not being wealthy is jeopardising your health.
