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Medical gaslighting?

Mother.of.demons

Hi all, brand new here and I have a question.

Is chronic pain caused by autism??

Let me explain, because even writing it out, that sounds like a really stupid question 

My daughter (diagnosed this year after 8 years of fighting with the nhs) has started suffering with leg pain, numbness, tingling and most worrying of all sudden collapse in the last 3 months. The gp did routine bloods which of course showed nothing of note, but during a follow up appointment I mentioned her autism as she was tired and the mask was gone, which is rare for her, but we needed the gp to take time to understand her.

I think this was a mistake.

At the end of the consultation he said he thought the pain was sensory (isn't all pain sensory??) And a result of her autism. I was too taken aback to question or ask about management. Was this just abject gaslighting? Is it a thing? Ive been scouring the Internet and can find a lot about autism pain being dismissed but nothing about it being a cause. Im at a complete loss, dd already has zero faith in the medical profession after being gaslit for 8 years. I feel like a fraud insisting she should see a Dr only to be dismissed.

Please help.

Parents

  • I doubt it's just autism, but autism is linked to other health issues, even autoimmune disorders. I'd suggest like others you get a second opinion, or a third..... etc. I've had this happen to me countless times because I don't say the right words about pain or can't explain it. I find it helps to tell the doctor what you want (which is difficult since you are not a doctor) ... he should be doing a neuro exam to rule out nerve problems and asking about diet. Did the blood test include vitamin D, iron and electrolytes? autistic people often struggle with having a good diet which can cause odd symptoms... might be worth asking about that. 

    I empathise with you, I'm having similar issues with the NHS now trying to get to the bottom of symptoms and having to advocate for myself when I don't know what I'm doing. Very confusing. 

    Prayers for you

Reply

  • I doubt it's just autism, but autism is linked to other health issues, even autoimmune disorders. I'd suggest like others you get a second opinion, or a third..... etc. I've had this happen to me countless times because I don't say the right words about pain or can't explain it. I find it helps to tell the doctor what you want (which is difficult since you are not a doctor) ... he should be doing a neuro exam to rule out nerve problems and asking about diet. Did the blood test include vitamin D, iron and electrolytes? autistic people often struggle with having a good diet which can cause odd symptoms... might be worth asking about that. 

    I empathise with you, I'm having similar issues with the NHS now trying to get to the bottom of symptoms and having to advocate for myself when I don't know what I'm doing. Very confusing. 

    Prayers for you

Children
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