Discrimination?

By CommunityMemberae869d

1 min read

I saw my a NP at my primary doctor last week. (Side note: I’m a RN, 38 yrs old.) I took the paperwork for a handicap placard and intermittent FMLA. That woman literally told me she has only filled it out for surgeries and, "you're so young."

I left the office and just cried in my car to my husband. I'm offended as someone with a chronic illness but almost more so as a healthcare worker. Absolutely blown away.

Do you have a story about living with psoriatic arthritis to share too?

Submit my personal story

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Psoriatic-Arthritis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Mary Lynn Member
I am so, so sorry that you were treated this way by a medical professional. I use that term loosely in this case. Unbelievable. It gets to the heart of why this disease is so misunderstood. We can be moving fine one day, and barely able to function the next. I have a handicap placard. If I feel good, I walk. If my ankle and knee are bad or its icy, I use the placard. It's nice to have the option. My husband has FMLA for me. My rheumatologist was very generous in the amount of time that he thinks my husband might need to be home from work to help. I'm offended with you! You might want to let the medical office know the way you were treated. I know...that takes energy. But it might be a learning moment for the office staff.
christine.laaksonen Community Admin
Oh <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberae869d" user-id="9704011"/>, I second what Mary Lynn wrote. What an awful experience, and I am so sorry that you were treated this way. You have every right to advocate for yourself and let the office know of your experience, although I certainly understand if it feels like too much energy and not worth it. Would it be possible for you to see a different doctor? Perhaps someone who understands that nobody is "too young" to need a handicap placard and FMLA. Obviously, as you and the rest of this community knows, chronic conditions don't discriminate by age! Please know we are here for you. Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
This absolutely breaks my heart <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberae869d" user-id="9704011"/>. My mom was an LPN for over 30 years, and she would get so mad when she went to the doctors' visits with me. While she didn't have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, she was furious at the way I would be treated. I'm sure that like her you would never dare treat your patients that way. It is unacceptable that we have to endure this kind of treatment. I hope one of your other doctors will sign the paperwork. I'm sending you gentle hugs. More especially thank you for being a healthcare worker especially given the psoriatic arthritis. Vickie W., Team Member
Diane T Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberae869d" user-id="9704011"/> , I got psoriatic disease in 1963. I have heard and seen it all over the years. I have had all kinds of labels put on me. It's so sad that in the 21st century, we are still dealing with this. I know as a nurse that you won't take this lying down. Let your voice be heard. Also, let us know when you get your handicap placard because we know you will. Diane (Team Member)
1. Diane T Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberae869d" user-id="9704011"/> , just checking in to see how you are doing? Let us know how you are doing. Diane (Team Member)