Chronic Illness : 3 Comebacks to Use on Doctors Who are Insensitive Jerks

Maria Aloysius

Don’t hesitate to speak up and have great comebacks & mic drops while you’re visiting an insensitive doctor

Myrecent visit to a new doctor (a rheumatologist) was nothing but a DISASTER. It was ridiculous, unpleasant. I wish I never went in the first place. Why you ask?

Well — she was an insensitive prick and a plain jackass. And a sorry excuse for a doctor.

Here’s what went down — The entire trip was plagued with insensitive remarks, comments & questions. Not to mention bloody hurtful and IGNORANT as hell.

1. Comment : You’re too young to have chronic illness/pain!

She had the audacity to utter this comment in the first 20 mins into the appointment. Her ignorance on full display here. What sort of doctor comments on age this way? She should have kept it to the general statements : ‘Young women aged 20s or 30s are more prone to experience…..’ or just SHUT THE HELL UP!

FYI, age has nothing to do with chronic illness. Some people are diagnosed with it at 6 or 7years old, or during their teens or young adults! Some even later in life. Grow up! Do your research.

Comeback : You’re too old to be that ignorant! or Are you a doctor?

2. Comment : Omg, you put on so much weight so fast!

I should have slapped her or walked out after this comment. Mind you she’s obese herself! Weight has never been an issue for me! The reason why my weight has increased is because my joints are INFLAMMED, and I CAN’T MOVE!

Why can’t I move? — I’m in pain, JACKASS!

FYI, all the exercising and eating right OR MEDS in the whole wide world won’t guarantee I don’t have flare ups and pain! Exercise (swimming that is) is done gently and at a slow pace, ONLY WITHOUT INFLAMMATION. My goal is to strengthen my muscles and manage inflammation and pain better.

Comebacks : Well, what’s your excuse for being overweight and obese? You don’t have a chronic illness! or Maybe you should try exercising when you have a chronic illness!

3. Comment : How do you move? How do you do housework?

What????? I’ve never met a doctor so DUMB or DUMBER. Doctors who know the illness would never even utter questions like this. They would be more empathetic. They would either say ‘Take it, easy with hard chores or DON’T OVERDO IT!’

FYI, there’s such thing called minimalism and pacing where I plan my day out and complete little tasks or no tasks with just rest. It’s possible! Don’t ask silly questions.

Comebacks : Choose to remain silent or stare at the doctor with a look of resignation or laugh and say ‘You must be joking!’

Well, I can go on with plenty ignorant comments this doctor said but it wouldn’t be doing me any good. I choose to ignore, move forward and look for a more competent, sensitive and encouraging doctor!