Living with health problems and navigating the medical world can be a complex journey. TikTok content creator, Jessica Wetz, who suffers from chronic illnesses, has shed light on this struggle, sharing her five-step process that helped her get a proper diagnosis when dozens of doctors couldn’t. Wetz’s method emphasizes self-research, leveraging online resources, and patient advocacy.
Wetz, diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), among other conditions, understood the struggle of dealing with indifferent doctors. She decided to share her secrets to getting correct diagnoses, especially when medical professionals are not cooperative.
@jessicawetz6 Replying to @meaganfarleyyyy Steps to how I help the #chronicallyill get diagnosed: Step 1: Chat gpt symptoms/test results to find possible conditions and how they’re diagnosed. Step 2: FB groups for patients with the condition in your area to find whose doctors educated on it. Step 3: Search Google scholar for medical articles on the condition, print, highlight your symptoms, the tests and diagnostic criteria. Step 4: Read it out loud to your doc, ask for the tests and referral to the doc the FB group recommends Step 5: If they say no, say “I understand, thanks for your time, please document my request being denied in today’s report and provide me a copy to take to my second opinion.” (This can change their mind as they dont want proof they denied care if they’re wrong. Don’t actually show this to your second opinion, just go to a walk in clinic and repeat. If they say no to documenting it or providing a copy, google how to file a complaint against them as they’re violating policy.) Talking with other patients and using artificial intelligence is the biggest resource for chronically ill people to get better and gain back some quality of life! One search figured out in 5 seconds what 50 doctors in 14 years couldnt. #MedicalMystery #ChronicIllness #misdiagnosed #jessicawetz #wetz #heds #mcas #ibs #ibd #chronicpain #crohnsdisease #raredisease #medicalnegligence #medicalptsd #medicaltrauma ♬ original sound – Jessica Wetz #6
Her first step involves inputting symptoms or test results into ChatGPT, an AI program that synthesizes information and suggests potential medical conditions. Wetz herself discovered she had liver disease by entering five years of her blood work results into ChatGPT. However, she advised fact-checking the results for accuracy.
The second step is to use Facebook Groups to find doctors specializing in potential illnesses. Wetz suggested typing in the suspected condition and the city’s name under the group search on Facebook. This step aids patients in finding specialists who understand their specific condition.
Next, Wetz recommended using Google Scholar to find articles about the suspected illness. Highlighting medical literature related to the symptoms can lend credibility to what patients tell their doctors.
The fourth step is to read these articles to the doctor and ask for recommended tests and referrals. Wetz believes this strategy would make it harder for doctors to dismiss symptoms, as they are backed by peer-reviewed articles.
Lastly, if a doctor refuses treatment even after these steps, Wetz suggested asking them to document their refusal. She noted that this could potentially change a doctor’s mind as they would risk leaving proof of denying care if their diagnosis turned out wrong.
Wetz’s advice provides more autonomy to patients over their medical journey and emphasizes patient involvement in medical treatment. Despite no foolproof path to diagnosis, her suggestions have proven helpful and highlight the importance of patients being proactive in seeking care.
Wetz’s five-step process underscores a rising trend of patients taking more control over their healthcare. In an era where information is readily accessible, self-research and advocacy are becoming critical elements of healthcare. This shift is particularly significant for patients living with chronic illnesses or rare conditions, who often face challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to lack of understanding or awareness among medical professionals.
The use of AI technology, like ChatGPT, in self-diagnoses is indicative of the growing intersection between technology and healthcare. It emphasizes the potential of AI in providing initial analysis based on symptoms and test results, particularly when traditional routes prove unhelpful. However, Wetz’s advice to fact-check the information provided by AI reinforces the notion that these tools should complement, not replace, professional medical advice.
Her approach also highlights the role of social media platforms like Facebook in healthcare. Through groups dedicated to specific medical conditions, patients can find doctors specializing in their condition, gain insights from others with similar experiences, and find support. This trend suggests a shift towards more collaborative healthcare, where shared experiences and knowledge play a significant role.
