Is anyone else afraid of the lack of black women voices in #longcovid conversations? If anyone knows how challenging it is to be heard by doctors, it’s us. From fibroids to infertility to cancers to endometriosis, we already have lived being disbelieved.
Prior to having #longcovid, I had been privileged in a sense. I had never had a health condition that wasn’t believed by medical professionals. But babyyy, since contracting #covid19, I’ve learned and lived this nightmare for five months.
You can’t be a smart, black woman while describing symptoms and challenges of #longcovid. It is NOT allowed. During a recent hospital stay, I argued with a doctor who told me that #covid19 didn’t cause neurological problems. He didn’t want to hear me.
You can’t share research or articles or knowledge with these doctors as an articulate Black woman. Many times, I had to act oblivious to what I’ve learned about #longcovid in order to even be treated. But my silence almost killed me. Never again.
I’ve had doctors share their education journeys with me instead of sharing treatment plans. “I’ve gone to the top University...” but who cares when they simply don’t care enough to learn from me about #longcovid? I am your research.
As a black woman, I am research. I am the key to learning about how #covid19 affects black people. Relegated to my bed for 5 mths, I’ve read, treated myself, and know my symptoms. If I can’t articulately share these with doctors, what does this say about
How we treat this virus and the effects of #longcovid in Black people and black women? #blackwomen #covid19
In the hospital, I shared with doctors that I believed I had a form of neuralgia. No one confirmed this at all. But on my discharge papers, the condition they documented was #occipitalneuralgia. #longcovid #howsway
I will no longer be silent about having #longcovid. I will no longer be demure and quiet when talking to doctors. My silence could mean the death of #blackwomen with #covid19. I can’t take that risk.
There is already so much shame in black women about developing debilitating illnesses. We fear judgment from our own communities; we should not have to fear being dismissed by doctors for knowing too much. #longcovid
And even in media, there are still not enough black women being interviewed or considered in these #longcovid conversations. What’s the difference between this and any other struggle we face in the US? Nothing. Privilege still rears its ugly head.
