Getting the correct diagnosis really is one of the hardest things. I went through something similar while battling an autoimmune disease — still do, actually. My doctor (General surgeon) said during one of the visits, “But you came here on your feet.” “Do you want me to come in a wheelchair? What the heck?” I was so frustrated.

I remember thinking, why would I not push myself to walk in, no matter how much pain I’m in? The journey to a diagnosis was long and exhausting. Even on the final day, the radiologist saw nothing unusual, but my rheumatologist didn’t give up. He called the team into the conference room, pointed out the tiny erosions they had missed — and that moment changed everything.

I still pray for that doctor. It takes persistence and empathy to see what others overlook. Your experience really resonated with me — the disbelief, the frustration, the exhaustion — it all feels far too familiar.

Standing with you in this — in strength, in pain, and in the stubborn hope that keeps us going.