Gynaecological complaint

“I have been going through quite a personal battle of getting a diagnosis for a gynaecological complaint for years. I had felt fobbed off for years, been made to feel it’s “women’s problems” and the level of discomfort I endured was part of the parcel of my sex. Eventually, I was referred and diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosis by a doctor with darker skin. She was very kind, she made a referral to dermatology and said I would need to come back in a few months to see how the treatment worked. When I returned I saw someone new, she was more senior, dismissive, and undiagnosed me and cancelled my biopsy. I left feeling as though I had wasted everyone’s time. The dermatology appointment still stood however, a good 8 months later I was seen, this time by a young white doctor, and she was lovely. She told me everything looked fine, agreed with the un-diagnosis, and said that she would just need the consultant to confirm. The consultant was Asian, took a peeked, and contradicted everything the other doctor had said. I couldn’t believe it. Within minutes everything changed again and I was signing forms for an immediate biopsy.  

What became apparent to me, was that it was not obvious to the two white doctors I experienced what Lichen Sclerosis may look like on a young black woman. It frightened me, and then angered me that the exposure does not exist. This could indeed play out worse than it needed to… The chances are very low, but it doesn’t take away the worry and frustration. “

We later received news that her biopsy came back negative, to much relief of every member of the team. Our writer wanted to share her story just to emphasise how important it is to have medical education for every skin type and colour. We couldn’t be happier that her story has a positive outcome and that she is able to share her story and inspire our team and so many others. 

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At Blackandbrownskin, we are so thankful to receive countless emails from the public stating how much they appreciate our work, and how it is desperately needed. We received an email from a lady sharing her medical experience, misdiagnosis, and gratitude for our work. Hearing people’s stories surrounding their medical experience just highlights how vital the work we do is, and how it affects people on a daily basis.