“You’re Making Up Symptoms,” They Laughed—Until the Specialist’s Report Came Back.

pain, fatigue, rashes, mouth sores, dizziness. I told him about the symptom journal. I told him about my mother throwing away my medication. My voice shook on that last part, not from pain but from humiliation.

Dr. Harrison looked up slowly. “Who discarded your prescribed medication?”

My mother shifted in the corner. “I—she doesn’t need—”

Dr. Harrison continue reading …