MEDICAL GASLIGHTING MEMOIR by author Anneke Vliegen, diagnosed with a combination of chronic, rare, barely visible and fluctuating diseases.
Anneke describes her journey to happiness, after a misdiagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) brought her condescendence, humiliation and neglect. For twenty years, this medical gaslighting continued until she was close to death. The discovery of adrenal insufficiency, lupus and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) led to improved care and respect. The medical world had heard Anneke's hooves, and assumed she needed to be treated like a horse. It turned out she was a zebra - one of the exceptions to the rules. There are all sorts of hooved species which get missed or mistreated. Shame and guilt stop many from sharing their experience. By telling her story Anneke hopes to raise awareness. It offers recognition, insight and hope. Prevention and a more effective therapeutic process are the aim. Readers are saying:
"I've never started to read a book that I could identify with as much as this!"
- Shelley Knight - ME, fibromyalgia and MCAS patient
"I would recommend this book to anyone living with or those who know someone living with a chronic condition"
- Lizzy Kee - Occupational Therapist and EDS patient
"It was so compelling and I learnt such a lot. I was right there with Anneke's family at every step. The writing is great; clear, lively and engaging"
- Tracey Martin - Carer and Quaker advocacy representative