10 Years of Misdiagnosis: What I Wish I Knew Sooner

Photo courtesy of Cedric Living with a chronic illness like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) presents challenges that often go far beyond the physical symptoms. Cedric’s story of navigating a decade-long journey to an accurate diagnosis highlights not only the resilience required but also the systemic gaps in healthcare that need addressing. As an advocate for both the Black and LGBTQ+ communities, Cedric uses his experience to bring awareness to the importance of inclusive and patient-centered healthcare. A Decade of Uncertainty Cedric’s IBD journey began during his first year of college, when he experienced severe gastrointestinal symptoms that led to hospitalization.  “Before college, I had never experienced any severe hospitalizations or major gastrointestinal issues. Yes, I had frequent bathroom visits, but nothing that seemed too alarming,” Cedric tells BlackDoctor.org. “However, during my first year, I got really sick and had to be hospitalized.”  Cedric’s diagnosis process was fraught with assumptions rather than solutions.  “At the time, my symptoms were dismissed as a result of a poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption. I remember being questioned by ER personnel about drug use, as there were a lot of assumptions made about an 18-year-old college student. Unfortunately, these assumptions led to a lack...