Patient Stories
Some of the most significant medical discoveries come from patient stories. At MedTruth, we believe not all knowledge is found in the lab, so we go straight to the source. Explore our coverage amplifying the voices of patients experiencing conditions ranging from breast implant illness to mesh-related pelvic pain and more.
Top Articles on Patient Stories
Suicide, Stigma and a System Delaying Mental Health Care
Lauren Delisle · September 10, 2019
In January, 17-year-old Melody Saenz attempted suicide. Her experience with New York mental health services epitomizes the difficult journey to seeking mental health care, as pervasive stigmas, ill-equipped emergency departments and financial burdens add complex layers to finding treatment and recovery.
Health Features14 Patient Advocates Traveled to D.C. — Here's Why (Photos)
Ashley Lombardo · June 4, 2019
In May, women from across the nation gathered at the United States Capitol to advocate for the Medical Device Safety Act. The bill, recently re-introduced in the House, aims to restore patients' Seventh Amendment rights. Here's why the women of the Medical Device Problems group are fighting for it.
Laws + CongressIs Suicide an Adverse Effect of LASIK Surgery?
S. Nicole Lane · August 20, 2019
Sudden and tragic deaths following a popular eye procedure may indicate that suicidality is an adverse effect of LASIK surgery. Many doctors now believe that the procedure may cause neurological issues that lead to suicidal ideation. Patients experiencing complications feel they were not properly warned.
Health Features-
Suicide, Stigma and a System Delaying Mental Health Care
Lauren Delisle · September 10, 2019
In January, 17-year-old Melody Saenz attempted suicide. Her experience with New York mental health services epitomizes the difficult journey to seeking mental health care, as pervasive stigmas, ill-equipped emergency departments and financial burdens add complex layers to finding treatment and recovery.
Health Features -
14 Patient Advocates Traveled to D.C. — Here's Why (Photos)
Ashley Lombardo · June 4, 2019
In May, women from across the nation gathered at the United States Capitol to advocate for the Medical Device Safety Act. The bill, recently re-introduced in the House, aims to restore patients' Seventh Amendment rights. Here's why the women of the Medical Device Problems group are fighting for it.
Laws + Congress -
Is Suicide an Adverse Effect of LASIK Surgery?
S. Nicole Lane · August 20, 2019
Sudden and tragic deaths following a popular eye procedure may indicate that suicidality is an adverse effect of LASIK surgery. Many doctors now believe that the procedure may cause neurological issues that lead to suicidal ideation. Patients experiencing complications feel they were not properly warned.
Health Features
The Hidden Toll of Breast Implant Illness on Transgender Women
Lauren Styx · November 10, 2020
MedTruth spoke with transgender health experts and members of the trans community, specifically trans women of color, to paint a more inclusive picture of the adverse effects of breast implants.
Patient StoriesCould a Proposed Regulation Worsen Transgender Mental Health?
Anika Nayak · October 12, 2020
The rollback of Affordable Care Act protections could make it even harder to see a gender-affirming doctor.
Patient StoriesLow Libido? Your Prescription Medication Might Be The Reason
S. Nicole Lane · August 26, 2020
Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, diuretics and antihistamines can affect sexual activity.
Patient StoriesGet our reporting in your inbox
'Long Haulers' Seek COVID-19 Answers and Support in Online Communities
Emily Rose Thorne · July 13, 2020
Long-haulers, those whose COVID-19 symptoms just won’t seem to go away, are turning to communities like Reddit for answers.
Patient StoriesMasks: Physical and Mental Health Implications
Risa Kerslake · July 9, 2020
With so many unknowns about COVID-19, information on mask use is ever-evolving. Mask use may have mental and emotional effects on some – here's how to cope while staying safe.
Patient StoriesHighlighting Race and Chronic Illness As Key COVID-19 Disparities
Akilah Wise · July 6, 2020
COVID-19 deaths are 12 times higher among people with chronic underlying conditions. Though most U.S. adults have a chronic illness, Black, Latino, Native American, low-income and uninsured people are disproportionately affected.
Patient StoriesCOVID Isolation Poses Intense Challenges for People With Addictions
S. Nicole Lane · May 19, 2020
Social isolation can contribute to an increased risk for people struggling with current or previous substance use disorders.
Patient StoriesPatient Stories: Taking Immunosuppressants During the Coronavirus Pandemic
S. Nicole Lane · March 30, 2020
The public, by now, knows that the elderly and those with serious health issues such as cancer, diabetes, lung disease and heart disease are high risk, but people taking immunosuppressant drugs fall into the high-risk category as well.
Patient StoriesCan Chronic Pain Be Relieved by Releasing Difficult Emotions?
S. Nicole Lane · February 27, 2020
Nicole Sachs believes chronic illness can be born inside of the body from unresolved trauma. Here are two stories sharing experiences with Sachs' approach to healing chronic pain.
Patient StoriesEarly Cataracts and LASIK: Seeing the Link
S. Nicole Lane · January 22, 2020
Recent reports from young people who underwent LASIK and suffered cataracts in the years that followed have incited medical curiosity surrounding the link between the sight-improving surgery and the life-altering medical condition.
Patient StoriesHealer Crowdfunds Explant Surgery for Breast Implant Illness
Nicole Knight · July 25, 2019
While more information on breast implant illness (BII) is sought by the FDA, some patients suffering from BII symptoms crowdfund explant surgery through platforms like GoFundMe. Miami-based healer Daniela Sage was among them, utilizing the power of social media to remove toxic implants.
Patient StoriesCobalt Toxicity: The Poison in Her Hip Replacement
S. Nicole Lane · June 28, 2019
Frances was 39 when she had cobalt alloy hips implanted. Within weeks, her skin broke out in boils. Within months, she faced effects ranging from memory loss and visual disturbances to severe tinnitus and PTSD-like rage/anxiety attacks. The effects of cobalt toxicity on the brain are evident.
Patient StoriesStories Not Statistics: Faces of Transvaginal Mesh
Carah Wertheimer · May 31, 2019
For Pelvic Pain Awareness Month, MedTruth is sharing patient stories. We're recognizing two transvaginal mesh survivors living with chronic pain. For Billie Copley, 44, and Jennifer Snowden, 34, transvaginal mesh implants have changed their lives forever.
Patient StoriesWhat is Breast Implant Illness?
Lauren Styx · April 9, 2019
In the past 20 years, more women have been coming forward suffering from symptoms related to their breast implants. While doctors insist these ailments are caused by other health issues, victims of breast implant illness take a stand to share their truth.
Patient StoriesQ&A: Angie Firmalino, Essure Problems Founder, Shares Her Story
Ashley Lombardo · August 27, 2018
Angie Firmalino, advocate and Essure Problems founder, shares her personal experience with the dangerous permanent birth control device.
Patient Stories