Daniel Unmanageable
Daniel
Regina Woman Stigmatized by Doctor Tells Her Story.
Regina Woman Stigmatized by Doctor Tells Her Story.
Regina Woman Stigmatized by Doctor Tells Her Story.
Thursday 3rd March 2022
Melanie recounts her struggle with opioid dependence and medical stigma, highlighting the need for better support systems.
Explicit
73 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Daniel Unmanageable
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Melanie's Battle: Overcoming Addiction and Medical Stigma
I'm hoping, by telling my story, that people that have gone through the exact same thing may get the courage to stand up, because the more people that stand up for their rights, the better society will think and view of addicts.
Imagine seeking help for a medical issue only to be judged for your past. That's the reality Melanie faced. After a truck crash in 2011 left her dependent on opioids, Melanie's life took a dark turn. As a former prostitute in Regina, SK, she already had enough on her plate without the added burden of stigma from her doctor.
During a series of appointments for a vaginal infection, Melanie found herself unknowingly drug tested and harshly questioned about her opioid addiction medication. Her doctor, she claims, didn't properly test her for sexually transmitted infections and wouldn't allow her outreach worker to join the consultations. The medication prescribed was only a temporary fix, leaving her condition untreated. Eventually, a nurse practitioner diagnosed her with syphilis, confirming Melanie's worst fears.
This episode of 'Hard Knox Talks' sheds light on Melanie's story and her fight against the unfair treatment she received. Her journey underscores the urgent need for better support systems and resources for those in recovery, especially individuals grappling with poverty and past trauma. Despite these challenges, Melanie found hope and strength in her recovery process, supported by her beloved cat, Annabelle.
Her story is a powerful call to action to break down the stigma surrounding substance use and advocate for fair treatment in the healthcare system. Tune in to hear Melanie's courageous tale and learn how she's working with her support network to ensure no one else has to endure what she did.