My normal may not be yours, but it’s real

Dear Doctor

There’s something that has puzzled me for some time actually. Now, I KNOW that you have AVERAGE numbers for everything you do or a high or low point of something and people should be somewhere in the middle to be average and not need medication or whatever to get the number in the “right” range.

However, what I don’t understand is, when I TELL you that MY normal numbers are (whatever they are) and that when the numbers return to that I am at my best physically and function pretty well at them and I can see you doubt me. But when my body is getting better and RETURNS to the numbers I TOLD you they would, WHY do you think it is wrong?

I have lived in this body with my multiple conditions and I have spent years knowing and watching the numbers. I KNOW what will happen and I’m telling you so when it does, you think something is WRONG?! This is my body and I know how it works (or doesn’t) - generally, anyway.

Of course people who don’t have chronic illnesses or disabilities aren’t often even aware of the numbers, but when you are in and out of hospital, of course you know! Do you think you could believe me next time? I’d really appreciate it if you did.

Thank you so much

The Invisible Patient