Medical Misfit: Doctor, Why Can't You Diagnose Me?

Jalene Corbin suffered from health problems that weren’t easy to diagnose and often experienced by only a small percentage of the population. There were years at a time when she found herself trapped on a medical merry-go-round because her symptoms didn’t fit the description of a familiar textbook medical disease. Thanks to the support of her understanding husband, the help of family and friends, a determination to get well, her strong faith, and eventually finding caring doctors who listened, she would ultimately be diagnosed and receive proper treatment. There would be years of good health in between illnesses. Among the illnesses she encountered were interstitial cystitis (a totally ulcerated bladder) and a systemic yeast infection that made her sicker and sicker as she was given antibiotics for an infection of undetermined origin. These life-stealing diseases eventually became life-threatening.

Jalene blindly followed her doctors’ instructions, even when her body was crying “foul.” Several times, after seeing various doctors for illnesses that seemingly couldn’t be diagnosed, she referred to herself as a “medical misfit.” Eventually, she began to doubt herself, wondering if she should be labeled a hypochondriac. Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! When a doctor tells a patient that a health problem is all in his or her head, she advises the patient to run for the door and not to look back.

At one time Jalene was diagnosed incorrectly with Parkinson’s disease and her entire family was told to seek counseling so they could deal with the situation. Another time she was referred to a doctor who turned out to be a sexual predator; it was inconceivable to her that someone in a position of trust could make sexual advances toward a patient who was desperately sick and seeking help. As readers see Jalene struggle to find answers to her medical problems, many will react with disbelief, outrage and sympathy, undoubtedly fearing that they could find themselves in the same position. Or, perhaps, they are already there—desperate and wondering if they will ever get better. Jalene has written this book to encourage these persons—to remind them that they have the right to vote with their feet if their doctors aren’t helping them.

Medical Misfit is not a doctor-bashing book but rather one written as a “wake up” call to patients and physicians; it contains invaluable advice to both groups. This gripping, first person narrative is presented in a unique and riveting format. While Jalene includes research in support of her opinions, the story is anything but dull; it is written in a way that is entertaining to readers. She is real, sincere, open, honest, and sometimes funny. Medical Misfit is a gripping story that readers will find enlightening and educational. The information provided could save a life or, at the very least, make that life a healthier and happier one.

Jalene grew up in wild, wonderful West Virginia. Previously published by traditional publishers, she has been writing for thirty years. Jalene has appeared frequently on national TV and been a guest on many talk radio shows.

The author and her husband Jack live in a beautiful, country-like setting in Pennsylvania.