12/25/25 As a long-term educator, I typically focus on providing positive feedback, as I believe it can greatly influence others. However, I feel compelled to share my recent experience in hopes it may help others who are facing similar health challenges and may require services from this provider.
About six weeks ago, I began experiencing serious symptoms that have significantly impacted my daily life. These include severe light sensitivity, an inability to produce tears, a splitting sore tongue, and extreme dryness in my mouth, among others. At this point, I am essentially unable to sit for extended periods under bright lights without dark sunglasses, and I cannot be anywhere without a water bottle.
After consulting my regular provider, I was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome and referred to a rheumatologist. In preparation for this appointment, I compiled a detailed and thorough history of my symptoms, hoping it would facilitate a comprehensive evaluation.
On December 9, I had my… appointment with Dr. KC.Yashwee with Northside Hospital While the office staff was welcoming and the nurse was exceptional, my encounter with Dr. KC Yashwee left me feeling frustrated and dismissed.
Dr. KC Yashwee acknowledged my positive ANA test but did not address my significantly elevated SSA levels or my specific symptoms. Her first comment was that the tests would be redone, stating that they are often wrong, despite the fact that I presented with clear and classic symptoms of this disease.
Instead of providing reassurance or guidance, she focused on repeating tests without acknowledging the severity of my distress.
I was hoping for practical advice on managing my symptoms, particularly because I had a high-stakes licensing exam scheduled just days later.
I was scheduled to take this important licensing exam four days after my appointment. Given my symptoms, I was deeply concerned about my ability to complete the test. When I contacted the testing center, I was informed that rescheduling required a letter from my doctor. Unfortunately, Dr. KC Yashwee refused to provide this letter, citing discomfort in doing so after only one visit.
As a rheumatologist, I felt that if anyone was qualified to state that a patient has photosensitivity, cannot sit under bright lights for extended periods, and requires accommodations such as a water bottle, frequent breaks, chapstick, and lubricating eye drops—items not permitted in a high-stakes testing environment. The licensing exam duration could be up to five hours, which is entirely too long for a newly diagnosed patient with confirmed labs and full-blown symptoms. These licensing exams are extremely expensive and non-refundable, and a no-show could result in being barred from taking the test in the future.
My primary care doctor felt she was not qualified to write the letter because she is not a specialist. As a result, I was left in an impossible position—forced to consider abandoning a lifelong dream and years of study toward an advanced level of my profession due to severe symptoms that could have been accommodated with simple items/things such as sunglasses, a water bottle, mouth moisturizer, lozenges, and chapstick, all of which are forbidden in a high-stakes testing facility.
I feel that the lack of empathy and the nonchalant attitude I encountered left me feeling as though I was nothing more than a job to Dr. KC Yashwee, and that she was unwilling to take an extra step to assist with a simple but critical letter. This has left a bad taste in my mouth regarding what could potentially be a long-term doctor-patient relationship. I am left overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertain about my health and my career. This is a frightening time for me and my family, as we do not know what to expect, when—or if—I will see relief from these symptoms.
Ultimately, I felt stranded between my regular provider, who does not specialize in Sjögren’s syndrome, and Dr. KC Yashwee my rheumatologist, who was unable to assis
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