In ordinary situations, for the most part, it is kind of nice to feel special and unique.
In the medical field, however, being 'unique' and 'special' are not necessarily words that a patient wants to hear.
Today at my appointment, the doctor mentioned that I am the first patient that he has seen with dry Macular Degeneration at my age. He also said that I am the first patient he had met with C1 - Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency, and stated that I am really teaching him. It is always interesting seeing a doctor so intrigued by my situation. That fascinated look. I mean, I did feel quite special.
The downside, of course, is that this is brand new territory for him, which means that his expertise will have very little effect.
This particular issue becomes a dangerous problem is emergency rooms. If a doctor hasn't seen it before, then how is he/she supposed to know how to treat it, how to improve it, or answer any specific questions that I have. We are all figuring this out as we go alone.
The great thing - the more fascinated a doctor is, the more inclined he/she will be to get involved and attempt to figure it out.
Being unique and special is not ALWAYS a good thing.