You’d think that all medical professionals have your best interests at heart and want to accurately diagnose you. While the world is full of talented, empathetic, and knowledgeable doctors, nurses, surgeons, and specialists, far from everyone is like that. It would be naive to think so. Unfortunately, there are some truly rotten apples in the bunch.
Medical gaslighting is what happens when your doctor dismisses your health concerns. And it’s a serious issue with real-life consequences. The Young Lung Cancer Initiative, a non-profit that empowers young adults in the fight against cancer, recently went viral on Facebook. It asked patients to share their real diagnoses, even though their doctors didn't take them seriously. These professionals attributed symptoms to anxiety, stress, or mental health.
Scroll down for these real-life stories. It’s a reminder to trust your gut and if something feels off, always get a second (or third!) opinion.
Bored Panda reached out to the team at the Young Lung Cancer Initiative, and they were kind enough to answer our questions. You'll find our interview with them below.
Image credits: Young Lung Cancer Initiative
#41
Atrial Septal Defect and open heart surgery that week.
For years it was “🙄 She’s so dramatic when she has to run.”
Also telling the Dr I thought I had asthma because my lungs burned so bad. “Just because your friend has asthma doesn’t mean you do.”
For years it was “🙄 She’s so dramatic when she has to run.”
Also telling the Dr I thought I had asthma because my lungs burned so bad. “Just because your friend has asthma doesn’t mean you do.”
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17points
#42
Ankylosis Spondylitis, Fibromyalgia. But “I’m too young to be dealing with pain.”
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16points
#43
Vitamin b6 toxicity! My nerves were literally frying. But I was told for weeks to just relax. 2 years later and I’m finally ok!
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16points
#44
Gall bladder stones. They said I was imagining the pain. 😂 They said I was too young at the time to have gall bladder stones hence why they didn’t bother doing an ultrasound and just assumed I was imagining it.
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16points
#45
Hyper active, anxiety, and self neglect. Been a nurse 10 years and just needed a vacation blah blah blah. I'm T1D and 1 year diaversary is in Oct. That 900 BG through everyone for a loop.
15points
#46
Got told I’m healthy and there is nothing wrong with me, like 3 months later, Lyme disease…2 different types plus found out of a genetic mutation that can cause me to end up in a wheelchair by the time I’m in my 30s…
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15points
#47
Severe Mitral Stenosis & Regurgitation. I coded on the table twice after a crna told me I was having a panic attack... and she never gave me Versed so I remember ALL of it.
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15points