Tag

Medical Gaslighting

All articles tagged with #medical gaslighting

health26 days ago•11 min saved

When Doctors Doubted Me: A 13-Year Fight to Diagnose MS

A HuffPost essay recounts a 13-year medical odyssey in which a woman’s MS symptoms were repeatedly dismissed as non-specific or psychosomatic, with early MRI findings misattributed to migraines and a lumbar puncture only performed years later to confirm MS. Throughout, she faced dismissive, invasive, or patronizing treatment from doctors—especially toward women—and endured a relentless cycle of doubt even after diagnosis. The piece argues this gaslighting reflects broader gender biases in medicine, and it ends with a renewed commitment to advocacy, empathy, and trustworthy care as she continues treatment and healing.

via HuffPost|

#chronic-illness #health #medical-gaslighting

health3 months ago•6 min saved

Many women overlook menopause symptoms, leading to delayed help and awareness

Many women experience menopause symptoms but often feel dismissed by healthcare providers due to a lack of training and awareness about menopause, leading to inadequate care and frustration. Efforts are underway to improve medical education on menopause to better support women during this phase.

via Star Tribune|

#health #medical-gaslighting #medical-training

health6 months ago•13 min saved

Doctors' Misdiagnoses: 47 Cases Where Patients Suffered

The article highlights numerous cases of medical gaslighting where healthcare professionals dismissed or misdiagnosed patients' symptoms, often leading to delayed treatment and serious health consequences. It emphasizes the importance of patients trusting their instincts, seeking second opinions, and being proactive in their healthcare, while also acknowledging that some misdiagnoses are unintentional due to biases or lack of knowledge.

via Bored Panda|

#delayed-diagnosis #diagnosis-errors #health

health9 months ago•6 min saved

The Impact of Medical Gaslighting on Women with Genital Pain

Many women with chronic gynecological pain conditions like endometriosis and vulvodynia face skepticism and gaslighting from healthcare providers, rooted in gender bias and lack of research, leading to delayed diagnosis and psychological harm. Improving medical training, increasing research funding, and empowering patients with information are crucial steps to address these issues.

via CNN|

#chronic-pain #gynecological-conditions #health

health2 years ago•8 min saved

Gaslighting and Misdiagnosis: The Endometriosis Experience

Many women with endometriosis face challenges in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment, often being dismissed or given conflicting information by medical professionals. A study found that women experience "medical gaslighting" within the healthcare system, leading to feelings of dismissal and disempowerment. There is a lack of awareness and education about endometriosis, with symptoms often being misattributed to other conditions like IBS. Experts emphasize the need for better education, public awareness, and dedicated women's health services to improve diagnosis times and treatment of endometriosis.

via The Independent|

#endometriosis #health #medical-gaslighting

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Sharon Stone's Terrifying Medical Gaslighting Ordeal: Doctors Thought She Was Faking Her Stroke

Sharon Stone opens up about her experience with medical gaslighting following her 2001 stroke, revealing that her physicians initially dismissed her symptoms and believed she was faking her condition. Stone's life was saved by a second angiogram that discovered she had been hemorrhaging into her brain, and she underwent brain surgery with a 1% chance of survival. She faced challenges during her recovery, including stuttering, difficulty walking, and depression. Stone believes her dismissal was largely due to her gender, highlighting the issue of women not being heard in medical settings. Despite her struggles, Stone emphasizes that her disability does not define her and has found support from friends like Michael J. Fox and Steven Spielberg. She has also established a strong wellness routine and is pursuing a flourishing second career as a painter.

via Yahoo Life|

#gender-bias #health #medical-gaslighting

health2 years ago•8 min saved

The Journey to an Accurate Diagnosis: Unveiling the Truth Behind My Illness

A young woman shares her experience of being misdiagnosed multiple times before finally being diagnosed with lupus, a common autoimmune disease. Despite experiencing severe exhaustion, brain fog, hair loss, and psychosis, doctors dismissed her symptoms as homesickness or depression. It took seven doctors and over a year to receive a proper diagnosis. The author highlights the prevalence of medical gaslighting and the challenges faced by many lupus patients in obtaining a timely diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of doctors who listen to patients' stories and the need for increased awareness and support for those navigating the difficult path of chronic illness.

via TODAY|

#autoimmune-disease #chronic-illness #health

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Empowering Yourself Against Medical Gaslighting.

Medical gaslighting, where patients' symptoms are ignored or dismissed, disproportionately affects marginalized communities and can lead to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes. Experts blame a lack of time to properly get to know patients, changing medical research, and a history of studies that focused mostly on white male patients. Women often suffer from delayed diagnoses due to differences in how they present with common diseases and a lack of research on female patients. Patients are encouraged to trust their instincts, prepare ahead of appointments, ask for clarifications and second opinions, and be their own advocates.

via USA TODAY|

#delayed-diagnosis #doctor-patient-relationship #health

health2 years ago•5 min saved

Long COVID sufferers still face medical gaslighting years into pandemic.

Patients with long COVID continue to face medical gaslighting, where healthcare practitioners dismiss or falsely blame patients for their symptoms, leading to stigma and shame. Lack of validation also extends into community networks of family and friends who may also dismiss their symptoms, contributing to further stigmatization at home. To reduce barriers to long COVID care, educating physicians, raising awareness, and ensuring accessible information are crucial steps towards compassionate and evidence-based care.

via The Conversation|

#awareness #health #healthcare

health2 years ago•5 min saved

Misdiagnosis: Woman's Tumor Symptoms Dismissed as Anxiety by Doctors

Miranda Edwards was misdiagnosed with anxiety for years before being diagnosed with a rare adrenaline-secreting tumor at 19 years old. The tumor caused her to have a heart attack, two strokes, and nearly die. Despite surgery to remove the tumor, it grew back and spread to other organs due to medical gaslighting and delayed diagnosis. Edwards now shares her journey on social media to inspire other patients and describes herself as "Terminal & THRIVING."

via Insider|

#adrenaline #coping-with-illness #health

health2 years ago•5 min saved

Stop Medical Gaslighting of Menopausal Women.

Menopausal women have long been dismissed as "whiny" and their symptoms attributed to stress and dissatisfaction with life circumstances. The negative societal perceptions of menopause and the failure of the medical community to prioritize the health of this large group of individuals has resulted in a knowledge gap among women entering this phase of their lives. However, there is hope on the horizon as more women are sharing their stories on social media and finding sympathetic listeners. Hormone replacement therapy is safe for the vast majority of patients who are without contraindications, and the risk of breast cancer is minimal. There is also growing understanding that if a woman has a contraindication to hormone replacement therapy, there are a multitude of other pharmacologic, over the counter, nutritional, and supplementation options to help with symptoms and promote health.

via The Daily Beast|

#health #hormone-replacement-therapy #medical-gaslighting

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Misdiagnosis: Woman without ovaries told she had ovarian cysts, but it was appendicitis.

A woman who had her ovaries removed was misdiagnosed with ovarian cysts and diverticulitis by an emergency room doctor who did not believe her. After visiting two more doctors who could not pinpoint the cause of her pain, she waited nearly three weeks for surgery to help determine the cause of her discomfort. Surgery revealed she had appendicitis, which put her at risk for her appendix rupturing at any point, a life-threatening condition. The experience made her passionate about patient advocacy and the importance of listening to her own body and advocating for herself during doctor visits.

via Yahoo News|

#appendicitis #health #medical-gaslighting

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Misdiagnosis: Woman without ovaries told she had ovarian cysts, but it was appendicitis.

A woman who had her ovaries removed was misdiagnosed with ovarian cysts and diverticulitis by an emergency room doctor who did not believe her. After visiting two more doctors who could not pinpoint the cause of her pain, she waited nearly three weeks for surgery to help determine the cause of her discomfort. The surgery revealed she had appendicitis, which put her at risk for her appendix rupturing at any point, a life-threatening condition. The experience made her passionate about patient advocacy and the importance of listening to her own body and advocating for herself during doctor visits.

via Yahoo! Voices|

#appendicitis #health #medical-gaslighting