81+ Years Lost
Facing Bias
These are the real faces of a real problem—medical gaslighting. For years, physicians told these women they were imagining their symptoms. They were dismissed, discredited, and downplayed. They stumbled through inaccurate diagnoses, off-course treatment plans, and sub-standard care. Why? Because they are women.
Nevertheless, they persisted. They fought for answers, learned to advocate for themselves, slowly course-corrected, and eventually emerged with hard-won solutions. Many don’t get that far. We share these remarkable stories to bring awareness, inspire resilience, and promote positive outcomes for women. Ultimately, fighting medical bias means fighting for their lives.
Stories of Resilience
13 years
Nina
Diagnosis: Myocardial Bridge, Cardiac Vasospasms, Non Obstructive CVD, Endothelium Dysfunction, Pre-eclampsia/HELLP Syndrome
Misdiagnosis: Stress/anxiety, Acid Reflux
Time Lost: 13 Years
Symptoms: Angina, pain down left arm and jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, blurry vision, edema, and significant blood pressure fluctuation
5 Years
Adriana
Diagnosis: Unexplained infertility
Misdiagnosis: No diagnosis
Time Lost: 5 Years
Symptoms: Unable to conceive without IVF
6 years
Megan
Diagnosis: Cervical Cancer PCOS
Misdiagnosis: Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, IUD complications, too intense of intercourse No Diagnosis
Time Lost: 5 years 1 year
Symptoms: Excruciating pain during and after intercourse and inflammation Drastic weight gain, ruptured cysts, irregular periods, and cystic acne
15 years
Diane
Diagnosis: Fibromyalgia
Misdiagnosis: No diagnosis
Time Lost: 15 Years
Symptoms: Pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, dizziness, headaches, brain fog and digestive problems
5 Months
Andrea
Diagnosis: Stage III her2, neu +++ breast cancer, multiple sclerosis
Misdiagnosis: Eczema
Time Lost: 5 Months
Symptoms: Bloody nipple excreting milky white liquid
15+ years
Dawn
Diagnosis: Candida, Overgrowth of Intestines, more
Misdiagnosis: STD, celiac disease, IBS, Ulcerative Colitis
Time Lost: 15+ Years
Symptoms: Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, brain fog, poor memory, lack of focus, strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings, digestive issues, skin issues (eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes), a white, clumpy discharge from the vagina, vaginal itching, soreness, and redness; and painful or uncomfortable intercourse
1 Year
Angela
Diagnosis: Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Endometriosis
Misdiagnosis: Shaving with reusable razors Ovarian Cysts
Time Lost: 1 Year 15+ Years
Symptoms: Lump in the neck that changed size and a swollen lymph node in groin Ovarian cysts, severe bleeding with pain during ovulation and menstruation, and a lump developed on her belly button (years after laparoscopic surgery)
3 Months
Becky
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
Misdiagnosis: Fibroadenoma
Time Lost: 3 Months
Symptoms: Lump on the breast (in a rare place)