Navigating Health Challenges and Medical Dismissals

Let’s embark on a journey into my college years, where the pursuit of higher education collided with a myriad of perplexing health issues. As I transitioned from Michigan to the University of Wisconsin - Madison, the world of doctors' appointments and dismissive comments awaited me. At age 18 is when I first encounter medical gaslighting, frustration, misdiagnoses, and prescriptions to mask symptoms. This marked this pivotal chapter of my health journey.

The Freshman Conundrum: When Symptoms and Stereotypes Collide

Stepping foot on the vibrant campus of UW Madison, I was immediately consumed by the whirlwind of college life. Amidst the chaos, my health concerns took a backseat. Compounding matters, many of my symptoms aligned with the typical experiences of a college freshman, leading to dismissive attitudes from medical professionals.

My Growing List of Health Issues

• Extreme fatigue/lethargy

• Weight gain

• Stomach aches

• Pain during sex

• Depression

• Fainting

• Tonsillitis

Thus began my journey from doctor to doctor and prescription drug to prescription drug, seeking elusive answers to my health challenges.

Navigating the Maze of Medical Care

With little support from my absent parents, I turned to the university health clinic for assistance. This pattern would repeat across the country as my blog unfolds, illustrating the systemic issues within healthcare at all levels.

Prescriptions and Misdiagnoses

I was initially prescribed antidepressants, undergoing several trials before settling on Wellbutrin. To address the pain during sex, I was given high-dose antibiotics, specifically Cipro, under the assumption that I had a recurring urinary tract infection. Concerns about extreme fatigue and weight gain led to thyroid testing and subsequent prescription of Synthroid.

While tonsillitis was an annual occurrence, I received little medical intervention, relying on over-the-counter remedies. Stomach aches and related symptoms were dismissed as generic, leading me to self-medicate with copious amounts of over-the-counter stomach medications. Episodes of fainting were attributed to low blood sugar and misguided speculations of disordered eating.

By the age of 20, my college experience was intertwined with a complex medication regimen:

• Wellbutrin

• Cipro

• Synthroid

• Over-the-counter stomach medications

As college progressed, more symptoms emerged, including:

• Acid reflux

• Allergies

• Dental issues

To manage these new challenges, over-the-counter antacids and allergy medications became staples in my daily routine.

As a college student, I failed to prioritize my health issues, I blew them off and dismissed them, convincing myself that my symptoms were “normal” as a female college freshman. Keeping my challenges mostly hidden, I embraced the carefree college lifestyle. In future posts, I will delve into the impact of childhood trauma and an emotionally abusive relationship with the Wisconsin Quarterback, both of which contributed to the turning point of my health during these crucial years.

The College Years: A Roller Coaster of Experiences

While I treasure countless fond memories of my four years at Madison, I recognize the hindsight that comes with experience. Looking back, I see the missteps and missed opportunities for better health management. As they say, you live and learn, and my journey through the college years was no exception.

Join me in upcoming posts as I unravel the complexities of childhood experiences and unhealthy relationships, shedding light on their profound impact on my health journey. Together, we can learn from the past and pave the way for a healthier future.