14 Contact Lenses in Her Eye: A Wake-Up Call About Medical Gaslighting

Have you ever felt dismissed by a doctor who couldn't figure out what was wrong with you?

Amy Liz Harrison and Dr. Sarah Michaud dive deep into the shocking reality of medical bias against women through their Boozeless Book Club discussion of "Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men." Amy shares her harrowing two-year journey with eye issues that multiple specialists couldn't solve — until her husband asked one simple question that changed everything. What they found will leave you speechless: 14 contact lenses wedged behind her eye that no doctor bothered to check for.

This raw conversation exposes how women's pain gets dismissed, symptoms get minimized, and how the entire medical system remains built around male-centered care. From heart attack symptoms that present differently in women to the disturbing practice of labeling difficult cases as "whiny women," this episode reveals why advocating for yourself isn't just important — it's potentially life-saving.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Women receive less accurate diagnoses and less effective treatment because medical systems are designed around male bodies and symptoms

• Heart attack symptoms in women often present as shortness of breath and chest pressure rather than the classic chest pain taught in textbooks

• Medical research historically excludes women due to hormone complications, then applies male-based results to female patients

• Doctors may dismiss unexplained symptoms as psychological rather than admit they don't know the answer

• Women must learn to advocate fiercely for themselves while managing cultural conditioning to be accommodating and non-confrontational

• Trusting your instincts about your body is crucial — if something feels wrong, keep pushing for answers

• Setting boundaries with medical professionals isn't being difficult, it's being responsible for your own health

NOTABLE QUOTE

"The bottom line is being female in a medical setting can mean receiving less accurate diagnosis, less effective treatment, and less attentive care because the entire system has been based on male centered care. This isn't just inconvenient, it's life threatening." — Dr. Sarah Michaud

Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. With a unique blend of humor, honesty, and clinical insight, this show tackles the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and boundary disasters — while offering practical tools, powerful storytelling, and a roadmap for emotional freedom. Weekly episodes on YouTube (@leavingcrazytown) and all major podcast platforms.