Why Chronic Illness Patients are Dismissed, Mistreated, and Misunderstood (with Dr. Erin Nance)

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by Dr. Erin Nance — board-certified orthopedic hand/wrist surgeon, founder of FeelBetr, and author of Little Miss Diagnosed: A Surgeon’s Guide to Breaking Bones and Bending Rules. She’s not just a medical provider — she’s a disruptor who deeply understands the trauma of being dismissed and misdiagnosed in modern medicine. Together, we dig into: ⭐ Why women’s symptoms are often dismissed — and the phrase “you’re just anxious” is still weaponized ⚠️ Why chronic illness diagnosis timelines lag — and how to advocate when you’re not being heard 🤝 How to use online communities, forums and social media safely to get answers and avoid misinformation ⚕️What practical phrases & scripts you can use at your appointment to avoid getting dismissed 🌍 The broader health crisis behind infertility and slow population growth… and why it’s not “women choosing careers” Whether you’ve been gaslit in the exam room, dismissed for your symptoms, or want to know how to build a better care team — this one’s for you. xx, Alex 💬 Comment Prompt: What’s the *most* gaslight-y thing a medical provider has ever said to you? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:10 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Mayfair, Weezie) 00:02:57 Introduction to Dr. Erin Nance 00:04:54 The most surprising thing Dr. Nance learned through social media 00:07:55 Dr. Nance’s FeelBetr platform 00:12:18 What practical phrases & scripts you can use at your appointment to avoid getting dismissed 00:14:54 How to use online communities, forums and social media safely to get answers and avoid misinformation 00:17:30 The broader health crisis behind infertility and slow population growth… and why it’s not “women choosing careers” 00:22:40 Hope is the most powerful drug 00:26:45 Why chronic illness diagnosis timelines lag — and how to advocate when you’re not being heard 00:42:34 Why women’s symptoms are often dismissed — and the phrase “you’re just anxious” is still weaponized 00:44:17 One Brain Cell Show: Summer House 00:46:22 Thank you for listening!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow us on socials for more! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: ✨Mayfair — https://go.shopmy.us/p-21890021 ✨Weezie — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18479099 Episode Resources: Dr. Nance’s App, Feelbetr — https://www.feelbetr.health/ Dr. Nance’s Ted Talk (7-Stages of Misdiagnosis) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhs9wg1yN_s #callinginsick #chronicillness #medicalgaslighting #misdiagnosis #chronicpain #spoonielife #healthjourney #doctorstories #autoimmunedisease #ptsd #fertilityissues #medicaldismissal #mentalhealth #invisibleillness #selfadvocacy #healingjourney #chronicfatigue #spooniesupport #medicaltrauma #littlemissdiagnosed #erinNance #alexwildeson #healthcarebias #populationshift #patientadvocacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices