"You look too healthy to be chronically ill"

4361800632's avatar image

By 4361800632

1 min read

I've been struggling with chronic migraines and POTS, also known as postural orthostatic tachycardia, since I was 12. When I was around 14, I went to the doctor to get tests run because my migraines are extremely treatment resistant. I still haven't found any treatment that works for the pain.

Are you sure...?

When I went to the doctor with my mom, the nurses were giving me weird looks. Then the doctor came in and with a condescending tone, asking me if I was sure that this is what's happening, and if I really need these tests because they hurt a lot... Then he asked me the same question again at least two other times, "are you sure you just don't want to go to school?"

Always feeling dismissed

I didn't end up getting my tests. Instead, I got anxiety medication and recommended to a psychiatrist.I have many more stories where that came from. Doctors have always dismissed me just because I'm active and look happy.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Opioid-Use-Disorder.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use.

Opioid-Use-Disorder.com is a Health Union community. Health Union reaches millions of people through condition-specific online health communities and a Social Health Network of patient leaders across virtually all health conditions.

OUR COMMUNITIES

© 2026 Health Union, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not designed to replace a physician’s independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient. Always consult your doctor about your medical conditions. Opioid-Use-Disorder.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use of the site is conditional upon your acceptance of our terms of use.