I received well over 50 entries so here are my top favorites.
“what’s the most ridiculous thing you have ever heard regarding your chronic illness?”
1. “A co-worker once made up a rumor that the reason I was always sick was because I was an alcoholic and hung over.” Tara M. (who suffers from POTs, interstitial cystitis, and more)
2. “can you ever NOT wear it?” Rachel L. (regarding her ileostomy bag)
3. “You have a lot of built up trauma. Were you ever tickled as a child? That can definintley cause your issues.” Tori A. (referring to her severe gastroparesis)
4. “Ugh, I hate taking medicine everyday.” ~a friend referring to her daily birth control pill, said to someone who takes over 20 pills a day
5. “When I was at the nail salon getting a pedicure, one of the ladies doing my toes said “I would rather die than live without food…if food gets taken away from me, just kill me” ~Sarah U. (who suffers from gastroparesis and is TPN dependent)
6. “You’re lucky you have that bag so you don’t have to get up to go pee. Peeing is such an inconvience” ~Said to me by a nurse after my urinary diversion surgery
7. “is that a tattoo” ~referring to a central line
8. “Just smile more and you’ll feel better” ~Ashley G. (who suffers from hyper POTS and more)
9. “that’s a very interesting device you have on your face there” Kristi R. (regarding her temporary pacemaker)
10. “young women don’t get sick” Danielle V. (who suffers from AAG and more)
11. “cant you just get collagen injections?” Jill S. (regarding her vascular EDS)
12. “If you were religious you wouldn’t be so sick” ~Drew M. (regarding her multiple chronic illnesses)
13. “Wow it’s like your body wants you to have an eating disorder” (gastroparesis sufferer)
14. “Rub whisky on your wrists and sip it regularly throughout the day” Lizzi F. (regarding her mental health)
These are most definitely some of the most ridiculous, and frankly, flat out rudest statements most often heard by DOCTORS. It’s frustrating having to fight your body as well as constantly hearing people invalidate your struggles. But, I think I speak for most of us when I say, at least it allows for some good laughs.
What’s the most ridiculous thing a doctor, family member, or friend has said to you regarding your chronic illness?