Hannah Grippi knew something was terribly wrong when she lost 9 kilograms in just a few months without trying. But when she sought help from doctors, she was told her debilitating abdominal pain was 'all in her head,' the beginning of a five-year nightmare that ultimately required two major surgeries and left her with lifelong complications.
Her story isn't unique. Two out of three Australian women experience healthcare-related bias and discrimination, with many reporting their symptoms dismissed as hysteria or drama.
Hannah's journey from a healthy university student to someone living with chronic illness exposes the dangerous reality of medical gaslighting in our healthcare system.
Hannah, a nursing student from Pennsylvania, initially dismissed her symptoms as typical university stress. Bloating after meals, fatigue, and upper abdominal pressure seemed like normal responses to caffeine and carbohydrate-heavy foods.
But when the pain became 'relentless' and the dramatic weight loss began, she knew something sinister was happening.
The beginning of a nightmare
'It felt like my upper abdomen was being squeezed from the inside, like there was a tight fist around my organs that never let up, especially when I ate or drank anything,' Hannah recalled. 'Every meal felt like a punishment.'
When Hannah sought medical help, she encountered a pattern familiar to countless women: dismissal, minimisation, and blame. A recent survey found that one in three women have had their health concerns dismissed by medical practitioners, and Hannah's experience followed this troubling script perfectly.
When 'it's just stress' becomes dangerous
Research demonstrates that women are often diagnosed with psychological conditions before later being rediagnosed with organic conditions, and are at greater risk than men of having physical symptoms attributed to psychological causes without thorough investigation. Hannah experienced this firsthand when a gastrointestinal specialist quickly dismissed her concerns as anxiety from nursing school.
'I started to question myself—was I overreacting? Was this just in my head?' Hannah explained. This experience of medical gaslighting is defined as an experience of invalidation, dismissal, and inadequate medical care.
'Within the first few moments of meeting me, [the doctor] had decided I was a 'waste of time', a hysterical woman with a non-urgent problem who was being dramatic'
The emotional toll was devastating. Several women describe experiencing trauma because of their healthcare experiences, with adverse experiences linked to feelings of being 'gaslit' and associated fear of accessing health services. Hannah's experience mirrors research findings that show the psychological impact can be as damaging as the physical symptoms themselves.
Australia's hidden healthcare crisis
Hannah's story resonates deeply in Australia, where almost 3,000 women participated in a groundbreaking survey revealing that two out of three women reported healthcare-related bias and discrimination. The findings paint a disturbing picture of systemic issues in our healthcare system.
Consistent themes included feeling dismissed and disbelieved, being stereotyped as 'hysterical' and a 'drama queen', with women's symptoms and pain often attributed to menstruation, lifestyle factors, or even 'faking it'.
Australia's healthcare discrimination crisis
Two thirds of Australian women experience bias and discrimination in healthcare, with the most common issues occurring during diagnosis and treatment. Some women reported symptoms dismissed or given insufficient treatment recommendations like paracetamol and a hot water bottle.
This isn't just about hurt feelings—medical gaslighting has serious health consequences. Medical gaslighting can be a double hit for victims, as not only are their realities denied, but they can also experience long-term effects of treatment delays. For conditions like the one Hannah ultimately faced, delays can mean years of unnecessary suffering and potentially permanent complications.
The rare condition hiding in plain sight
After five years of testing—endoscopies, colonoscopies, blood work, and countless specialist appointments—Hannah's primary care doctor finally ordered an abdominal ultrasound. The results were shocking: over 80 per cent compression of her celiac artery, indicating Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS).
MALS occurs due to compression of the celiac plexus, leading to postprandial and exercise-induced abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, food fear and weight loss. It's a rare cause of debilitating abdominal pain affecting young patients and leading to significant morbidity and poor quality of life.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Up to 25 per cent of the population have radiological compression of the celiac artery, but only 1 per cent develop symptoms of MALS. This makes diagnosis particularly challenging, as the anatomical finding doesn't always correlate with symptoms.
MALS affects approximately 2 per 100,000 people, with the characteristic patient being more likely to be a young adult female—fitting Hannah's demographic perfectly. Yet the duration between symptom onset and diagnosis can extend up to years, with primary care physicians commonly being the first to encounter these patients.
Surgery and unexpected complications
In June 2023, Hannah underwent major open vascular and abdominal surgery to release the median arcuate ligament and reconstruct her diaphragm. Initially, the surgery seemed successful—but months later, the familiar pain returned. Once again, she faced dismissal from her original surgeon, who 'acted like it wasn't his concern anymore.'
Trusting her instincts, Hannah sought a second opinion and discovered her MALS had returned. This led to a second surgery in November 2024. But the surgical trauma had triggered additional complications that would change her life forever.
Surgery on or near the stomach can injure the vagus nerve that coordinates stomach movements. Post-surgical gastroparesis can develop any time after surgery—sometimes immediately, but also months or even years later. Hannah developed gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach becomes essentially paralysed, unable to empty properly.
She also developed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition causing the heart to beat faster than normal when transitioning from lying to standing, often associated with autoimmune conditions.
The cascade effect of complex conditions
- Rare conditions like MALS often require multiple surgeries
- Surgical complications can create new chronic conditions
- Gastroparesis and POTS frequently occur together, with digestive issues worsening fatigue and other symptoms, creating a cycle of dysfunction
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent complications
Learning to advocate for yourself in the Australian system
Hannah's experience offers crucial lessons for navigating healthcare, particularly relevant in Australia, where bulk billing pressures and time constraints can contribute to rushed consultations and dismissive attitudes.
It's vital that clinicians understand and listen to their patients to provide the best and safest clinical care, but patients also need strategies to ensure they're heard.
Australian healthcare advocates recommend:
Preparation is key: Document symptoms, including timing, triggers, and severity. Bring a written summary to appointments.
Ask specific questions: 'What other conditions could cause these symptoms?' 'What tests can rule out serious causes?' 'What's our plan if symptoms don't improve?'
Seek second opinions: Don't accept dismissal as final, especially for persistent or worsening symptoms.
Request referrals: If a GP can't help, ask for specialist referrals. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist for digestive disorders.
Know your rights: In Australia's public system, you're entitled to explanations and appropriate investigations for concerning symptoms.
The ripple effects of chronic illness
Now 26, Hannah's life looks vastly different from her peers. 'I don't live like a typical 26-year-old. My energy is limited and my days have to be planned carefully,' she reflects. The combination of MALS, gastroparesis, and POTS creates what doctors call a 'cascade effect' - where one condition triggers others, creating complex, interconnected health challenges.
Many people in Australia with gastroparesis seek natural support and treatments alongside conventional medicine, working with functional medicine specialists to address underlying causes and improve digestive function.
Proper nutrition and gut health management are critical for POTS patients, with dietary modifications and increased salt intake helping manage symptoms. Hannah now works with a functional medicine doctor to manage her ongoing symptoms while learning to navigate life with chronic conditions.
Finding hope and community
Despite the challenges, Hannah has found purpose in sharing her story online, helping others navigate similar healthcare journeys. 'I've been able to help people get diagnosed or find the courage to push for answers—and that has been incredibly rewarding,' she says.
Research shows that Australian women with chronic conditions often experience disempowerment and dismissal through healthcare interactions, highlighting the need for systemic change in medical culture. Hannah's story represents both the problem and the potential for solutions.
Resources and support in Australia
For Australians facing similar healthcare challenges, several resources can provide support:
- Health Direct: Free health advice and symptom checker (1800 022 222)
- Jean Hailes for Women's Health: Specialised women's health information and advocacy
- Rare Disease Australia: Support and advocacy for rare condition patients
- Beyond Blue: Mental health support for those dealing with medical trauma and chronic illness
For specific gastroparesis information, resources are available through Western Sydney University, while functional medicine specialists in Australia can provide holistic support for complex digestive conditions.
What This Means For You
Hannah's journey from dismissed patient to empowered advocate illustrates both the challenges and possibilities within our healthcare system. Her final message resonates with the thousands of Australian women facing similar struggles: 'My greatest wish in sharing my story is that other people will feel seen, understood, and reminded that even in the hardest seasons, healing is still possible.'
As Australia's Labor Government commits to addressing health outcomes for women and gender bias in the health system, acknowledging that bias leads to poorer health outcomes, stories like Hannah's serve as powerful reminders of why this work matters.
The combination of systemic change and individual advocacy offers hope for a future where no patient's pain is dismissed as being 'all in their head.'
What experiences have you had with healthcare professionals? Have you ever felt dismissed or not believed when seeking medical help? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your story might help someone else find the courage to keep fighting for answers.
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
2 out of 3 women experience discrimination in healthcare | Health, Disability and Ageing Ministers | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Cited text: Two out of three women reported health care-related bias and discrimination.
Excerpt: Two out of three Australian women experience healthcare-related bias and discrimination, with many reporting their symptoms dismissed as hysteria or drama
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers...men-experience-discrimination-in-healthcare-0
2 out of 3 women experience discrimination in healthcare | Health, Disability and Ageing Ministers | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Cited text: “It is unacceptable that two thirds of women experience bias and discrimination in Australia’s health system.
Excerpt: Two out of three Australian women experience healthcare-related bias and discrimination, with many reporting their symptoms dismissed as hysteria or drama
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers...men-experience-discrimination-in-healthcare-0
Medical gaslighting: How to identify it and what to do—by Hazel
Cited text: In fact, a recent survey found that one in three women have had their health concerns dismissed by medical practitioners.
Excerpt: A recent survey found that one in three women have had their health concerns dismissed by medical practitioners
https://www.hazelhealth.com.au/the-lowdown/medical-gaslighting-how-to-identify-it-and-what-to-do
“I Just Want to Feel Safe Going to a Doctor”: Experiences of Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia—PMC
Cited text: Research has demonstrated that women are often diagnosed with a psychological or MUS condition before later being rediagnosed as having an organic con...
Excerpt: Research demonstrates that women are often diagnosed with psychological conditions before later being rediagnosed with organic conditions, and are at greater risk than men of having physical symptoms attributed to psychological causes…
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9811844/
“I Just Want to Feel Safe Going to a Doctor”: Experiences of Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia—PMC
Cited text: These experiences were associated with a sense of medical trauma and being “gaslit.” Medical gaslighting is a term that is becoming increasingly commo...
Excerpt: This experience of medical gaslighting is defined as an experience of invalidation, dismissal, and inadequate medical care
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9811844/
“I Just Want to Feel Safe Going to a Doctor”: Experiences of Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia—PMC
Cited text: Several of the women in this study described experiencing trauma because of their health care experiences, rather than as a direct result of their sym...
Excerpt: Several women describe experiencing trauma because of their healthcare experiences, with adverse experiences linked to feelings of being 'gaslit' and associated fear of accessing health services
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9811844/
“I Just Want to Feel Safe Going to a Doctor”: Experiences of Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia—PMC
Cited text: The reported adverse experiences and sense of being disbelieved were linked to use of the words “trauma,” “gaslighting,” and an associated fear of acc...
Excerpt: Several women describe experiencing trauma because of their healthcare experiences, with adverse experiences linked to feelings of being 'gaslit' and associated fear of accessing health services
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9811844/
2 out of 3 women experience discrimination in healthcare | Health, Disability and Ageing Ministers | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Cited text: Almost 3,000 women, healthcare professionals and peak stakeholder groups participated in the survey which asked Australian women to share their experi...
Excerpt: almost 3,000 women participated in a groundbreaking survey revealing that two out of three women reported healthcare-related bias and discrimination
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers...men-experience-discrimination-in-healthcare-0
2 out of 3 women experience discrimination in healthcare | Health, Disability and Ageing Ministers | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Cited text: Consistent themes included feeling dismissed and disbelieved; being stereotyped as ‘hysterical’ and a ‘drama queen’. Women reported that their symptom...
Excerpt: Consistent themes included feeling dismissed and disbelieved, being stereotyped as 'hysterical' and a 'drama queen', with women's symptoms and pain often attributed to menstruation, lifestyle factors, or even 'faking it'
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers...men-experience-discrimination-in-healthcare-0
2 out of 3 women experience discrimination in healthcare | Health, Disability and Ageing Ministers | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Cited text: Two out of three women reported health care-related bias and discrimination. The most common aspects of care in which women experienced gender bias we...
Excerpt: Two thirds of Australian women experience bias and discrimination in healthcare, with the most common issues occurring during diagnosis and treatment.
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers...men-experience-discrimination-in-healthcare-0
Medical gaslighting takes a toll on women’s health
Cited text: Indeed, medical gaslighting can be a double hit for victims, as not only are their realities denied, but they can also experience the long-term effect...
Excerpt: Medical gaslighting can be a double hit for victims, as not only are their realities denied, but they can also experience long-term effects of treatment delays
https://www.re-solveglobalhealth.com/post/medical-gaslighting-takes-a-toll-on-womens-health
Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) - Symptoms and causes—Mayo Clinic
Cited text:
Excerpt: MALS occurs due to compression of the celiac plexus, leading to postprandial and exercise-induced abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, food fear and weight loss.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases...nt-syndrome-mals/symptoms-causes/syc-20505001
Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) - Diagnosis and treatment—Mayo Clinic
Cited text: Stomach pain after eating isn't always due to indigestion.
Excerpt: MALS affects approximately 2 per 100,000 people, with the characteristic patient being more likely to be a young adult female
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases...yndrome-mals/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20505007
Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) - Diagnosis and treatment—Mayo Clinic
Cited text:
Excerpt: MALS affects approximately 2 per 100,000 people, with the characteristic patient being more likely to be a young adult female
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases...yndrome-mals/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20505007
Gastroparesis—Diagnosis and treatment—Mayo Clinic
Cited text:
Excerpt: Surgery on or near the stomach can injure the vagus nerve that coordinates stomach movements.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355792
Dysautonomia: Malfunctions in Your Body’s Automatic Functions
Cited text: These can treat dysautonomia with autoimmune conditions, which happen when your immune system attacks part of your body. ...
Excerpt: a condition causing the heart to beat faster than normal when transitioning from lying to standing, often associated with autoimmune conditions
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6004-dysautonomia
Gastroparesis | healthdirect
Cited text: Although gastroparesis cannot be cured, the symptoms can be relieved.
Excerpt: Gastroparesis and POTS frequently occur together, with digestive issues worsening fatigue and other symptoms, creating a cycle of dysfunction
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastroparesis
Gastroparesis | healthdirect
Cited text: You may find it easier to eat foods that are soft, pureed or liquid. These can be easier to digest.
Excerpt: Gastroparesis and POTS frequently occur together, with digestive issues worsening fatigue and other symptoms, creating a cycle of dysfunction
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastroparesis
“I Just Want to Feel Safe Going to a Doctor”: Experiences of Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia—PMC
Cited text: It is vital that clinicians understand and listen to their patients to provide the best and safest clinical care.
Excerpt: It's vital that clinicians understand and listen to their patients to provide the best and safest clinical care
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9811844/
Gastroparesis—Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD
Cited text:
Excerpt: You may be referred to a gastroenterologist for digestive disorders
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/gastroparesis/
Gastroparesis Symptoms, Treatment, Causes | UCLA Medical School
Cited text: And this is the largest group, according to Dr.The process of getting a gastroparesis diagnosis generally involves several steps, including ruling out...
Excerpt: Many people in Australia with gastroparesis seek natural support and treatments alongside conventional medicine, working with functional medicine specialists to address underlying causes and improve digestive function
https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/gastroparesis-symptoms-treatment-and-causes
Gastroparesis | healthdirect
Cited text: Gastroparesis usually can't be prevented. If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels can help to prevent gastroparesis from developing ...
Excerpt: Proper nutrition and gut health management are critical for POTS patients, with dietary modifications and increased salt intake helping manage symptoms
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastroparesis
“I Just Want to Feel Safe Going to a Doctor”: Experiences of Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia—PMC
Cited text: It is long noted that women are more likely to suffer from MUS or ambiguous, complex chronic illness than men, and that women suffering with these con...
Excerpt: Research shows that Australian women with chronic conditions often experience disempowerment and dismissal through healthcare interactions, highlighting the need for systemic change in medical culture
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9811844/
“I Just Want to Feel Safe Going to a Doctor”: Experiences of Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia—PMC
Cited text: The work presented in this study has important implications for female patient care in an androcentric medical system.
Excerpt: Research shows that Australian women with chronic conditions often experience disempowerment and dismissal through healthcare interactions, highlighting the need for systemic change in medical culture
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9811844/
Gastroparesis—Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD
Cited text: ... Gastroparesis demonstrates a gender bias affecting more women than men.
Excerpt: For specific gastroparesis information, resources are available through Western Sydney University
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/gastroparesis/
Gastroparesis Symptoms, Treatment, Causes | UCLA Medical School
Cited text: Federally funded science is critical to discovering new treatments for disease.
Excerpt: functional medicine specialists in Australia can provide holistic support for complex digestive conditions
https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/gastroparesis-symptoms-treatment-and-causes
2 out of 3 women experience discrimination in healthcare | Health, Disability and Ageing Ministers | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Cited text: “Women’s pain is real and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to addressing health outcomes for women and gender-bias in the health system. “We...
Excerpt: As Australia's Labor Government commits to addressing health outcomes for women and gender bias in the health system, acknowledging that bias leads to poorer health outcomes
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers...men-experience-discrimination-in-healthcare-0
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