ADVERTISEMENT

As you age, you realize that health is probably the most important thing in life. Hence the memes about discovering marathons, juice cleanses, and chia seeds once you hit 30.

In reality, people tend to start worrying about their health once something is really wrong. According to a recent survey by Aflac, one in four Americans skip regular checkups and wellness appointments because they feel well at that moment.

However, there are many symptoms or conditions we tend to overlook as harmless. It turns out that many of them can have detrimental effects to our health, as became evident after people started sharing things in the thread of "What is a medical condition that is more serious than people realize?"

#1

Person sitting on bed with hooded sweatshirt pulled tight, representing serious medical conditions often dismissed and delayed diagnosis. Depression. May not be the medical but mental side more really. It’s also a silent k**ler. Check in on people once in a while it might actually save a life.

_oooOooo_:

And honestly, it's so serious bc people have no idea what it actually is. They think its laying in bed all day crying. But it's so much more insidious than that. It's chronic fatigue, no interest in the regular things, it's irritability, it's pain, it's isolation, which can lead to major issues like sadness, loneliness, hopelessness and s*****e. It really is a silent, easily masked k**ler that more people need to know about. Being disinterested in everything isn't normal. But its fixable if you know!

RefrigeratorOk5465 , aniel Martinez/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Add photo comments
POST
Ellinor
Community Member
1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And when people learn about some side of depression like not brushing your teeth or showering for months, not changing your clothes or having a bedroom in a state of pure filth, they act all disgusted and say that "but how did you let yourself go that bad?". Well I don't know Janet, probably Depression !

View more commentsArrow down menu
RELATED:
    #2

    Man sitting on bed holding his lower back in pain, illustrating serious medical conditions often dismissed. Having chronic pain.

    People just can’t image never having a break from being stuck with pain… and how it affects basically anything in daily life. Directly and indirectly.

    From systemic sleep deprivation to a full blown depression and all sorts of other health risks.

    Ortofun , Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    The Darkest Timeline
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had shingles about four years ago and I thought to myself, “If I had to live with this sort of pain all the time, I have no idea how I’d enjoy anything.” It only lasted about 3-4 weeks. So, to those of you who have any type of chronic pain, I offer my sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #3

    Young woman wrapped in a blanket, holding her head in pain, representing serious medical conditions often dismissed. Autoimmune disease. It’s painful, silent and not easy to diagnose.

    johnstonb:

    It takes ON AVERAGE 10 years to get diagnosed after the onset of symptoms. In the meantime doctors are completely dismissive of your symptoms. You are tired because you are “depressed”. Your hair is falling out because “stress.” Meanwhile you feel like you’re going crazy.

    ChefCarolina:

    I lost 6 years of my life, was put on every anti-depressant/anti-psychotic medication, was diagnosed as Bipolar, and was eventually locked up in a mental institution.
    All because it never occurred to my doctors to check my thyroid.

    Teeeeeeeenie , Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    EmAdoresHerKats🇮🇪🇩🇿🇵🇸
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It took 20 years and multiple miscarriages to get diagnosed with sle. They made it seem I was making it up.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #4

    Young woman in black top showing signs of fatigue and discomfort indoors, representing serious medical conditions diagnosis delay. Migraines, they can be totally debilitating and increase the likelihood of other serious neurological disorders.

    faithle97:

    I literally had one so bad I was begging for my husband to drive me to the hospital because I thought something had to be horribly wrong. I’ve had migraines off and on my whole life but that one came out of nowhere, was my first one with aura, was the most intense one I’ve ever felt, and had me puking nonstop for about 5 hours before my husband came home from work. They ended up doing stroke testing at the hospital because of how severe and different that migraine presented compared to all my previous ones. I was on hormonal birth control at the time and the ER doctor told me to stop taking it immediately even though all my stroke testing came back negative.

    takethepain-igniteit:

    My husband has had chronic almost daily migraines for almost 20 years. It's debilitating! His life revolves around how his head feels. It's the worst during the summer months, he spends days to weeks in our bedroom with blackout curtains drawn and an eye mask on. I feel so horrible that I can't help him. He's tried numerous medications, injections, supplements, diet changes, etc and nothing helps. He's seen all different types of doctors to try to nail down the cause but no one can figure it out. I can't imagine being in the amount of pain he is in most days, but he is still the nicest, most positive person I know.

    Quickhurryupslowdown , Hans Isaacson/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ynyrhydref56
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep. And no, it's not the same as a headache. I say to people that migraine is a whole body experience.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    Young man in deep thought with arms wrapped around knees, illustrating serious medical conditions often dismissed. ADHD. It's definitely commonly recognized and treated but I don't think most non-ADHD people truly understand how frustrating it is living with it. Your whole life revolves around it, because unless you're always keeping it in check, you can't live in normal society, and it's f*****g exhausting having to always be hyper aware of everything you do. Your productivity, your memory, your sensory perception, all of that, is by default, hindered permanently compared to a neurotypical person, but unfortunately, most things are built around neurotypical capabilities (working 9-5, etc.) and it's so mentally draining to force yourself to adapt to that culture.

    Meds and good habits help but they can only do so much. No matter what you do or take, you will sooner or later fall into a cycle of procrastination, of forgetfulness, of "ADHD paralysis", of sensory overstimulation, and it f*****g sucks because it's so difficult to explain to people. It's become so normalized that most people, at least the ones I've talked to, think you're overplaying it or that it's not that big of a deal.

    Frysken , Pablo Merchán Montes/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ellinor
    Community Member
    1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ADHD is a handicap and I will keep fighting for people to accept that. And I am tired of people telling me that I shouldn't "make my life revolve about it" when it's the whole way my brain is wired.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    “It Gets Romanticized”: 50 Medical Issues That Are Far Worse Than People Think Being knocked out with a blow to the head. TV and movies treat it like a nearly harmless off-switch. In reality, if someone loses consciousness due to head trauma it should always be treated as a medical emergency.

    bh4th , Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ace
    Community Member
    6 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be higher. If you've lost consciousness, even for a second, then you have a concussion, that is literally what it means, Symptoms may not appear until hours later. There have been several celebrity deáths as a result on an untreated blow to the head in an accident,.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #7

    Young woman biting nails and holding wrist, showing signs of anxiety related to serious medical conditions diagnosis delays Anxiety. The stress on your body causes SO many other issues.

    czerniana , Gabriel Ponton/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Lorraine Woollands
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have had depression and anxiety for most of my adult life, my parents never understood. I used to get comments from them like" straighten that face,,or she's sulking again, or things like talk to people,they think you are rude"

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #8

    Young woman with tattoos looking at herself in a mirror, symbolizing serious medical conditions often dismissed and delayed diagnosis. In my opinion: Anorexia nervosa.

    It is the deadliest Mental disorder and (at least in Germany) you need to be underweight to get treatment.

    And it gets f*cking romanticized nowadays and in the past - especially in girls. (And guys don't get taken seriously if they have it, so everyone is f*cked).

    Exotic-Fan5062 , Jayson Hinrichsen/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rachel Reynolds
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As some one with and ED, Yes. And it doesn't really go away (at 45, I still get triggered)

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Woman holding a blanket and looking thoughtful, representing the delay in diagnosis of serious medical conditions. Endometriosis— Some women feel Level 10 pain every month and have to miss school and work because they can’t get out of bed.

    embarrassedburner:

    Widespread nerve pain in various body regions, lung collapse, urinary, digestive, menstrual, sexual, reproductive, cognitive, mood, and fatigue symptoms. People have no idea how debilitating this disease can be.

    True_Caramel_6810 , Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Pregnant woman standing in a living room, highlighting serious medical conditions that often take years to get diagnosed. Pregnancy.

    creepyging923:

    It seems like people forget that women still regularly die while pregnant and during child birth.

    nomcormz , Brooke Cagle/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And black women way more often, 4x, even in European countries.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #11

    Woman administering an injection to her upper arm representing serious medical conditions often dismissed and delayed diagnosis. Type 1 Diabetes. A lot of people have no idea that you will die without insulin.

    orbit99za:

    Type 1 diabetes

    It really is an invisible fight.

    You need injections up to 3+ times a day to survive.

    You had better get your calculations right, because insulin is so potent. If wrong, you have literally k****d yourself.

    People confuse it with Type 2 diabetes and blame it on bad eating habits.

    In all honesty, they should have named it something else.

    Source: Type 1 diabetic.

    handler207 , Sweet Life/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    "Disembodied voice"
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also remember that type 2 diabetes isn't just from bad eating habits, genetics and some medications are big factors.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #12

    Close-up of a woman’s neck and shoulder area highlighting signs of serious medical conditions often dismissed and delayed diagnosis. Thyroidism, hypo or hyper. It impacts the heart, the lungs/breathing, mental health, weight, hair and nails, etc. if you're feeling super tired, out of breath doing usual task, heart palpitations, please demand a full thyroid panel. They will try and push TSH. This test only catches levels at the time of blood draw. Demand the full panel looking at T3, T4, TSH. It's treatable with a pill a day.

    witchcraftbaddie , Faruk Tokluoğlu/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    James016
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My wife has an under active thyroid. Her T4 levels can be very high.its so hard to manage as there are days where she just crashes out.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #13

    Woman with long dark hair covering her face with hands, representing serious medical conditions often dismissed before diagnosis. CPTSD. It isn’t just a mental illness, it can alter your genetic expression and is basically severe nervous system injury/dysfunction resulting in a host of bodily issues and physical disorders that often leads to a shortened life span.

    Quiet_Cat_986 , Marlos Pomin/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #14

    A doctor wearing blue gloves examining a woman's ear with an otoscope for serious medical conditions diagnosis. Tinnitus.

    Kitchen_Beat_9965:

    100% I developed this 2 months ago and haven’t slept more than an hour a night since. It’s absolute hell. People commit s**cide from it and I understand why.

    DCguurl , Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    PeepPeep the duck
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worked at a hearing aid place for a while (ampliphon), if you can get to an audiologist for an assessment, we will ask questions about it before you go in and see them, to see what scale end you’re on, hearing devices can help with really bad tinnitus but you have to wear them as prescribed and not as you want etc, it can take a few months but your brain will start rewiring per say

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #15

    Elderly person in glasses holding neck, portraying discomfort linked to serious medical conditions often dismissed. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Anyone that has it will agree. People who don’t understand it think it’s like the type or osteoarthritis that comes with age and just wear and tear on your joints but it’s actually a serious autoimmune disease and affects tendons and ligaments and vital organs as well as joints. It’s a debilitating and progressive disease and treatment with serious DMARDS or biologics is not optional. There’s no cure and it’s a lifelong battle with treatments that cause side effects and suddenly stop working.

    It’s not just sore joints.

    Very frustrating but don’t see the ignorance or attitude changing in the near future.

    Commercial_Okra7519 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have RA and this is where I learned the difference between fatigue and just being drowsy.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #16

    Woman sitting in bed holding her abdomen and a glass of water, depicting serious medical conditions often dismissed. PCOS. While it's not disabling, the symptoms have dominated my life since puberty and into my 30s and foreseeable future. It's not just irregular periods and intense pain when it comes. It's nearly 2 decades battle with acne that is more than "you need to wash your face and use topicals". It's endless frustration being told that to get rid of it I must lose weight, not understanding why the same diet and exercise regiments weren't working for me as for my friends only to learn at 30 that PCOS gives me insulin resistance and I have to eat less and completely different. A battle to look normal.

    And I don't even have the infertility struggles and hair growth issues that other PCOS sufferers have to endure.

    Majestic_Frosting316 , Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #17

    Person drinking water from a public fountain illustrating health awareness of serious medical conditions diagnosis delay. Dehydration. It can impair brain function and cause organ failure and death. It’s also easier than you think to become dehydrated.

    notade50 , Curated Lifestyle/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also if you're swaeting enough to become dehydrated, you'll need salts. Crisps might just save your life. Or not, but why take the risk

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #18

    Person checking blood pressure at home, highlighting challenges in diagnosing serious medical conditions early. High blood pressure. We don’t call it “the silent k**ler” for nothing.

    Secure-Persimmon-421:

    Oof, for real! I left my hypertension undiagnosed and untreated for numerous years. No one thought it was true for me bc I was “so young to have high bp” in my early and mid 20s. But heart probs run in my fam and I had all the high-rick behavior. When I got on meds, it was a game changer and I feel so much better.

    JoMoBloMo , Oleg Ivanov/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Peeka_Mimi
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I may have hypertension. I was at the VA and my BPM shot up to 166. They wouldnt let me go until I stabilized. Which I did with propranolol. I suspect it's POTS and have an appointment with a cardiologist on 10/17/25.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #19

    Young man with blurred face showing distress, representing serious medical conditions often dismissed and delayed diagnosis. Epilepsy.

    People think my life isn't being impacted just because I'm not currently having a seizure. That's not the only symptom. It's so common, yet people generally know nothing about it.

    LadyPickleLegs , Vinicius "amnx" Amano/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Dread Pirate Roberts
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mine is idiomatic. I wonder if they'll ever figure out the cause for cases like mine. I'm very fortunate that the medication I'm on has kept it under control for nearly 20 years.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #20

    “It Gets Romanticized”: 50 Medical Issues That Are Far Worse Than People Think Alcoholism. In a LOT of circles getting completely hammered every single night of the week is seen as common place and even amusing. The physical health aspect alone is disastrous not to mention the mental mental health piece is completely nightmarish. I got out of it before things got too bad for me, but I was easily heading down a road you don’t want to be on. Quitting drinking 100% saved my life in more ways than one.

    eggflip1020 , christopher lemercier/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    April M
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It got so bad for me, black-out drunk every night for about a year. I ended up in the hospital, unconscious and yellow. Had many procedures, surgeries, etc., during a 7 month stay in the hospital. Learned to walk, talk, eat, write etc., again. Please get help to anyone that's struggling!!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #22

    Man lying down with hands on stomach, possibly feeling unwell, illustrating serious medical conditions often dismissed. Sleep apnea. Not gonna be able to breathe in one night and that’ll be the end for you.

    Fit_Elk_1269:

    Sleep apnea !! A lot of people brush it off as just snoring, but it can seriously mess with your heart, brain, mood, and overall energy. Left untreated, it raises your risk for stroke, heart disease, and even memory problems. It's more than just being tired ,it affects your whole body.

    Alarmed-Extension289:

    Sleep Apnea, it pretty much affects you and your partners quality of life.

    dead_wax_museum , Curated Lifestyle/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Colleen Glim
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband got a cpap after a sleep apnea diagnosis six years ago. Game changer. I no longer want to smother him in his sleep. He sleeps better because he’s not jerking awake multiple times an hour. I sleep better because I’m not trying to sleep through snores that would register on the Richter scale

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #24

    “It Gets Romanticized”: 50 Medical Issues That Are Far Worse Than People Think Dental care. The smallest thing can exacerbate into full blown health crisis.

    SWNMAZporvida , Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    SchadenFreudian Psychology
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And (at least in the U.S.) dental “insurance” is a joke. I’d like to do something to whoever decided teeth are not part of your overall health.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #25

    “It Gets Romanticized”: 50 Medical Issues That Are Far Worse Than People Think Chronic stress. It wreaks havoc on the body. Mixed with poor sleep. You are asking for increased chances of stroke, heart attack, chronic conditions, obesity, addictions (food/smoking included) and it leads to depression which can worsen sedentary lifestyle and then it’s just a mess. Take good care of yourselves friends! Be in nature, drink water, w**d out toxic people, don’t let people make you feel guilty!

    FreeLitt1eBird , Leman/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Colleen Glim
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hustle culture is so bad for us as people. I hope everybody can one day be able to take a day off work and not have to worry about it impacting wages. I know Europe has this mostly sorted. Sadly, North America doesn’t. Especially the US

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #26

    Woman with hand on face looking worried, representing serious medical conditions often dismissed before diagnosis. HPV. Can cause cervical, uterine, ovarianand esophageal cancer. But it's commonly looked at as "most people get it at some point in their life, it'll go away on its own in a few years"

    And HSV (herpes/cold sores) can be deadly for babies.

    Ask4Answers_ , Michael Heise/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Colleen Glim
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Get your HPV vaccine ladies. I don’t want any woman to have to go through what I went through. Rare version of cervical cancer. Surgery, chemo, and radiation. 0/10. Would not reccommend

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #27

    Small tick inside a clear tube held between fingers, highlighting serious medical conditions often dismissed and undiagnosed. Lyme disease. Doctors in my country are just starting to take it seriously.

    Far-Prune-5343:

    Failed lyme treatment after 20 years of undiagnosed Lyme has left me with multiple impairments, ranging from hearing loss to arthritis and chronic pain. I started trying to get a diagnosis for my mystery illness as soon as it started but got no result til 2023 when a neuro finally tested me for Lyme. I've spent thousands upon thousands and lost countless days of life to this condition. People have no clue how debilitating Lyme is unless they've experienced it. I'm sending all my best wishes for good days to you. I'm sorry you're experiencing the brutality Lyme causes.

    Velvet_Thunder_Jones , Marino Linic/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rachel Reynolds
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know this is about humans, but my father's dog just died because of lyme disease. Pets are susceptible too. He's a bachelor, so it;s hard on him.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #28

    “It Gets Romanticized”: 50 Medical Issues That Are Far Worse Than People Think OCD. Have watched it paralyze bright people and their families and create physical, social, and financial illness.

    It is under-diagnosed and even when diagnosed, exceptionally hard to treat without highly specific therapy approaches most people can’t access. We have not found the d**g target for it.

    I wonder often if eating disorders (especially severe AN) and a few other somatiform psychiatric conditions (like Munchausen and those with chronic, undiagnosable ailments) are OCD by another name.

    It’s very real and very damaging, and its power is under-appreciated.

    oasis_in_space10 , Kateryna Hliznitsova/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    idek
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was looking for this one. As someone with OCD, I can confirm that it really is terrible. It makes everyday things so much harder to get through than people without it.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #29

    Doctor examining patient’s skin with dermatoscope, highlighting serious medical conditions often dismissed and delayed diagnosis. Melanoma. It’s deadlier than breast cancer yet people don’t take it seriously.

    KeeksGalore:

    My grandmother died of melanoma. It was a very long and painful process.

    I also had my first melanoma (stage 2) at 17 (back in 2003) and at the time there were less than 50 documented cases in the US in people under 18. I’ve actually been referenced in many medical journals and textbooks which I hate.

    chantillylace9 , Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #30

    Close-up of mold growth on a surface, illustrating common overlooked signs in serious medical conditions diagnosis delays. Mold exposure/toxicity. Which leads to parasitic infections, candida, heavy metals, SIBO…not even most holistic docs will touch it or understand it, either….

    ConsciousFyah , Sandy Millar/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Science Nerd
    Community Member
    1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When house-hunting after a major flooding event, one house we were shown was being treated for black mold. Dropped off our list immediately.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #32

    BPD.

    Effective-Fudge5985:

    It is statistically the deadliest personality disorder. Most people attempt to commit s**cide within 5 years of their diagnosis. People can downvote me to hell idc. I'm damn near an expert in this subject so they can take their projection and ignorance and vote away!!! It won't change facts.

    Effective-Fudge5985 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Clare 1283
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's often the most misunderstood personality disorder as well, not helped by TV shows. Most people think we're either making it up or we're psychopaths. It's not nice to live with and there is no quick fix. Most of us are also aware we're not easy to live with.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #33

    Trigeminal neuralgia. It is described as one of the most painful diseases known to medical science. It can be different for everyone. It’s pretty rare so many neurologists and neurosurgeons can go their entire career and never encounter a patient with it. It can feel like electric shocks through your head, or an ice pick in the ear. Stabbing sharp or drilling dull. It can be accompanied by a chronic migraine. Some people can’t eat or drink because it’s too painful. Even a light breeze can trigger an attack. It’s progressive so you can’t just get better on your own. Many times the d***s work for a short period of time or don’t work at all. Surgery is your only hope if it is viable. Some surgeries can last for 5 years. It’s not going to be the thing that kills you medically, but it is known as the s*****e disease.

    SaltyOctopusTears Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    emily_harvey116
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've had 2 brain surgeries for it in the last 3 years and I still have pain. Plus, the last surgery cost me my hearing in my right ear. The pain of a TN attack is indescribable and unpredictable.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #34

    Bipolar Disorder. Depression and mania can cause actual brain damage.

    DaisyMaeMiller1984 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #35

    Most mental health disorders, especially those who have more than one and are undiagnosed/untreated. I feel like many people brush it off like “haha I feel so depressed” but mental health disorders can be so dangerous and silent if the person is good at masking them.

    faithle97 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Maisie Bramble
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have two diagnosed mental disorders (Generalized anxiety disorder and autism) and probably more undiagnosed. Yeah, it's pretty bad.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #36

    Middle-aged man checking blood pressure at home, highlighting serious medical conditions often dismissed and diagnosed late. High blood pressure needs to be treated and lowered right away.

    It’s a ticking time bomb and many people are content to just accept they have it.

    JD054 , Oleg Ivanov/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #37

    Sepsis. Many think it’s just a bad infection, but it’s a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ failure and death if not treated quickly. Early signs like confusion, rapid breathing, or extreme chills should never be ignored.

    ColdAntique291 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    SnackbarKaat
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had it as a toddler, the doctor my mum went to lost his baby boy to it. So he recognized it.. poor man

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #39

    Type II Diabetes. Have known people who were undetected or thought they were borderline until they had other associated issues, like heart attacks or kidney issues!!

    CURRYmawnster Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #40

    Heartburn...
    Can cause throat cancer.

    lil_squib:

    I used to have GERD so bad but have thankfully been able to control it through diet changes and making sure I don’t overeat very often. It’s a hellish condition.

    DoubleSunPossum Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Katiekat
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to be super morbidly obese -- lost 200 lbs over the years -- and as soon as I hit 315 pounds, all heartburn just stopped. Such an oddly specific number, but the body is weird. And then I realized just how much antacids I had at home and in my vehicle! I now have heartburn maybe 2-4 times a year, which my doctor says is normal.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #41

    Close-up of a person holding their abdominal area, illustrating symptoms of serious medical conditions often dismissed. Being overweight by too much.

    FuzzyInterview81:

    Yes, Obesity even mild obesity, made worse by over processed food options and lack of exercise. Will cause type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and extra strain on the heart, lungs, and liver. Cholesterol. . .
    A very first world issue.

    Justthefacts6969 , Towfiqu barbhuiya/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First world, but also poverty is a key factor. Bad food is cheap food.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #43

    Patient with abdominal pain being examined by doctor, highlighting serious medical conditions often dismissed and delayed diagnosis. Urinary Tract Infections. Lots of elderly people end up with broken hips or even blood infections that begin as UTIs.

    Emergency-Economy654 , Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Becca not Becky
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If an elderly person is acting more confused than normal, first thing to rule out is a UTI. Untreated, it can become sepsis.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #44

    Eating disorders in general, all varieties of them.

    lil_squib Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #45

    Progressive Scoliosis.

    Sniflix:

    That's ruined my life. My pediatricians were informed of it by school and sports doctors and said "aw it's nothing". I just had my 6th back surgery plus 6 joint replacements because my effed up spine destroyed my gait which led to osteoarthritis throughout my body. This is from decades ago so those doctors are long gone. That's good because I would un-live them and end up in prison.

    Secure-Persimmon-421 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Colleen Glim
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had back surgery at 17 for scoliosis. This was in the mid eighties. Remember even medical schools have bottom of the class graduates

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #46

    Psoriasis. When diagnosed I thought it was just a “rash” of sorts. Oh, how wrong I was. I miss that ignorance and bliss.

    Icy_Animal7960 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    James016
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am trying to get an appointment with a dermatologist to see if there are any biologics that can treat mine. Also need to see someone to check if I am developing psoriatic arthritis. My leg is very painful at the moment

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #47

    Shingles.

    Ok-Half7574 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sportsgal
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had shingles as a teenager. Imagine feeling like you're on fire AND being electrocuted at the same time! Keeps you awake for as long as you have it. Terrible!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #48

    Narcissistic personality disorder.

    Affectionate_Bug8166:

    Will never see my mother again because of this.

    trinathetruth Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #49

    ICU nurse here! Here’s some that people honestly don’t think about:

    1. High blood pressure. As your blood pressure continues to be elevated your body adapts so you don’t feel the side effects meanwhile your arteries are just waiting to burst. I’ve had patients with a BP of 230/110 and be like “that’s where I’m usually at” with no headaches or anything. F*****g wild. A cough/sneeze away from a hemorrhagic stroke.

    2. Diabetes. Same thing with BP. I have patients who live in the 400-500 and when I bring their sugars to 200 they become symptomatic for hypoglycemia because their body is so accustomed to hyperglycemic states, that trying to bring it to normal makes them feel all the classic hypoglycemic symptoms. It destroys your arteries and veins too because your blood becomes molasses and the sugar compounds are “sharp” and can cause microvascular cuts and tears.

    3. Changes in bowel habits: this can be a plethora of causes ranging from bacterial/viral/parasitic causes, to cancer, to bowel obstruction (had a patient with a severe ileus and was vomiting feces), etc. Also had a friend who had one of the GI surgeries for weight loss, started having abnormal bowel habits a year later, ended up with a volvulus and by the time they caught it he was full blown MODS and died 24 hours later.

    4. Atrial fibrillation. Patients just think it’s an abnormal heart rhythm but it can cause so many f*****g problems. It can cause your heart to create clots and throw them into *any* artery. Most common is heart attack and stroke but any artery is susceptible to infarction. Had a guy die in my ICU, uncontrolled a fib, threw a clot to the mesenteric artery, caused his bowel to die, eventually his bowel ruptured and died of MODS.

    5. Melanoma. Can be very malignant and stealth. Very important to get yearly skin checks, wear sunscreen, and early treatment.

    adamiconography Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Becca not Becky
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    MODS: multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Most often related to advanced states of shock. Once you get far enough into MODS, you're a goner.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #50

    Juvenile arthritis. The constant inflammation can be destructive. It can also cause uveitis. It's a hell of an invisible ailment.

    Charming-Start Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #51

    Changes in bowel habits - don’t delay investigations.

    ImpactFlimsy5376:

    Seriously! And if your Dr doesn't take you seriously, find someone else. I nearly died from fecal impaction throughout my entire large intestine and even going into my small intestine. My Dr actually had a go at me for "complaining about symptoms that were just annoying but not serious" for YEARS before referring me to a GI specialist and I would have saved myself a lot of pain and malnutrition if I'd just gotten a second opinion earlier

    sprinklywinks Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    geezeronthehill
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nearly lost our older brother to this last year. Embarrassment held him back from seeking help.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #52

    Fatty liver. 40% of people have it, and it can lead to cirrhosis. You don’t even need a heavy drinker.

    teraflopclub:

    Fatty Liver isn't just fat in & around the liver, if you have it there you may have it around other organs. I was diagnosed with Fatty Liver, also fat around the heart and even an enlarged heart, and was close to being obese. I turned that all around. But Fatty Liver can proceed to Cirrhosis and eventually you'll need a transplant if viable. A variety of other ailments follow an inflamed liver such as high blood pressure. Once I rid myself of Fatty Liver, I also rid myself of high blood pressure and a dozen other problems.

    noisetheorem Report

    #53

    Pediatric asthma. We’ve been to the PICU twice and she’s only 3. It’s scary how rhinovirus can trigger respiratory distress.

    Frosty-Turnover-1814:

    I had pediatric asthma and I am still traumatized about it. My son has it too and when he has an episode I panic so hard that I basically black out. My husband has to completely take over. It's terrifying.

    dhollifilm:

    Asthma, especially for children and if uncontrolled. A bad attack can randomly onset, and it can k**l within a short space of time...sometimes in less time than it takes for an ambulance to arrive.

    Asthma was weirdly made fun of in a few 80's/90's movies by way of an unfit nerdy kid always needing his inhaler when he got nervous. This attitude still holds sway in much of the general population.

    But Asthma k**ls people every day. An estimated half-a-million souls every year. A few of these are kids.

    I've had it since I was a little boy, a child of the 80's myself. Had some close calls, but it's well-controlled these days with Viani control medication. However, a bacterial lung-infection from a flu or cold can outrank the medicine, leaving the Asthma out-of-control (where not even the reliever-medicine - Salbutamol - helps). So even those with controlled asthma are still always at risk...

    External-Ad-5642 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ynyrhydref56
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And anyone can get postviral asthma. I got treatment for that a couple of years back.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #54

    Broken heart.

    nationwideonyours:

    My mother absolutely died of this when she found out my father had a long-term mistress.

    Winger61 Report

    #55

    Hives/urticaria

    From: “Oh, it just really itches” to blacking out from a massive blood pressure drop with your airway closing up.

    DolphinsBreath Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Colleen Glim
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hives are a symptom, not a disease. Allergies are the disease. If you have hives and difficulty breathing, get to an emergency room

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #56

    Anemia. Not only are there very serious types, like sickle cell that can be extremely painful and life threatening. But even plain old iron deficiency anemia can be extremely debilitating and difficult to treat.

    I have regular old iron deficiency anemia. It's caused by extremely heavy and constant menstruation from a combination of uterine fibroids and bilateral ovarian masses that are quite literally the size of small melons. I am scheduled for surgery in September, but I need to manage as best I can until then. The fatigue and tiredness I feel is beyond description. Some days I can barely even make myself get up to go to the bathroom. Most days I can only muster up enough energy to be functional for a couple of hours. I can't drive long distances anymore, I'm worried it's not safe. I'm always cold, my hair is falling out, and my skin is dry and itchy. I also get sores in my mouth and bruises that never heal. I take supplements, eat an iron rich diet, and have infusions but it's slow going to actually see improvement. The anemia and the treatments I've undergone to help fix it have caused a cascade of other vitamin and mineral deficiencies that have their own side effects. I can't be out in the sun, or I break out in hives.

    Some of my issues have been caused by the bleeding itself, like dehydration and hypovolemia. People, even some doctors, don't understand that severe cases of anemia can be debilitating. My whole life is more or less on pause right now because of these issues.

    kmill0202 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've had iron deficiency anemia pre-puberty and post-menopausal, which is unusual. At one point I was being treated by a hematologist, getting iron infusions every couple of weeks for about a year. Supplements and diets have it under control for now.

    #57

    Diverticulitis.

    Rosy-Lee-1974:

    Agreed. I had diverticulitis three times last year and ended up having 6 inches of my colon removed in December. The ironic thing is my son had diverticulitis a week before my planned surgery. He was hospitalized for 12 days. His colon ruptured while he was inpatient . Things could have gone really wrong for him. I’m thankful every day that the things happen the way they did. He was on the operating table within a couple hours of it happening. We were in the rooms next-door to each other. My poor husband just went back-and-forth between us. We’re both doing well now.

    MinnieCastavets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #58

    Impacted wisdom teeth. I almost died from mine.

    MeggyGrex Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Clown fish
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No you didn't almost die because of the kind of tooth you almost died because it would have been infected and you didn't get it looked at right away.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #59

    Cervical cancer.

    Flashy-Field-6095:

    I'm currently on Hospice bc of this. Get your screenings. I was 37 when I was diagnosed with Stage IV Cancer.

    Individual-Writing25 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Colleen Glim
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Get your Pap smears. They’re awkward and uncomfortable but mine saved my life

    #60

    Ulcer/ bleeding ulcer.

    semi_waohmica Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I nearly died of a bleeding ulcer that was so big, my surgeon said it was the largest he'd ever seen. Had to stay in hospital on a Nexium drip for a week. Narrowly avoided having to have a blood transfusion.

    #61

    Close-up of a person with inflamed lip and teeth, highlighting symptoms of serious medical conditions often dismissed. Gum disease. Raises your risk of heart attack.

    NanaPapa2 , Fellipe Ditadi/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #62

    Lymphedema.

    It's not just a cosmetic issue. It can lead to loss of mobility, infection, neuropathy, and risk of clots in the limb.

    Alltheprettydresses Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #63

    Cellulitis...

    Most people either ignore it or just think it'll heal up. Don't screw around with it. That put me into the hospital twice. We're talking hooked up to IV antibiotics for 14 to 16 hours a day. One time, doc said I was a day or two from going into sepsis.

    GroundWitty7567 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Robert Beveridge
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cellulitis has nearly killed me twice. My right calf is a time bomb. Almost certain this is eventually how I'll buy it.

    #64

    Nurse adjusting hospital bed sheets for a patient in a medical setting, highlighting serious medical conditions diagnosis. B12 defficiency, if not treated correct or in time it destroys your whole body. Sometimes irreversible.

    Alesdo1986 , Ben Iwara/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #65

    Cushings Disease/hypercortisolism it is rare but fatal left untreated.

    EndocrineExpert Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #66

    Gout. Feels like your bones are breaking from the inside out, the pain is so much more excruciating than anyone realizes. But that’s not the serious bit- prolonged gout can permanently damage joints, and eventually lead to major kidney issues.

    KongUnleashed Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    kiteman
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gout is the most painful thing ever, and I have broken my leg twice. Gout one time (had many attacks) gave me a 104 fever and my leg tripled in size and I had to crawl to the bathroom as it was completely useless due to the pain.

    #67

    IBS and the flares sufferers have. It can absolutely be debilitating, shameful and embarrassing and very painful. And there’s no cure, just a way to manage it. And even then you may not get a proper diagnosis because the gut is quite complex.🤷‍♀️.

    rochey1010 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    James016
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My IBS diagnosis was it not being bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel syndrome. But yes, the worry of it striking when you cannot get to a toilet takes it toll. When I used to drive to work I would keep a spare pair of underwear in my bag just in case I got caught short on the journey. Manage as best I can but something you eat will be fine one day and not the next.

    #68

    High prolactin-have a 2cm tumor chilling on my pituitary gland. It can happen to women and men. Causes all sorts of issues, and it’s easily misdiagnosed.

    LumpyShoe8267 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #69

    Gingivitis...can contribute to heart problems.

    wanderlust8288 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST