WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS NOW
I’ve seen patients arrive at my office in tears after being told: “It’s all in your head.”
Those five words don’t just dismiss symptoms, they dismiss a person.
Too often, the truth is this: the right tests weren’t done, or the details were overlooked.
Respond to this email if you or a loved one have ever experienced this. Dr. Storage and I want to hear from you.
Today’s Opponent:
Medical Dismissal
Being sick is hard. But being told you’re not really sick, and it’s all in your head... that can make things many magnitudes worse.
I’ve had patients come to me after months, sometimes years, of being told that their stomach pain, reflux, or fatigue was “just stress” or “in their head.”
Here’s the reality: “normal” tests DON'T always mean nothing is wrong.
Sometimes the scan wasn’t done correctly. Sometimes the right biopsies weren’t taken. Sometimes the details were missed. And it’s those details that often hold the answer.
Just last week, I met a patient who had been told everything was fine. Their CT scan? “Normal.” Their colonoscopy? “Normal.”
So their doctor’s verdict: “It must be in your head.”
Except the CT was done without contrast. In other words, an incomplete test. And the colonoscopy? No biopsies. Which meant microscopic disease was never even checked for.
When I repeated the workup properly, we found the real problem. The relief on that patient’s face was unforgettable.
Not just because we had a diagnosis, but because someone finally said, “You’re not crazy. I believe you.”
I think about this a lot. As a board-certified interventional gastroenterologist, I believe it is my duty to not just be a tending physician, but also:
A Listener. My first job is to hear your story without judgment. Many answers come from the details you share, not just the labs or the scan.
An Investigator. Tests can be flawed, incomplete, or misinterpreted. My duty is to dig deeper, order the right study, and not stop until the puzzle makes sense.
A Healer. A diagnosis without compassion isn’t enough. Healing is about restoring dignity and trust, not just prescribing treatment.
And then there’s the anxiety layer. I’ve read stories, like one from a young person online who wrote:
“My doctor says it’s all in my head. Meanwhile I’m dealing with chest tightness, stomach pain, headaches, and dizziness every single day.”
Yes, anxiety can cause real physical symptoms. But here’s the truth: real symptoms deserve real attention.
Anxiety doesn’t erase them. And being dismissed only makes both the anxiety and the illness worse.
If any of this is resonates with you, respond to this email. Dr. Storage and I want to hear your story. Because your story matters. And it helps us provide the best medical care possible.
In the meantime, here’s:
What To Tell Your Doctor
“My tests may look normal, but my symptoms are not. Can we talk about what else might be going on, or should I seek a second opinion?”
What’s On Your Mind?
Respond to this email and let us know!
As gastroenterologists, we definitely have a lot to talk about when it comes to your gut health and well-being. But we can’t always get to everything (you know… like coffee enemas)! So reply directly to this email or DM us on TikTok below and maybe YOUR topic will be featured soon!
