The Sick Gaze

Chronic Illness, Healthcare Biases, and Medical Gaslighting with Shyla Hernandez

Molly Dickerson

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In this episode of The Sick Gaze Podcast, I sit down with Shyla Hernandez, a 21-year-old Hispanic woman navigating life with an undiagnosed neuromuscular condition that brings stroke-like symptoms: mobility challenges, gastrointestinal issues, cognitive difficulties, and more. Shyla shares her journey through the healthcare system in Florence, where she faces repeated dismissal, often seen as just a "young, anxious woman." Together, we explore the challenges she faces not only due to her age and appearance but also because of racial biases that impact her credibility as a patient. Shyla opens up about the painful reality of needing accessibility devices despite not "looking sick" and the gaslighting she endures that makes her doubt her own experiences.

We discuss the exhausting balance of looking “well enough” to be presentable but not so well that her illness is discredited, and the frustration of feeling she can’t express emotion in appointments without it being used against her. Join us for an honest, compassionate conversation about the intersections of gender, race, and invisible illness in a healthcare system that too often overlooks marginalized voices.

Take care of your spoons!
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