Healthy approaches to rare conditions.

In 2006, I was diagnosed with mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) after a “classic” disembarkation trigger event. Even though I was lucky, being given the diagnosis by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) consultant relatively quickly, I soon came across the first pitfall—people doubting me. MdDS is one of many “invisible disabilities,” and this can cause some health professionals to doubt or dismiss the symptoms, even after diagnosis. This is understandable, because we look “normal” (and the ruling-out test results are generally “normal” too), but it can be upsetting for patients. Invisible disabilities can result in stigmatisation, prejudice, and discrimination in our daily lives. For example many people with migraine struggle to get suitable adaptations made in their work places. People with MdDS often lose their jobs because they are deemed to be “uninsurable fall risks,” yet it is extremely hard for them to claim health benefits. If we find that our doctors also don’t acknowledge the symptoms, and the difficulties they cause us, this may feel more shocking than the original diagnosis.