Meet Gerry

Shortness of breath · Chest pain · Overwhelming fatigue

Anxiety? Postpartum issues? Being “out of shape”?

OR

Congestive heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension

Gerry’s Story

Hi, my name is Gerry.

When I was 28, I began experiencing strange and unexplained symptoms—shortness of breath, chest pain, and an overwhelming fatigue that didn’t make sense for someone my age.

I was told by multiple doctors that it was anxiety, postpartum issues, or that I was just “out of shape.”

I was dismissed, brushed off, and made to feel like I was exaggerating or imagining things.

Over the course of a year, I had countless urgent care visits and tests, but I kept being told everything looked “normal.”

It wasn’t until a serious ER admission that I was finally correctly diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and congestive heart failure (CHF).

The Cost of Delayed Diagnosis

PAH is a rare, progressive disease—and early detection is critical.

But by the time I was diagnosed, the disease had progressed rapidly, and I was already in severe right heart failure.

The delay in diagnosis could have cost me my life.

Now, I live with continuous, life-sustaining medication to manage a condition that could have been caught and treated much earlier—if only someone had truly listened.

That delay caused unnecessary physical decline, emotional trauma, and a lasting case of medical PTSD that I’m still working through.

I’m sharing my story to raise awareness about medical gaslighting, to encourage others to trust their instincts, and to advocate for themselves.

If you’re reading this and feel like something isn’t right—keep pushing. Ask the hard questions.

You are the expert on your body.

A Message to Other Patients

Don’t let anyone silence you.

Your story, your voice, and your health matter.

Please share this to help others feel seen, heard, and empowered in their medical journeys.