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Hey hun not sure if even see this but I wanted to reach out and say I have a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (the EDS they were talking about in the quote you read) and it’s very frequently misdiagnosed (if diagnosed at all since it’s so rarely recognized for what it is) but I just wanted to let you know about it just in case your doctor hasn’t looked into it since you mentioned the back injury and all the scans because the kind of EDS I have causes me to have a ton of joint injuries (including my spine) because my joints are too hyper mobile and I dislocate/subluxate at least one joint daily. I know it’s a long shot I just felt like I should say something just in case it could help you out someone else in the event you actually read this or someone else sees it. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have way more good days than bad and that you have lots and lots of spoons :) -your fellow invisible chronic illness spoonie :) P.S. thank you for that message for us it hit me right in the feels but I really appreciated and needed that ❤
As a two-time cancer survivor I can’t watch these types of stories, but I want to leave a comment to support you, SWOOP. Keep on being a voice for the fighters!
My gastroenterologist is setting up a liver biopsy for me as we speak. She has to get insurance approval. I'm frightened and praying. I've never been a drinker. Then, I found 3 stories on one day about people faking cancer or other terminal diseases. I wonder how they would feel if they actually got that phone call from their doctor.
My boyfriend is also a two-time cancer survivor, once as a child and again as a young adult. He lost his leg to radiation therapy. These kind of stories about people faking cancer or other illnesses absolutely infuriate me.
As an RN who has worked with Sickle Cell patients for 15 years, i am LIVID that she faked having Sickle Cell. Its a horrifically painful and debilitating disease and it drastically shortens the lifespan of its sufferers. I STILL mourn some of my patients. She should have to face consequences for that lie.
@@Chandapanda101It primarily affects one race, but it isn't exclusive. There are white or white passing people with sickle cell, it's just a lot less common.
I think you’re referencing Tara Brown, the journalist interviewing her in 60 minutes. She’s won a special place in my heart for that interview. Calm, cool and collected, but not taking any of Belle’s bs
@@DanataD sadly, i think most of those journalists are not on the biggest TV stations :/ Frontline PBS does great work but i don't know if that counts lol
I had a bone growth the size of an egg show up on an x-ray. I was sent to an orthopedic doctor who said it was bone cancer and I would have to have it removed. I freaked out and told my friends and family. After a month of tests and scans I was finally sent to an oncologist. He said it wasn’t cancer. It was the growth plate on my pelvic bone that grew incorrectly and stopped growing in my teens. I nearly fell out! He said to leave it alone. Surgery would do more harm than good. I was so relieved. Then I was embarrassed when telling everyone it wasn’t cancer. I can’t imagine lying about something like that for the attention! That crap is scary!
In the early 2000’s in high school I sat next to a girl in my typing class and she was super cool. Very nice and we got along. Later… around 2010ish I see some Facebook posts going around in my community about how she was diagnosed with cancer (I don’t remember specifically which kind) but at this time she was already married and had a little boy. Videos from her friends begging for support and encouragement. Her family did all of the medical stuff and nothing was working. Her and her family were so desperate in the end to do anything that would help. They would post she was doing this diet like Belle Gibson was promoting and it was so incredibly sad to hear the day I got a call that she had passed. I don’t know why I’m writing this but I just thought of her while watching this video. Thanks for reading if you have gotten this far.
That cancer sufferers are being given false hope by people like Belle Gibson is truly disgusting. These characters are so despicable, my heart goes out to vulnerable, ill people who are falling prey to these grifters. Side note, have the grifters never heard of Gypsy Rose Blanchard?! Her mother met a terrible end because of the abuse she dealt Gypsy Rose through lying about illness for money and attention.
Ps, I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. My condolences. It really makes me mad to think about the real people who lose their health battles being influenced by horrible chancers on social media. So ,so sad. They deserve better.
Not Swoop making me cry about my chronic illness. 😭 Thanks for being a champion for us. I very rarely speak about my pain and illness online, even to friends. I feel like I'm taking it on all alone, because I don't have a partner or anyone who helps me. I just go to doctors appointments all month long, for months on end, all alone. So your pep talk means a lot to me. Thanks, Swoop.
Swoop, you made me cry, babe. I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos, and it and all of its tag-alongs (chronic migraines, neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, mast cell issues, fibromyalgia) have stolen my life. And for 47 YEARS, I was undiagnosed because doctors dismissed my female self as "anxious." I was sobbing on the phone with my primary care doc at one point, (I DON'T DO THAT!) and he didn't care. But then a friend pointed me in the right direction, and I found the right doctor. I'm still sick af, but now I know what I'm dealing with. Hang in there, girl. This community you've built, we've got you. It's okay to share how scared and confused you've been (if and only if you want to). You're not alone, and thank you SO MUCH for helping us to feel seen and heard. Blessings and hopes that your medical team finds you some answers.
I'm still trying to get a diagnosis for my joint pain, and this past summer at 21 I finally got diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy (basically POTS but with the potential to be reversed). I completely relate to the feeling of desperation of years and years of doctors visits just trying to figure out what's wrong with me, and having to find answers MYSELF and symptom-manage MYSELF before a doctor ever said to my face that there is something wrong with me. I'm so grateful to have a dysautonomoa diagnosis and be able to concretely say that I have an illness that affects so many aspects of my life daily.
as a person who ACTUALLY has sickle cell anemia that girl really infuriated me. this disease is so painful & it’s invisible, i was literally just in the hospital for 3 weeks because it was in both of my legs & i was unable to walk for 2 weeks. for her to lie about having it? absolutely disgusting.
@exoticalvibes I have Sickle Cell too and have suffered with it so so much throughout my life and this girl angered me to the depths of my soul. I’ve never meet many other people living with it. But I’ve had crisis just like yours in both my legs and quite a few full body. From one Sickle Cell warrior to another you are so strong and beautiful and I pray that you never have another pain crisis again. If you ever need someone to talk to that understands exactly what you’re going through, I’m always here. Much love and God bless you and your family. ❤🙏🏽
A friend of mine just recently passed away from brain cancer. He was only 25. I'm not surprised influencers lie about this kind of thing for social clout but man it's dissapointing. Thanks for covering this, always love watching your docs!
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, my condolences. The influencers who do this are just ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING and I wonder if they would ever lie about something like this if they had a family member/themselves actually had these issues after they see how terrible and heartbreaking these things are. I highly doubt it because it is so heartbreaking, and if they would, then they have no hearts.
Ok this made me cry I’ve had a week of no spoons. A week of bed rest. One of those weeks. I have 9 different diagnoses now. After 8 years of being told I’m a hypochondriac. I see you and I hear you. You are one hell if a strong woman. !
My partner has sickle cell. & it’s the most terrifying thing I’ve ever been through. Two of his close cousins died from complications related to sickle cell. I am in constant anxiety knowing that anything horrible could happen at any moment to the point that I’ve looked into clinical trials. We’ve spent countless hours in the hospital, he’s had to spend 5 months hospitalized at a time. This comment would be pages long if I described the many ways it affects his life. & to know that someone would flippantly LIE about it just to cover for a BBL enrages me. I’m not telling him about it because I can’t even begin to imagine how it would make him feel.
I’m so sorry. I think it comes down to respect: these people don’t respect their own health, they don’t respect the people who live with chronic illness. They don’t respect the privilege they have if not being sick, or the fact orders don’t have that very valuable privilege. It’s heartless. I’ll keep you and your partner in my thoughts. 💙
Pls give him a hug for me. We’re warriors. I had the sickle warrior logo tattooed on my wrist as a way to encourage myself. It’s hard but I always tell myself when I’m in crisis that I can make it through. I’m a warrior I will make it thru this crisis. Tell him he’s strong.
There is NO WAY a nurse would casually tell a pt you MIGHT have sickle cell anemia. Not only are nurses not allowed to diagnose diseases but especially not something as serious as sickle cell that's LOFELONG and very painful
That's what I thought, too. At most, she could have said something like, " You should get that looked into because there are diseases like sickle cell that can cause that". Even that's a stretch, though.
Yes! I'm also wondering if this girl just heard "anemia" and assumed that sickle cell is the only type. She doesn't seem like she's the sharpest tool in the shed. I'm a nurse myself and we often ask patients to repeat what we have told them in their own words while providing education, and it's insane how often people assume things, don't understand, or just straight up aren't paying attention.
Swoop, i’m glad we could cry together. genuinely my heart breaks every time you talk about your story :,) bc from one chronically ill person to another… we never want anyone to suffer the way we do. my heart & soul goes out to you Swoop! we will keep fighting together!!
I so appreciate you covering these. My mom is dying from an incurable, untreatable brain cancer and it's infuriating to see these people make a joke of something so devastating. Before my mom we lost my grandmother in 2023 from a combination of cancer and complications from dialysis. Losing both of them so close together is earth shattering, especially since I was supposed to get so many more years with my mom, she's not an old woman. And here these people are monetizing fake sicknesses and making careers off their grifts. It's deplorable. Edit for those who want to know how my mom's story ends: She passed away in the early hours of the morning Dec 21.
I'm so very sorry to hear about your dear mom and grandmother. I wish there was something I could say or do to somehow make the pain softer, but please know I'm sending you and your family warmth and the hope for peace and healing.
@@PettyUniversity Thank you. I'm blessed to have wonderful brothers so we've been leaning heavily on each other through this time. It doesn't make it better but it does make it ever so slightly easier.
Thank you so much for highlighting the importance of not attacking people who "don't look sick". As someone with a disability (mine is very obvious and visible so it's not really questioned) I have seen so many of my peers with varying conditions that are not always as visible deal with the unfortunate and accusatory attitudes of "You don't LOOK disabled!" or "You walk fine! You're obviously faking!". It's incredibly frustrating and heartbreaking. I can only imagine how hard it must be to deal with this negativity when one has a terminal illness. Great doc as always! Have an awesome day!
I cant watch most videos about autistic people 😢 like if they committed a crime or are accused of faking it or are being criticized, its just too triggering for me. Even this video is triggering.. I was accused of faking it (just online by a random commenter) before i finally got diagnosed, actually it happened once since then, even got a comment that im faking it with my (nonverbal!!) son…. So whether theyre really faking it & adding to the issue or are being falsely accused or did something wrong, i just cant handle it… people just dont understand of have enough empathy for autistic people because they cant imagine what we go through…we usually have so many co morbid conditions, chronic pain, POTS, hypersensitivity, gut issues, chronic anxiety etc & are targets for abuse and assault and mistreatment
I bought a car through a private sale a few months ago, and it looked completely fine from the outside. A Mercedes, great mileage, not too old, etc. but when I took it to the mechanic, he told me it wasn’t worth fixing. Pages and pages of codes. The suspension is gone. The wiring is fucking. The list goes on… I was pissed, until I realized, it’s the perfect car for me 🙃 I look great from the outside, but on the inside I’m falling apart and have the frailty of an elderly woman 🫠
Thank you Swoop. I was misdiagnosed so many times for a 5 years long period. That was the scariest time ever, I went no contact with one grandma, because she was sure I'm faking it. I made one male doc lose his job in my local clinic, because he wasn't compassionate and told me outright I'm faking it after typical treatment didn't work. I'm a fighter, and I wish the best for the people dealing with long term illness.
I’m so sorry! I hate how frequently this happens to women. I know what this is like. I stand with you in the fight, I see you and believe you and truly hope this year bring remission and relief for you. I went no contact with my grandmother years ago for many reasons but a big one is her lack of compassion and belief in my health issues.
My dad passed away after having nasal melanoma for the second time, the cancer spread to his brain extremely quickly and i witnessed him deteriorate within a matter of weeks, its sickening seeing these people profit from any type of cancer, when real people are out there, some not being able to afford proper treatment, thank you for making this video swoop!
I will say, in my teens and 20s, I lied a lot online. Part of this had to do with identity and social constructs that were unhealthy. My self-esteem was never so low as back in those days, and this was perpetuated by my lying. Now, I try to be as honest and kind as I can be-- I have slip-ups, like anyone, where I'm unkind. I'm working on that part. Being honest online will serve you and society better than the lies.
I think the fact you had admit and express that you have done wrong, you’re still learning and sometimes make mistakes (like all humans do!) this shows amazing maturity and growth :) good for you ❤️
It’s great that ur being honest but people like u need help and shouldnt just be “forgiven” bc u were young and dumb. Being young and dumb is lying about being a natural blonde online or having a rich father, not faking cancer and scammer people out of tens of thousands that is an actual disease and no normal people do not do that. Let’s stop pretending like this is young and dumb self esteem thing 😂
@@dominiqueallen3847 I agree with your point to an extent, but to be fair, they never stated what sort of things they lied about. It could've been serious or it could've been silly, you really don't know. They also never said whether or not they got help, or that they have been forgiven. So again, I don't disagree with you, I just think you jumped to some conclusions and assumed the worst in your reply, which isn't really fair.
Thank you!! I watched this with my dad who has been a dentist for 30 years. He wanted me to pass along a message to Swoop and the entire community: “First of all Swoop thank you for bravely sharing about your battle with fibromyalgia and also bringing these stories to the forefront. I want to acknowledge as a cis white male dentist how much I know cis white male doctors in particular have dismissed the very real and troubling concerns of women and people of color in particular. I know words on a screen don’t mean anything actions do, but I want you to know I believe you and I see you. Listening and Learning.” -Dr. Jeff Berkowitz DDS
@@nancyICUnurse ICU Nurses ROCK! Thank you for all you do, an angel like you saved my life as an infant. Nurses are underpaid and under appreciated by so many. I believe nurses are the backbone of healthcare. Thank you ❤️
@@hotpinkcrayolas also I can’t speak for my dad but having known him my whole 26 years on this earth, I do know that as a male dentist he speaks so often about how there needs to be a bigger conversation about reframing the conversation about consent and what is considered non consensual or invasive in medicine. Obviously, Gynecology,obstetrician and things like that are our automatic response but he knows that a stranger putting their hands in your mouth can be extremely triggering and violating. I am very lucky to have always known I have the right to say NO to a doctor. I really do want to hold space for people that do find something like going to a dentist triggering or another form of medicine triggering that isn’t what is considered typical. Sending love and light ❤️
My mom has cancer. We've recently found out it's reached her brain after years of fighting. The IDEA of faking it for something as inconsequential as internet points infuriates me.
@@Lilcutiepie95 Thank you. It's part of life at this point, and we go through life with her a day at a time. No one should want to even pretend that this is their life.
Oh I'm so sorry I know what it is like to watch people to have a just a little piece everyday it's taken away I hope you have peace❤❤❤❤ I lost my mom to cancer it is a horrible thing I'm so sorry about your mom
This is why I'm a swoop fan. The empathy is rare. Struggling with an invisible illness is no joke. I appreciate the exposure and opening up the conversation. Keep it up friend you're making a difference.
I've noticed that people who are actually sick, don't advertise their diagnosis. It's so much mentally that telling people is the last thing on your mind when you go into "auto pilot" just trying to survive. The last 4 years have been hell for me. It started when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 38 years old. I had a lot of radiation damage. I spent 3 months in the hospital, had multiple surgeries, almost died several times and did die once. Now I have colostomy (poop) and urostomy (pee) bags for the rest of my life. I love your channel. Thank you for sharing your personal struggles. Stay beautiful and petty. 😊
Exactly this. When I had a health scare this year the LAST thing I wanted to do was post a TikTok about it. Hell, it wasn’t even a thought. Wishing you strength and healing ❤
Very true. One of my nurses said that pain patients often are the last ones to be diagnosed with other illnesses and diseases because they internalize so much. They are so used to fighting so much more pain than the regular population that they allow their bodies to get sick, allow other types of pain to grow. When patients in hospital they are "painfully polite" and refuse to ring the reminder bell because they don't want to bother the busy nurses seeing how other patients have them hopping for everything. She said that most non pain patients will start hammering on the bell the second the clock hits the hour their medications are due. 🙄 When I go out I make extra effort to look nice. Yet if the subject of CP/chronic illness comes up I will hear "You don't look sick" and they stare at me with suspicious expressions, as though this s-show I've been slammed with for seventeen years is all a farce to lose the career I went to school for and hang out with my cat. 😂 I'm glad that Swoop uses the term invisible illness. I think the statistics of physical disabilities being invisible are around 80%. But most people wouldn't know any of that. They should. That's why we all keep talking ❤❤❤
@@comagirl0815 I fully agree. It doesn't make it less sad though, that the invisible illness people go through so much and still show, so much humanity. Even though they may not even feel human most days. I know that I certainly don't feel human a lot. Most days I feel like I'm not even living. I'm just existing. You and whoever reads my post, now know more about me, than about 75% of the people that I know. 😂
The moment before the kitty cleanser really got me sobbing. Idk why the "you got dealt a shit hand in life" resonates with me so much but it did. I don't typically comment on things but big thanks to Swoop for making people feel seen. Life sucks sometimes but we just gotta keep trucking on
I feel a lot of guilt around my disability and being a burden and my occupational therapist once said to me "why feel guilty? you didn't ask for this, you didn't go and lick the EDS Tree!" she made me laugh in a moment of absolute despair. But the message is true, got dealt a shit hand and it's hard to accept that and learn how to keep moving on. I love Swoop and the community here
My dad’s a 3x cancer survivor. He’s just about to go through his final treatments (he’s close to cured thankfully) after months of fighting insurance companies to get his meds covered. I’ve lost family and friends to cancer. My best friend from college recently got diagnosed with EDS and Nutcracker Syndrome. Witnessing loved ones going through difficult treatments and symptoms is heartbreaking and anxiety inducing; People faking illness for clout pisses me off because it takes away support from people who need it and it makes an already very cynical world an even worse one.
Your dad is a whole warrior, I can’t imagine going through it once let alone three times. I hope everything goes smoothly with treatments and he’s cured soon ❤️
Also @PettyUniversity - Belle Gibson would need a part two or a Swoop Too vid because not long after she got caught for the Whole Pantry, she tried to pass as an activist for the Oromo community. Thankfully she was caught pretty quickly by the Australian Oromo leader.
my dad died of brain cancer in 1994. I was born in 1990 and he was diagnosed just after my birth. My father fought very hard and lost. I miss him to this day and it really gets on my nerves that we seem to only celebrate survivors as if those that died weren't as worthy or as good of people. My dad was a super man and went through hell to try to be cancer free. Brain cancer is devastating.
I just want to say, it's because SWOOP were so open about her PCOS and endometriosis that I was finally brave enough to see a doctor about my weird periods and actually got a diagnosis and medication for my PCOS. Talking about the illnesses and struggles we go through can be a good thing. But there will always be people out there who muddles the water with their fake issues
Please drop that momma max doc. I have had to rely on drama farm channels and it has made the waters muddy I would love to hear your deep dive with your insight, your amazing research team and the grace requires to tell these kind of stories
I have fibro too. Thanks for talking about invisible chronic pain, it makes a difference, spreads awareness and makes us feel more seen ❤ I wish you as many "good days" (lower pain days) full of as much joy and relief as humanly possible
Same! It makes me feel bad about sharing my own battle, with the hopes of demystifying breast cancer for those who have yet to experience it, because I don't want people to think I'm scamming people or wanting attention. Way to kick cancers ass @henhousebathco stay healthy ❤
Thank you swoop. I (very thankfully) don’t suffer with chronic pain but I suffer with mental health problems severely and having your content always makes me feel better. Sending you prayers for your upcoming tests and for a diagnosis and healing in whatever capacity that comes in ❤
Whoa. 1:40:00ish. I'm crying, Swoop. I needed to hear those words as badly as you do. Today was a bed bound day and I was feeling hateful towards myself for it. The world is better with you in it. Thank you. Thank you for staying and thank you for your support and encouragement.
@@EquineDreams3 We're not about the mean comments here. It may not have been conveyed in your _preferred_ grammar, but it was certainly understandable, so I'm not sure what your issue is.
@@PettyUniversity May I ask why some actual sick people were flashed in a montage while you talk about people who fake it? I only ask because It confused me for a minute. I know this is my subjective opinion and know that would never be your intention. Just curious as to why it was edited that way, I mean no offense.
Not me in actual tears living with crohns and forcing myself through getting ready to go to some stupid corporate holiday thing listening to this in background when Swoop went on her tangent supporting those with chronic illness. I needed that. Thank you
As a person who is currently dealing with mental health issues, including my very first major cptsd episodes resulting in regression, I needed to hear that last part. I love watching your content for that purpose! So, thank you again.
As someone that lives with chronic pain and mental health issues; thank you for covering this. Also, thank you for the kitty palate cleanser. I lost my chonky Void boy suddenly last week and seeing your four little sweethearts in their adorable sweaters brought a smile and warmth to my weary soul ❤
hey swoop, as another trauma survivor and fibro warrior, thank you for what you do for the community of the disabled and chronically ill. you're a big inspiration to me, every day
Oh my god trying to explain it. "My dysauntonomic nervous system doesn't work - it does what it wants. Everything your body does automatically mine does what it wants" to "I have a heart problem" and nevertheless they persist in their ignorance.
Your rant(1:34:22) had me in literal tears. Christmas Day, lost my insurance a while back, and have been unable to get procedures and medicine to help reduce the 24/7 pain that I have been dealing with for over 30 years. Just watching Swoop to try and distract myself from the fact that due to the pain, I was unable to join the celebration and hold my grandchildren (3 years old and 1.5 months old). I needed to hear that there is someone in my corner. So THANK YOU!!!! Tears streaming down my face, thank you for your words.
As someone who has endometriosis and fibroids having chronic conditions is not a walk in the park. Lying about an illness or condition is the lowest of low. How despicable.
Exactly! I have chronic pain too and don't tell anyone outside my family and best friend. Ppl have enough problems in their lives and to Pretend to be sick is just f'ing disgusting!
I have a surgery next month to find out if i have it. Cronic on off pain for 2 years. I hate feeling like I'm crazy trying to find out why my lower abdomen hurts so bad.
Lol, I got POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, & Chronic Gastritis. Fuck anyone faking these illnesses. I hope they get the illnesses they fake, for real. Living with chronic illness is a nightmare. 🫂 For all really suffering.
@@EquineDreams3 yo, don't do that. I know we all do this in the beginning, but tell people what's going on. You deserve support too, and it can help people better adjust expectations of you. Don't run yourself down, you are only hurting yourself. Pls start sharing what you are going through with more people. Chronic illness can be very isolating and depressing, and people who love you would want to know.
Did not expect to be moved to tears by Swoop's support. This year has been so hard. I have had big ups and downs with my health, my mom passed, and my mental health has been very bad. I have had many times where I wondered if it is worth fighting anymore. It does help to know I am not alone.
I appreciate how well you investigate with all of your stories. This one hit hard. I'm going to be 34 tomorrow and my WHOLE LIFE I've complained about 'black outs' and feeling SUPER FAINT randomly in the days. But not every day. It took my current BF to find out; I have epilepsy ~ scared him last year with TWO grand mal seizures one after another. Finally one of my main complaints has been diagnosed. Now to get my hypermoblity documented. I'm tried of my hip slipping out and collapsing. But ya know. Like the Doctors always tell me. 'Im fiiiiiine~'
That's actually how I got on the path to diagnosis for epilepsy as well! As a child I told my parents and teachers about black outs and coming back to consciousness in a completely different spot. My parents said I stood up too fast and teachers said it was innappropiate to bring it up. Finally a partner witnessed me losing consciousness and was able to explain to me exactly what happened.
Also look into Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, as someone with it you could just be hypermobile but you could also have EDS and for some epilepsy is a comorbidity
@madison00002 I know this wasn't directed towards me, but I actually am just starting toward a diagnosis now. It's so interesting that you mention that, I didn't know there was a significant comorrbidity.
@Mintyjoltix2569 no I completely get that! I was just always super bendy and dislocated often and then when I put together all my symptoms they were like ohhhhh welll maybbbeee. I cant get the genetic test yet but my mom was able to find out she had it because of me. EDS/HSD often has comorbidities like dysautonomia and neurodivergence as well as others.
I just got diagnosed with a chronic illness and am learning there are more illnesses and dysfunctions and syndromes that branch from my illness. Having someone who understands say that I am enough and that I am strong was something I didn’t know I needed to hear. Thank you, Swoop ❤
Thanks swoop!! Everyday I struggle, with the “invisible” illnesses .. wishing, praying, pleading for relief, ANY relief! I’m in that cycle of broken mind, broken physically, broken emotionally, it’s literally never ending. U have to fight for the will to survive, but a lot of the times, wondering- why do I even try? Thanks for your vids! Maybe one day I’ll get relief
Re: Maddie Russo’s GPA: if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my high school teacher friend’s stories, it’s that intelligence and a sense of consequence do not always develop at the same rate and it’s often the smartest kids doing the most criminal shit in the most obvious ways. Like in D&D, intelligence and wisdom are different things, which goes double the younger you are.
thank you for this:( growing up with a disabled mom, its so heartbreaking seeing her so stressed and struggling because of her illnesses. she has multiple autoimmune diseases, and the effects of all of that has caused her to be so insecure about her appearance, and how she presents herself, because she doesn’t wanna embarrass anyone. it makes me feel so bad having to grow up watching her struggle the way she does. theres days she can barely get out of bed. the fact people can be SO greedy that faking illnesses is a REOCCURRENCE??? it makes me lose sm faith in humanity.
Can i just say. that your Docs/vids are EXTREMELY well done and captivating. i don't normally just sit and watch a lot of docs. but yours really pulls me in and i want to pay attention. thank you for these. i think i watched a ton of your vids in about a few days recently lol
As someone who has an invisible disability, it makes me want to throw my phone in the trash any time i see people like fake things like this. Its been SO hard to get people, and doctors to believe me because its become a trend to be ill. I didnt choose to be in pain. Its not quirky, its not fun. Like... why do people think disabilities/being ill is so fun?
I can relate I have depression/anxiety and everyone says I can get over it like it's a phase...I have been this way since middle school😤 I also have many people in my family who died from cancer and I remember what they went through I definitely am mad that someone would lie about cancer.
I’ve been dealing with chronic pain my entire life that was recently (2y ago) diagnosed as fibromyalgia. I’m 37 yo. The day I got the diagnosis, I fell on my knees and couldn’t stop crying. I wasn’t crazy!!! I could finally put a name on my pain. For years I would go to all kinds of doctors. Doing MRIs, scan, blood tests,… nothing was never seen. All doctors would send me back home saying I was fine when I knew I wasn’t. My parents have been my biggest supporters but even them or my siblings would from time to time diminish my feelings and experiences because they didn’t understand. I felt so isolated and ended up in silence in fear of people thinking I was doing it for attention and making things up. I’m so thankful for people like you. Brave enough to stand in front of the whole internet to call out harmful people but also use your platform to educate others. You are incredibly thoughtful and always supportive to all communities and especially minorities. You remind us all that we are not alone in our struggles and that being different is actually a good thing. ❤ Sending you and all suffering in silence my biggest hug
Thank you for covering these assholes I was diagnosed with cancer at eleven and to see people fake an illness that I had that drained me boils my blood
OMG I think you just changed my life with the tip about the sweat bands around your wrist while washing your face. I have anemia and am always so cold that washing my face is horribly painful for my body, but this would help sooo much!! I know that's not the point of this very amazing doc, but thank you!
How long have you been anemic!? you don’t have to stay anemic!? why are you accommodating anemia and not curing it? I’m so confused I don’t understand this. Can you get some iron? eat red meat? get infusions?
Thank you for your words to chronic ill people. I've suffered chronic migraines since 12 and for so long people ignored my pain. I hope you get your answers, and that the health issues are something treatable. You are a lovely person and however long it takes you to get a doc out, I'll be here to watch it
As someone also living with fibromyalgia and a kind of complicated spinal condition, I always feel so seen and supported when you share these parts of your story. And it kills me when stories like this come out because I already feel so much guilt for how my conditions affect me, and so much paranoia that people won’t believe me/will think I’m exaggerating/ will get sick of dealing with it, and it’s exhausting and disheartening. Thank you so much for doing what you can to bring these things to the light and for acknowledging the ways it hurts people like us. Thank you for what you do.
I never post on youtube, but had to because I have numerous chronic health issues and some days just getting out of the bed seems like the hardest things in the world. Your pep talk near the end brought me to tears because just hearing someone else who gets it and makes me feel okay with myself and feel seen is a rarity and something I needed today. Thank you and I wish you the best in your health journey. Keep being awesome (and petty) because it makes a real difference ❤
Swoop, bringing me to tears. Your heart is so big I hope the messages you send out to others is being reflected back to you because you matter, you are valid and what you are going through is not your fault! You are so much stronger than I think even you realize. Thank you for being you, being honest and sharing even 1% of your life with us. You are a warrior and your videos always feel like a battle cry for justice. I know as humans we are all flawed, but I love the fact that you are just you...not an image, but as close to a real person as I have ever seen out here. Thank you Swoop!
Hi Swoop,I would liek to say that this video really touched me. You sharing your story means a lot. I was diagnosed 21 years ago, with bipolar 1 disorder. It runs in my family. It has been life changing for me. I have never gone off of my medication and with advancements in medicine I get better and better. The stigma of being mentally ill is a hard one. The minute that I say I am bipolar so many people think that I am "psycho" and crazy. I find that offensive. I have the type of bipolar disorder that is the hardest to control. I have worked hard to get to where I am. My illness is very much invisible and can't be seen on any kind of test. I do my best every day to get out of bed. Thank you for saying that I am worthy. You are too Swoop. I can see how emotional this video was for you to do. You take all of the time you need to look after yourself. Your health is the most important thing on your page. You're worthy too of loving yourself!!
Hey I was mis-dx'd with bipolar 1 and have friends with it. So I've experienced side effects from the medication and also know a little bit about the real life experience of those with it. I have invisible illnesses too and both my physical and mental illnesses have caused involuntary reactions that people have labeled "psycho". I am sorry my vasovagal syncope makes me appear frightening to you, I'll pretend like that makes sense. I am sorry that my autism makes me appear frightening to you, it's never my intention and oftentimes I find it's a reflection of your own internal or internalized ableism. Maybe you should work on that while I work on my social skills to not appear scary. (I'm using the royal you here, you @strawberryangel1647 seem like an angel)
Oh my... the 1h40m mark - you got to me. This has also been a dark year for me and have been living in medical hell since 2022... But what you said really got to me, I started crying but it was DEFINITELY something that I think EVERYONE needs to hear!! Keep spreading all the love and all the acceptance to those of us who find it hard to accept ourselves!!! So much love for you and your channels! 💙
I really appreciate when you talk about chronic pain and illness, Swoop. Especially when you emphasise how valid we are and remind us of our worth in the face of everything we deal with. I’ve never in my life known a moment of peace from pain: when I found out that the amount of pain people are usually in is “none at all” I couldn’t conceptualise that. I still struggle with it. 1:40:31 I just really needed this today. Thank you.
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos as a young child. An autoimmune disorder that effects the thyroid. My mother fell into the essential oils and alternative treatments. I know on some level I know she thought she was doing what was best. But I think the choices she made has left me with more issues to deal with as an adult. My medication strength is significantly higher along with other meds now. There will never be a day in my life I won't need meds. I feel like I have been stripped of my youth as someone in my 20s. I struggle to have a social life due to always leaving in horrible pain. I have a weird fascination with people who fake illness. Because it took me so long to even comfortably label myself as chronically ill. It is a double edged sword in my mind.
It was homeopaty with mine. I had allergies and when I got sick it was bronchitis and twice pneumonia that landed me in the hospital. When we went on holidays in summer usually after one week I had problems breathing, once I had an ambulance ride to a hospital because it almost affected my heart as I was slowly suffocating. Finally after second time in hospital the we started private therapy with a doctor specialising in allergies. I literally think she saved my life. I wish in no-one that horrible feeling when you try to breathe and can't and with every breath it gets worse. It destroyed my childhood and affected me to this day. Silly thing, thinking about scuba diving or reading sf set in space gives me anxiety because of limited source of oxygen.
Thank you for this video and the conversations in it. As someone living with several chronic illnesses, including fibromyalgia, not being believed despite medically diagnosed by a doctor is just another part of the suffering I've endured.
1:37:07 I love you swoop. I live with celiac disease which in my form it attacks my joints when I am exposed to any gluten (even cross contamination). As we come up to the holiday season I am literally dreading not wanting to eat at family functions. My family…really just don’t understand just how serious celiac disease can be. Your little pep talk was exactly what I needed to hear right at this moment as I fight off a gluten exposure from thanksgiving. It takes days, months, sometimes years to get my body away from the joint pain. I appreciate your kind words.
My sister went through so much stuff until she was finally diagnosed with celiacs. I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to not have a family that understands. My family sometimes fucks up but they've always made sure to have everything clean and food for her because she also gets horrible joint pain and headaches. I hope you get through the holidays season safely :(( sending you lots of hugs
Thank you for the pep talk at the end. I was injured in April & have been dealing with appointments, doctors, and daily pain since. At the end of the Nov my doctor told me that unfortunately there's nothing else they can do; sometimes people just don't heal. In two weeks, I have a functional capacity evaluation. It's been a lot to process & my future looks uncertain right now. You made me feel seen. You made me feel valid.
Thank you for your kind, beautiful, support, and positive words at the end Swoop! You brought me to happy tears. As a woman with Lupus and cervical cancer, that is a message I need to hear daily, especially with the never ending pressure that society puts on us (whether real or self forced) to do it all, no matter what.
I just commented, but your words at the end made me cry and I'm not a cryer. Girl, you're the type of person I wish I had the nerve to be. I'm so scared of what people would say about me to say it. Thanks for making me feel a little more valid in my fight
My best friend died in 2020 from DIPG at the age of 17. I was 15, and didn't know until that August (she died in April, I believe). It devastated me, and I'm naming my first daughter after her when I have kids.
My friend found out she has an inoperable brain tumour in September. She now can't talk, walk, or do much with her arms. The treatments are only slowing down the progression. It is heartbreaking and I can't believe people would play and make light of something that cuts so deep for so many. :(
Thank you for the motivational talk towards the end. I am usually housebound and quite often bedbound with my condition and it means to much to hear someone I look up to say that its just important for me to be here even if I can’t do any more.
Faking cancer just makes me livid! I never met my grandmother due to cancer that literally took her within a few weeks of her diagnosis, I have one aunt who has beaten breast cancer twice and my other aunt is at this very moment receiving end of life care due to throat cancer. It has affected my family in so many ways and I am feeling so much empathy for my cousins who are about to lose their mum, and my own mum who is about to lose her sister, as well as working through my own feelings about it all. So, to hear how someone not only fakes it, but also fakes healing themselves from it..... I... I just can't even speak I am so angry.
I cant believe im typing this, but i just lost my dad to cancer on November 2nd. I wish more than anything he was just faking it for money. At least hed be here. I cant wrap my head ariund faking something that devestates entire communities.
The sidebar...i needed that. Thank you. Thank you. THIS THIS is why I and so many other people support you you're truly inspiring. Keep fighting through your struggles because it DOES get better. I really hope it does.
I've been a fan of your content for years now. I know your story, what you've been through, and I relate to those struggles. I'm an SA survivor, and 6 years ago I was diagnosed with GPA vasculitis. Illness has already almost claimed my life two times and this year was specially heart breaking and exhausting. Seeing people faking this kind of illnesses be completely healthy just yotake advantage of the community's empty while I'm here struggling to work to be able to pay to even get a basic check up at the doctor's office is so infurating... That's why your words at the end hit me real hard... Thank you Swoop. I'm proud of us, for being here today, and I'm proud of you for being a voice for all the people like us... And for never giving up. I hope 2025 Is brighter for you.
I just recently found your channel and this video hits hard! Thank you for your words at the end, I am in the middle of test after test, also. I've had an epidural near my neck I've had trigger shots done, and I'm scheduled for another injection in my lower lumbar and my right hip. This has been going on all this entire year and no one has understood the pain I go through on a daily until I came across this video! You made me cry but in a good way. My family doesn't understand that the travel of a car ride is excruciating. I felt like you had my back and finally, someone got me! And in the same regard you are also worthy of a pain-free life and finally getting the answers you also deserve! I pray you get them soon. I am a new subscriber and I'm so grateful to have found you! 💜
Praying for your health Swoop, I'm in a similar boat. My last treatment stopped working and no one knows what to do next cuz they don't even diagnosis me correctly (24 yrs in counting in pain). Sending all of us some healing vibes
Thank you. Hearing that from someone else who understands. Means more to me than i thought it would. I'm sitting here sobbing and not feeling alone. So, thank you and I see you too. (PS my VALID ribcage hoodie came in yesterday and lives on my body forever 😊)
I've had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 19 (I'm 32) and omg swoop you are gonna make me cry, you keep hitting all of the things I shove down to get through the day so well. I wish you all of the health and happiness in the world and hope that you get answers asap
I love that you've addressed this and made others aware of these cases. As someone with a hidden disability, I've wanted to make content about my illness and create awareness but i have always been afraid of doing so because of these kinds of people ruining the space. I don't feel safe sharing anymore.
As someone who has been battling new autoimmune issues later in life, this really touched me. Thank you so much. They don't understand. We'll keep fighting. Xo
Thank you for always making me feel seen. I have fibromyalgia & I’ve had two hip surgeries, one of which gave me drop foot plus so many other “minor” health issues that have really dragged down my mental health. Thank you for always using your voice for good & thank you for not letting any of us feel alone. YOU are truly worthy & matter too, Swoop! 💕
Everyday I want to post a video and it makes me feel “ashamed” (I don’t know how to describe it) to post my struggles… I don’t know how these people don’t feel an OUNCE of shame for selling a chronic illness to people who just want to have a sense of community… it really upset me, but I am so happy you are speaking about this ❤️ thank you swoop ❤️
Swoop, just have to say that I really needed that pep talk on your sidebar. I have had a hard time (currently working from bed w/a bad kidney infection) and your message moved me to tears. We were dealt a bad hand, but at least we are making small meaningful steps everyday. I know 2025 will be a better year for all of us in the community. You got this. Much love to everyone who is feel low this holiday season 🎄👑
As someone with a diagnosis of TS "Turners Syndrome" when I was a baby/Child, this is disgusting!! F the way off! I have no sympathy or empathy for those who want to fake illnesses or whatever reason, I couldn't imagine or fathom using my illness this way!
Wow you got diagnosed young. It’s so rare to hear of someone with it I got diagnosed 14/15 yrs old. And also other myriad of complications due to the TS please get your checks and hope you have a good specialist on top of it also get heart check ups. ❤
My mother lied about having breast cancer when I was about 10-11. Then she disappeared entirely from my life until I was 14. I thought she had died. Turns out the breast cancer was a lie, and she dipped to make a new family. I spent 3 years thinking she was dead, just to get a random Facebook message from her after school one day my freshman year. And this was also after having looked for her on Facebook for years, so she must’ve had me blocked to keep up the facade. People are insane and will do and say anything to cover their own ass
My mother was diagnosed with brain cancer (glioblastoma) in early 2020 and died 4 months later so whenever I hear/see about these people faking brain cancer, I get *so* livid. What despicable people.
@whoobie I'm so sorry for your loss. My sister hung on for 10 months from her diagnosis of glioblastoma, and passed 4 months ago. It was so horrible seeing that disease take everything away from her. People who think brain cancer is romantic need to visit the palliative care ward to see the reality of the disease & the effects on patients & their loved ones.
Thank you for sharing your passion for your chronically ill and disabled viewers. I recently went no-contact with my parents and one of the main reasons is that they had not only been absent as my health continued to worsen, they flat out told me my autism and health issues were my problem and my spouse’s problem. Hearing your anger for how disabled people can be mistreated by others was healing for me and a reminder that I made the right choice when I chose my health over a relationship with people who refused to be there for me.
Thank you for increasing the visibility of those of us with chronic illness. I look healthy and when I use my cane people give me weird looks. I've thought about putting a post it that says DISABLED on my forehead so they stop acting like I am faking.
Girl I remember being yelled at for walking home and choosing to hold my cane and not use it for the walk cus it was just easier in the moment. The fact that people go around pretending to be sick blows my mind. I feel like I try to fake being healthy LMAO. I’m sorry people are so ignorant to the importance and use of mobility aids and I hope the people around u stop being so hateful ❤
Me too! I have Crohn’s that makes me look bloated sometimes. I can’t tell u how many times people have commented on my “pregnancy”. I’m 53 years old, so I guess I appreciate looking young enough to be pregnant, but damn! Just please don’t comment on someone being pregnant unless u KNOW they are!!
I've had some absolutely terrible experiences in hospital stays, too, Swoop, and I really appreciate what you said about how people deliberately lying about illnesses definitely fuels that dismissiveness that doctors and nurses can have. It's such a shame, seriously, some of the mistreatment that happens to patients in hospitals and doctor's visits, etc., all the time.
I lost my uncle to cancer this year. And, two others in my family have cancer currently, and are fight hard to win against this awful disease. One of my friends from high school has cancer and she's pregnant with her first child. Cancer is not something anyone should be faking they have.
Swoop, Thank you for all of this. I've had a really dark two years health-wise and sooo many tests as well. Some ended up being less bad than I expected. I have visible disabilities and invisible illnesses as well. Illness can be so isolating, especially if you have a panic or anxiety disorder on top of that. Also, I remember last year one of my friends told me she had been diagnosed with fibro and we got to talking. and then...she THANKED me for believing that fibro is real. It angered me and broke my heart. I hope your health begins to get better.
I started this video yesterday. The day ended badly for me. I finally said I wish I was someone who could just give up and cease to be. I just finished this video with your talk of visible illness. I can't begin to express how the timing was perfect and how much I needed to hear it. I hope you find answers and treatments. At the very least I hope your good days outweigh your bad ❤
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I gotta take a nap after this one...
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Do u have a podcast that would be so awesome 💜
I just ordered these with the link from your last video and they are amazing I'm wearing them right now and would definitely recommend!!!
Love your content ❤❤❤❤
Hey hun not sure if even see this but I wanted to reach out and say I have a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (the EDS they were talking about in the quote you read) and it’s very frequently misdiagnosed (if diagnosed at all since it’s so rarely recognized for what it is) but I just wanted to let you know about it just in case your doctor hasn’t looked into it since you mentioned the back injury and all the scans because the kind of EDS I have causes me to have a ton of joint injuries (including my spine) because my joints are too hyper mobile and I dislocate/subluxate at least one joint daily. I know it’s a long shot I just felt like I should say something just in case it could help you out someone else in the event you actually read this or someone else sees it. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have way more good days than bad and that you have lots and lots of spoons :)
-your fellow invisible chronic illness spoonie :)
P.S. thank you for that message for us it hit me right in the feels but I really appreciated and needed that ❤
Just an fyi the bsky isn't in the description or bio
As a two-time cancer survivor I can’t watch these types of stories, but I want to leave a comment to support you, SWOOP. Keep on being a voice for the fighters!
My gastroenterologist is setting up a liver biopsy for me as we speak. She has to get insurance approval. I'm frightened and praying. I've never been a drinker. Then, I found 3 stories on one day about people faking cancer or other terminal diseases. I wonder how they would feel if they actually got that phone call from their doctor.
@naomih7954 I'm trying to watch and having a hard time. I'm laying here in bed crying because I am also a survivor with loads of fallout from cancers.
@@roxannemoserI’m so sorry you’re going thru that. I hope you’re okay ❤
@@roxannemoser I can pray for you, too. You’ve got this!
My boyfriend is also a two-time cancer survivor, once as a child and again as a young adult. He lost his leg to radiation therapy. These kind of stories about people faking cancer or other illnesses absolutely infuriate me.
As an RN who has worked with Sickle Cell patients for 15 years, i am LIVID that she faked having Sickle Cell. Its a horrifically painful and debilitating disease and it drastically shortens the lifespan of its sufferers.
I STILL mourn some of my patients.
She should have to face consequences for that lie.
Thank you for all you do as an RN, and for being so passionate about caring for people
An old coworker of mine had it and I saw how it affected him. Thank you for your work
As an RN myself it usually, Sickle Cell primarily, targets one race. In my professional opinion, by just observation, she does not meet that criteria.
@@Chandapanda101It primarily affects one race, but it isn't exclusive. There are white or white passing people with sickle cell, it's just a lot less common.
@@Chandapanda101 facts!! when I was in the Navy there was a lot of African-American women that had sickle cell anemia! It was debilitating to them!
also tara is my HERO for grilling belle and not letting her weasel her way out of it. when she said "so, false"...GET HER QUEEN!!!!
I think you’re referencing Tara Brown, the journalist interviewing her in 60 minutes. She’s won a special place in my heart for that interview. Calm, cool and collected, but not taking any of Belle’s bs
She was smazing. I wish the US had journalists like that.
@@DanataD sadly, i think most of those journalists are not on the biggest TV stations :/ Frontline PBS does great work but i don't know if that counts lol
Her name is Tara Brown, not Claire. She's awesome and is always ruthless in her interviews.
@@han8285 yeah, i misheard the name. my bad
I had a bone growth the size of an egg show up on an x-ray. I was sent to an orthopedic doctor who said it was bone cancer and I would have to have it removed. I freaked out and told my friends and family. After a month of tests and scans I was finally sent to an oncologist. He said it wasn’t cancer. It was the growth plate on my pelvic bone that grew incorrectly and stopped growing in my teens. I nearly fell out! He said to leave it alone. Surgery would do more harm than good. I was so relieved. Then I was embarrassed when telling everyone it wasn’t cancer. I can’t imagine lying about something like that for the attention! That crap is scary!
In the early 2000’s in high school I sat next to a girl in my typing class and she was super cool. Very nice and we got along. Later… around 2010ish I see some Facebook posts going around in my community about how she was diagnosed with cancer (I don’t remember specifically which kind) but at this time she was already married and had a little boy. Videos from her friends begging for support and encouragement. Her family did all of the medical stuff and nothing was working. Her and her family were so desperate in the end to do anything that would help. They would post she was doing this diet like Belle Gibson was promoting and it was so incredibly sad to hear the day I got a call that she had passed. I don’t know why I’m writing this but I just thought of her while watching this video. Thanks for reading if you have gotten this far.
I see you 🫂 Thank you for sharing. This is a safe place to talk about it
That cancer sufferers are being given false hope by people like Belle Gibson is truly disgusting. These characters are so despicable, my heart goes out to vulnerable, ill people who are falling prey to these grifters.
Side note, have the grifters never heard of Gypsy Rose Blanchard?! Her mother met a terrible end because of the abuse she dealt Gypsy Rose through lying about illness for money and attention.
Ps, I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. My condolences.
It really makes me mad to think about the real people who lose their health battles being influenced by horrible chancers on social media. So ,so sad. They deserve better.
I am so sorry for your loss. May she Rest In Peace. ❤️
I’m sorry to hear that you lost you friend, I really hope you and their other loved ones are all doing ok, sending all the biggest warmest wishes
Not Swoop making me cry about my chronic illness. 😭 Thanks for being a champion for us. I very rarely speak about my pain and illness online, even to friends. I feel like I'm taking it on all alone, because I don't have a partner or anyone who helps me. I just go to doctors appointments all month long, for months on end, all alone. So your pep talk means a lot to me. Thanks, Swoop.
I totally understand how you may feel alone and I’m so sorry. Please also know there’s a community who is standing with you, even though it’s online 💙
❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🫶🫶🫶
Same here, I was raised to not ask for help (hard one to overcome) When you do need help, no one is there
💯 agree with everything you commented!!
You can do anything. Don't forget that.
Swoop, you made me cry, babe.
I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos, and it and all of its tag-alongs (chronic migraines, neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, mast cell issues, fibromyalgia) have stolen my life. And for 47 YEARS, I was undiagnosed because doctors dismissed my female self as "anxious." I was sobbing on the phone with my primary care doc at one point, (I DON'T DO THAT!) and he didn't care. But then a friend pointed me in the right direction, and I found the right doctor. I'm still sick af, but now I know what I'm dealing with.
Hang in there, girl. This community you've built, we've got you. It's okay to share how scared and confused you've been (if and only if you want to). You're not alone, and thank you SO MUCH for helping us to feel seen and heard.
Blessings and hopes that your medical team finds you some answers.
I'm still trying to get a diagnosis for my joint pain, and this past summer at 21 I finally got diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy (basically POTS but with the potential to be reversed). I completely relate to the feeling of desperation of years and years of doctors visits just trying to figure out what's wrong with me, and having to find answers MYSELF and symptom-manage MYSELF before a doctor ever said to my face that there is something wrong with me. I'm so grateful to have a dysautonomoa diagnosis and be able to concretely say that I have an illness that affects so many aspects of my life daily.
My husband has Hypermobile EDS. Have you tried resistance work? He's found it helps with the pain.
I am so sorry for what you must go through. You are so strong. ❤️
@@lilykat. I am so sorry for what you must go through. You are so strong. ❤️
as a person who ACTUALLY has sickle cell anemia that girl really infuriated me. this disease is so painful & it’s invisible, i was literally just in the hospital for 3 weeks because it was in both of my legs & i was unable to walk for 2 weeks. for her to lie about having it? absolutely disgusting.
Sending so much love to you, fucking warrior ❤
You're still very beautiful. I hope things get better for you
@exoticalvibes I have Sickle Cell too and have suffered with it so so much throughout my life and this girl angered me to the depths of my soul. I’ve never meet many other people living with it. But I’ve had crisis just like yours in both my legs and quite a few full body. From one Sickle Cell warrior to another you are so strong and beautiful and I pray that you never have another pain crisis again. If you ever need someone to talk to that understands exactly what you’re going through, I’m always here. Much love and God bless you and your family. ❤🙏🏽
My dad has sickle cell anemia and i have the half trait and ive witnessed seeing my dad almost die in the hospital. Best of luck to you!
❤❤❤
A friend of mine just recently passed away from brain cancer. He was only 25. I'm not surprised influencers lie about this kind of thing for social clout but man it's dissapointing. Thanks for covering this, always love watching your docs!
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, my condolences. The influencers who do this are just ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING and I wonder if they would ever lie about something like this if they had a family member/themselves actually had these issues after they see how terrible and heartbreaking these things are. I highly doubt it because it is so heartbreaking, and if they would, then they have no hearts.
Ok this made me cry I’ve had a week of no spoons. A week of bed rest. One of those weeks. I have 9 different diagnoses now. After 8 years of being told I’m a hypochondriac. I see you and I hear you. You are one hell if a strong woman. !
I am so sorry for what you must go through. You are so strong. ❤️
My partner has sickle cell. & it’s the most terrifying thing I’ve ever been through. Two of his close cousins died from complications related to sickle cell. I am in constant anxiety knowing that anything horrible could happen at any moment to the point that I’ve looked into clinical trials. We’ve spent countless hours in the hospital, he’s had to spend 5 months hospitalized at a time. This comment would be pages long if I described the many ways it affects his life.
& to know that someone would flippantly LIE about it just to cover for a BBL enrages me. I’m not telling him about it because I can’t even begin to imagine how it would make him feel.
I’m so sorry. I think it comes down to respect: these people don’t respect their own health, they don’t respect the people who live with chronic illness. They don’t respect the privilege they have if not being sick, or the fact orders don’t have that very valuable privilege.
It’s heartless.
I’ll keep you and your partner in my thoughts. 💙
@@susiee.honeybee Big Hugs🧡
Pls give him a hug for me. We’re warriors. I had the sickle warrior logo tattooed on my wrist as a way to encourage myself. It’s hard but I always tell myself when I’m in crisis that I can make it through. I’m a warrior I will make it thru this crisis.
Tell him he’s strong.
Sending so much love to both of you warriors ❤
60 minutes can be mixed morally, but I love this interview. She doesn't let Belle bullshit her way out of anything.
that interview is one of my faves next to the jody arias interview lol
And the eye roll she gave this chic… savage and I’m here for it!!
6:00 “I have an in infection in my throat that spread to my TOENAILS, gums and ears..” 😂😂💀 I know it was a mistake, but that shit took me out haha
Girl, same 🤣🤣
Same but I didn't want to point it out 😂 we're all human but it still made me giggle.
Same 😂 and I had to check if I was the only one who did 😅 lol
I mean, it’s POSSIBLE, but I’ve certainly been sitting here trying to figure out what she meant!!! 😅😅😅
Omg same, I rewinded several times and was CRYING 😂
There is NO WAY a nurse would casually tell a pt you MIGHT have sickle cell anemia. Not only are nurses not allowed to diagnose diseases but especially not something as serious as sickle cell that's LOFELONG and very painful
That's what I thought, too.
At most, she could have said something like, " You should get that looked into because there are diseases like sickle cell that can cause that".
Even that's a stretch, though.
Yes! I'm also wondering if this girl just heard "anemia" and assumed that sickle cell is the only type. She doesn't seem like she's the sharpest tool in the shed. I'm a nurse myself and we often ask patients to repeat what we have told them in their own words while providing education, and it's insane how often people assume things, don't understand, or just straight up aren't paying attention.
Swoop, i’m glad we could cry together. genuinely my heart breaks every time you talk about your story :,) bc from one chronically ill person to another… we never want anyone to suffer the way we do. my heart & soul goes out to you Swoop! we will keep fighting together!!
I so appreciate you covering these. My mom is dying from an incurable, untreatable brain cancer and it's infuriating to see these people make a joke of something so devastating. Before my mom we lost my grandmother in 2023 from a combination of cancer and complications from dialysis. Losing both of them so close together is earth shattering, especially since I was supposed to get so many more years with my mom, she's not an old woman. And here these people are monetizing fake sicknesses and making careers off their grifts. It's deplorable.
Edit for those who want to know how my mom's story ends: She passed away in the early hours of the morning Dec 21.
I'm so very sorry to hear about your dear mom and grandmother. I wish there was something I could say or do to somehow make the pain softer, but please know I'm sending you and your family warmth and the hope for peace and healing.
@@PettyUniversity Thank you. I'm blessed to have wonderful brothers so we've been leaning heavily on each other through this time. It doesn't make it better but it does make it ever so slightly easier.
Condolesces on the loss of your grandmother, & the battle your Mom is fighting. Cancer is one of the most unfair things in life.
My mom died of Brain cancer. I feel your Pain. Sending Hugs to where your Heart Hurts the Most 🧡
I’m so sorry.
Thank you so much for highlighting the importance of not attacking people who "don't look sick". As someone with a disability (mine is very obvious and visible so it's not really questioned) I have seen so many of my peers with varying conditions that are not always as visible deal with the unfortunate and accusatory attitudes of "You don't LOOK disabled!" or "You walk fine! You're obviously faking!". It's incredibly frustrating and heartbreaking. I can only imagine how hard it must be to deal with this negativity when one has a terminal illness. Great doc as always! Have an awesome day!
I cant watch most videos about autistic people 😢 like if they committed a crime or are accused of faking it or are being criticized, its just too triggering for me. Even this video is triggering.. I was accused of faking it (just online by a random commenter) before i finally got diagnosed, actually it happened once since then, even got a comment that im faking it with my (nonverbal!!) son…. So whether theyre really faking it & adding to the issue or are being falsely accused or did something wrong, i just cant handle it… people just dont understand of have enough empathy for autistic people because they cant imagine what we go through…we usually have so many co morbid conditions, chronic pain, POTS, hypersensitivity, gut issues, chronic anxiety etc & are targets for abuse and assault and mistreatment
I bought a car through a private sale a few months ago, and it looked completely fine from the outside. A Mercedes, great mileage, not too old, etc. but when I took it to the mechanic, he told me it wasn’t worth fixing. Pages and pages of codes. The suspension is gone. The wiring is fucking. The list goes on… I was pissed, until I realized, it’s the perfect car for me 🙃 I look great from the outside, but on the inside I’m falling apart and have the frailty of an elderly woman 🫠
Thank you Swoop. I was misdiagnosed so many times for a 5 years long period. That was the scariest time ever, I went no contact with one grandma, because she was sure I'm faking it. I made one male doc lose his job in my local clinic, because he wasn't compassionate and told me outright I'm faking it after typical treatment didn't work. I'm a fighter, and I wish the best for the people dealing with long term illness.
I’m so sorry! I hate how frequently this happens to women. I know what this is like. I stand with you in the fight, I see you and believe you and truly hope this year bring remission and relief for you. I went no contact with my grandmother years ago for many reasons but a big one is her lack of compassion and belief in my health issues.
My dad passed away after having nasal melanoma for the second time, the cancer spread to his brain extremely quickly and i witnessed him deteriorate within a matter of weeks, its sickening seeing these people profit from any type of cancer, when real people are out there, some not being able to afford proper treatment, thank you for making this video swoop!
I am so sorry for your loss. May your father Rest In Peace. ❤️
I will say, in my teens and 20s, I lied a lot online. Part of this had to do with identity and social constructs that were unhealthy. My self-esteem was never so low as back in those days, and this was perpetuated by my lying. Now, I try to be as honest and kind as I can be-- I have slip-ups, like anyone, where I'm unkind. I'm working on that part.
Being honest online will serve you and society better than the lies.
I love your honesty!!! Your personal growth and self awareness is admirable.
I think the fact you had admit and express that you have done wrong, you’re still learning and sometimes make mistakes (like all humans do!) this shows amazing maturity and growth :) good for you ❤️
It’s great that ur being honest but people like u need help and shouldnt just be “forgiven” bc u were young and dumb. Being young and dumb is lying about being a natural blonde online or having a rich father, not faking cancer and scammer people out of tens of thousands that is an actual disease and no normal people do not do that. Let’s stop pretending like this is young and dumb self esteem thing 😂
@@dominiqueallen3847 I agree with your point to an extent, but to be fair, they never stated what sort of things they lied about. It could've been serious or it could've been silly, you really don't know. They also never said whether or not they got help, or that they have been forgiven. So again, I don't disagree with you, I just think you jumped to some conclusions and assumed the worst in your reply, which isn't really fair.
Show me a teen or young adult that hasn't lied or stretched the truth online and I'll show you a kid that's never been online
Thank you!! I watched this with my dad who has been a dentist for 30 years. He wanted me to pass along a message to Swoop and the entire community:
“First of all Swoop thank you for bravely sharing about your battle with fibromyalgia and also bringing these stories to the forefront. I want to acknowledge as a cis white male dentist how much I know cis white male doctors in particular have dismissed the very real and troubling concerns of women and people of color in particular. I know words on a screen don’t mean anything actions do, but I want you to know I believe you and I see you.
Listening and Learning.”
-Dr. Jeff Berkowitz DDS
Tell your Dad his words meant a lot to this stranger ❤ x
@ I will let him know, we are both sending so much love.
❤❤❤❤ Dad’s Rock!
@@nancyICUnurse ICU Nurses ROCK! Thank you for all you do, an angel like you saved my life as an infant. Nurses are underpaid and under appreciated by so many. I believe nurses are the backbone of healthcare. Thank you ❤️
@@hotpinkcrayolas also I can’t speak for my dad but having known him my whole 26 years on this earth, I do know that as a male dentist he speaks so often about how there needs to be a bigger conversation about reframing the conversation about consent and what is considered non consensual or invasive in medicine. Obviously, Gynecology,obstetrician and things like that are our automatic response but he knows that a stranger putting their hands in your mouth can be extremely triggering and violating. I am very lucky to have always known I have the right to say NO to a doctor. I really do want to hold space for people that do find something like going to a dentist triggering or another form of medicine triggering that isn’t what is considered typical. Sending love and light ❤️
I kept thinking you were saying Mel Gibson at the start and I kept thinking; “how’d I not hear about this scandal??”
Same! Haha! 😅
Hahahahahahaaaaaa this made me almost choke on my piece of chocolate 😅
I kept hearing Mel Gibson and it fucking killed me 😂
same. lol
Literally same
My mom has cancer. We've recently found out it's reached her brain after years of fighting. The IDEA of faking it for something as inconsequential as internet points infuriates me.
I’m so sorry.
@@Lilcutiepie95 Thank you. It's part of life at this point, and we go through life with her a day at a time. No one should want to even pretend that this is their life.
@MikeyTimothy Mine's 53. They're both too young. Cancer just flat sucks. Hopes, prayers, and thoughts to you and yours. 🤝
🫂🫂🫂
Oh I'm so sorry I know what it is like to watch people to have a just a little piece everyday it's taken away I hope you have peace❤❤❤❤ I lost my mom to cancer it is a horrible thing I'm so sorry about your mom
This is why I'm a swoop fan. The empathy is rare. Struggling with an invisible illness is no joke. I appreciate the exposure and opening up the conversation. Keep it up friend you're making a difference.
I've noticed that people who are actually sick, don't advertise their diagnosis. It's so much mentally that telling people is the last thing on your mind when you go into "auto pilot" just trying to survive.
The last 4 years have been hell for me. It started when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 38 years old. I had a lot of radiation damage. I spent 3 months in the hospital, had multiple surgeries, almost died several times and did die once. Now I have colostomy (poop) and urostomy (pee) bags for the rest of my life.
I love your channel. Thank you for sharing your personal struggles. Stay beautiful and petty. 😊
Exactly this. When I had a health scare this year the LAST thing I wanted to do was post a TikTok about it. Hell, it wasn’t even a thought.
Wishing you strength and healing ❤
Very true. One of my nurses said that pain patients often are the last ones to be diagnosed with other illnesses and diseases because they internalize so much. They are so used to fighting so much more pain than the regular population that they allow their bodies to get sick, allow other types of pain to grow. When patients in hospital they are "painfully polite" and refuse to ring the reminder bell because they don't want to bother the busy nurses seeing how other patients have them hopping for everything. She said that most non pain patients will start hammering on the bell the second the clock hits the hour their medications are due. 🙄
When I go out I make extra effort to look nice. Yet if the subject of CP/chronic illness comes up I will hear "You don't look sick" and they stare at me with suspicious expressions, as though this s-show I've been slammed with for seventeen years is all a farce to lose the career I went to school for and hang out with my cat. 😂 I'm glad that Swoop uses the term invisible illness. I think the statistics of physical disabilities being invisible are around 80%. But most people wouldn't know any of that. They should.
That's why we all keep talking ❤❤❤
@@comagirl0815 I fully agree.
It doesn't make it less sad though, that the invisible illness people go through so much and still show, so much humanity. Even though they may not even feel human most days.
I know that I certainly don't feel human a lot. Most days I feel like I'm not even living. I'm just existing.
You and whoever reads my post, now know more about me, than about 75% of the people that I know. 😂
@@jasmynelliott Thank you 😊
💯 I have breast cancer and I felt this to my core. Wishing you comfort.
The moment before the kitty cleanser really got me sobbing. Idk why the "you got dealt a shit hand in life" resonates with me so much but it did. I don't typically comment on things but big thanks to Swoop for making people feel seen. Life sucks sometimes but we just gotta keep trucking on
Same, it got so intense for a moment but so fucking good, i rly appreciated it
I feel a lot of guilt around my disability and being a burden and my occupational therapist once said to me "why feel guilty? you didn't ask for this, you didn't go and lick the EDS Tree!" she made me laugh in a moment of absolute despair. But the message is true, got dealt a shit hand and it's hard to accept that and learn how to keep moving on. I love Swoop and the community here
My dad’s a 3x cancer survivor. He’s just about to go through his final treatments (he’s close to cured thankfully) after months of fighting insurance companies to get his meds covered. I’ve lost family and friends to cancer. My best friend from college recently got diagnosed with EDS and Nutcracker Syndrome. Witnessing loved ones going through difficult treatments and symptoms is heartbreaking and anxiety inducing; People faking illness for clout pisses me off because it takes away support from people who need it and it makes an already very cynical world an even worse one.
Your dad is a whole warrior, I can’t imagine going through it once let alone three times. I hope everything goes smoothly with treatments and he’s cured soon ❤️
@velourbarbiecommon is far more common than many realise
@@KingOfGaymes thanks ❤ we’re just so happy he’s doing well.
Also @PettyUniversity - Belle Gibson would need a part two or a Swoop Too vid because not long after she got caught for the Whole Pantry, she tried to pass as an activist for the Oromo community. Thankfully she was caught pretty quickly by the Australian Oromo leader.
my dad died of brain cancer in 1994. I was born in 1990 and he was diagnosed just after my birth. My father fought very hard and lost. I miss him to this day and it really gets on my nerves that we seem to only celebrate survivors as if those that died weren't as worthy or as good of people. My dad was a super man and went through hell to try to be cancer free. Brain cancer is devastating.
Im so sorry🥺
I’m so sorry. My dad died of brain cancer as well. It’s a cruel disease. 😢
I just want to say, it's because SWOOP were so open about her PCOS and endometriosis that I was finally brave enough to see a doctor about my weird periods and actually got a diagnosis and medication for my PCOS. Talking about the illnesses and struggles we go through can be a good thing. But there will always be people out there who muddles the water with their fake issues
1:40:24 As someone with an invisible illness, I hear you, Swoop. I see you. Your message applies to you just as much as it does for us! We love you!
Please drop that momma max doc. I have had to rely on drama farm channels and it has made the waters muddy I would love to hear your deep dive with your insight, your amazing research team and the grace requires to tell these kind of stories
I second this
Thirding
Yup
I have fibro too. Thanks for talking about invisible chronic pain, it makes a difference, spreads awareness and makes us feel more seen ❤ I wish you as many "good days" (lower pain days) full of as much joy and relief as humanly possible
As an actual cancer survivor, these people are evil. Thank you for exposing them!
I'm glad that you're still here and I hope you never have to go through that again, I have no doubt that you've fought hard enough for a lifetime ❤️
Same here!! I’m furious with these idiots!!
Same! It makes me feel bad about sharing my own battle, with the hopes of demystifying breast cancer for those who have yet to experience it, because I don't want people to think I'm scamming people or wanting attention. Way to kick cancers ass @henhousebathco stay healthy ❤
This!
Thank you swoop. I (very thankfully) don’t suffer with chronic pain but I suffer with mental health problems severely and having your content always makes me feel better. Sending you prayers for your upcoming tests and for a diagnosis and healing in whatever capacity that comes in ❤
Whoa. 1:40:00ish. I'm crying, Swoop. I needed to hear those words as badly as you do. Today was a bed bound day and I was feeling hateful towards myself for it. The world is better with you in it. Thank you. Thank you for staying and thank you for your support and encouragement.
That 60 Minutes Australia interviewer 😂 She laughed to her face, like wtf, you didn’t have cancer 😆 Loved her!
Tara Browne is a legend.
we fucking love Tara Brown. she doesn't take any shit but she's also so sympathetic when she needs to be
The way my fingers went to click to attend professor petty’s lecture! Keep popping off Swoop!!
Class in session!
@nightknight2730, are you even old enough for this channel? You write like you're in middle school.
@@EquineDreams3 We're not about the mean comments here. It may not have been conveyed in your _preferred_ grammar, but it was certainly understandable, so I'm not sure what your issue is.
@@PettyUniversity May I ask why some actual sick people were flashed in a montage while you talk about people who fake it? I only ask because It confused me for a minute. I know this is my subjective opinion and know that would never be your intention. Just curious as to why it was edited that way, I mean no offense.
@@EquineDreams3possibly someone with English as a second language, you know
Not me in actual tears living with crohns and forcing myself through getting ready to go to some stupid corporate holiday thing listening to this in background when Swoop went on her tangent supporting those with chronic illness.
I needed that.
Thank you
As a person who is currently dealing with mental health issues, including my very first major cptsd episodes resulting in regression, I needed to hear that last part. I love watching your content for that purpose! So, thank you again.
I too have fibro, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, and mst I live in pain every day. I want to thank you Swoop for speaking out on our behalf.
As someone that lives with chronic pain and mental health issues; thank you for covering this. Also, thank you for the kitty palate cleanser. I lost my chonky Void boy suddenly last week and seeing your four little sweethearts in their adorable sweaters brought a smile and warmth to my weary soul ❤
But she is really pretty so that is all that matter! (sarcastic comment). Sorry for what you are going through.
I'm so sorry for your loss🙏🏼💜
hey swoop, as another trauma survivor and fibro warrior, thank you for what you do for the community of the disabled and chronically ill. you're a big inspiration to me, every day
As someone living with dysautonomia and fighting with people not believing me, I can’t stand these scams, how despicable
Heyyy, a fellow dysautonomia friend in Petty U.! ^^ Just saying hi to let you know you're not the only one, and neither am I! 😊
I’m sorry so many doctors refuse to believe their patients! You deserve to be listened to and respected!
Oh my god trying to explain it. "My dysauntonomic nervous system doesn't work - it does what it wants. Everything your body does automatically mine does what it wants" to "I have a heart problem" and nevertheless they persist in their ignorance.
Your rant(1:34:22) had me in literal tears. Christmas Day, lost my insurance a while back, and have been unable to get procedures and medicine to help reduce the 24/7 pain that I have been dealing with for over 30 years. Just watching Swoop to try and distract myself from the fact that due to the pain, I was unable to join the celebration and hold my grandchildren (3 years old and 1.5 months old). I needed to hear that there is someone in my corner. So THANK YOU!!!! Tears streaming down my face, thank you for your words.
As someone who has endometriosis and fibroids having chronic conditions is not a walk in the park. Lying about an illness or condition is the lowest of low. How despicable.
Exactly! I have chronic pain too and don't tell anyone outside my family and best friend. Ppl have enough problems in their lives and to Pretend to be sick is just f'ing disgusting!
I have a surgery next month to find out if i have it. Cronic on off pain for 2 years. I hate feeling like I'm crazy trying to find out why my lower abdomen hurts so bad.
Also… they would never be able to handle the absolute prison your body becomes… endometriosis is the worst I also have it ❤️
Lol, I got POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, & Chronic Gastritis. Fuck anyone faking these illnesses. I hope they get the illnesses they fake, for real. Living with chronic illness is a nightmare. 🫂 For all really suffering.
@@EquineDreams3 yo, don't do that. I know we all do this in the beginning, but tell people what's going on. You deserve support too, and it can help people better adjust expectations of you. Don't run yourself down, you are only hurting yourself. Pls start sharing what you are going through with more people. Chronic illness can be very isolating and depressing, and people who love you would want to know.
Did not expect to be moved to tears by Swoop's support. This year has been so hard. I have had big ups and downs with my health, my mom passed, and my mental health has been very bad. I have had many times where I wondered if it is worth fighting anymore. It does help to know I am not alone.
I appreciate how well you investigate with all of your stories.
This one hit hard. I'm going to be 34 tomorrow and my WHOLE LIFE I've complained about 'black outs' and feeling SUPER FAINT randomly in the days. But not every day.
It took my current BF to find out; I have epilepsy ~ scared him last year with TWO grand mal seizures one after another. Finally one of my main complaints has been diagnosed. Now to get my hypermoblity documented. I'm tried of my hip slipping out and collapsing.
But ya know. Like the Doctors always tell me. 'Im fiiiiiine~'
That's actually how I got on the path to diagnosis for epilepsy as well! As a child I told my parents and teachers about black outs and coming back to consciousness in a completely different spot. My parents said I stood up too fast and teachers said it was innappropiate to bring it up. Finally a partner witnessed me losing consciousness and was able to explain to me exactly what happened.
Also look into Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, as someone with it you could just be hypermobile but you could also have EDS and for some epilepsy is a comorbidity
@madison00002 I know this wasn't directed towards me, but I actually am just starting toward a diagnosis now. It's so interesting that you mention that, I didn't know there was a significant comorrbidity.
I have Heds too!!! Plys dysautonomia and MCAD
@Mintyjoltix2569 no I completely get that! I was just always super bendy and dislocated often and then when I put together all my symptoms they were like ohhhhh welll maybbbeee. I cant get the genetic test yet but my mom was able to find out she had it because of me. EDS/HSD often has comorbidities like dysautonomia and neurodivergence as well as others.
I just got diagnosed with a chronic illness and am learning there are more illnesses and dysfunctions and syndromes that branch from my illness. Having someone who understands say that I am enough and that I am strong was something I didn’t know I needed to hear. Thank you, Swoop ❤
Thanks swoop!! Everyday I struggle, with the “invisible” illnesses .. wishing, praying, pleading for relief, ANY relief! I’m in that cycle of broken mind, broken physically, broken emotionally, it’s literally never ending. U have to fight for the will to survive, but a lot of the times, wondering- why do I even try? Thanks for your vids! Maybe one day I’ll get relief
Re: Maddie Russo’s GPA: if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my high school teacher friend’s stories, it’s that intelligence and a sense of consequence do not always develop at the same rate and it’s often the smartest kids doing the most criminal shit in the most obvious ways. Like in D&D, intelligence and wisdom are different things, which goes double the younger you are.
thank you for this:( growing up with a disabled mom, its so heartbreaking seeing her so stressed and struggling because of her illnesses.
she has multiple autoimmune diseases, and the effects of all of that has caused her to be so insecure about her appearance, and how she presents herself, because she doesn’t wanna embarrass anyone.
it makes me feel so bad having to grow up watching her struggle the way she does. theres days she can barely get out of bed. the fact people can be SO greedy that faking illnesses is a REOCCURRENCE???
it makes me lose sm faith in humanity.
Can i just say. that your Docs/vids are EXTREMELY well done and captivating. i don't normally just sit and watch a lot of docs. but yours really pulls me in and i want to pay attention. thank you for these. i think i watched a ton of your vids in about a few days recently lol
As someone who has an invisible disability, it makes me want to throw my phone in the trash any time i see people like fake things like this. Its been SO hard to get people, and doctors to believe me because its become a trend to be ill. I didnt choose to be in pain. Its not quirky, its not fun. Like... why do people think disabilities/being ill is so fun?
I can relate I have depression/anxiety and everyone says I can get over it like it's a phase...I have been this way since middle school😤 I also have many people in my family who died from cancer and I remember what they went through I definitely am mad that someone would lie about cancer.
Aren’t the vast majority of disabilities invisible? The only visible ones are like.. if you literally don’t have an arm or leg lol
I’ve been dealing with chronic pain my entire life that was recently (2y ago) diagnosed as fibromyalgia. I’m 37 yo. The day I got the diagnosis, I fell on my knees and couldn’t stop crying. I wasn’t crazy!!! I could finally put a name on my pain. For years I would go to all kinds of doctors. Doing MRIs, scan, blood tests,… nothing was never seen. All doctors would send me back home saying I was fine when I knew I wasn’t. My parents have been my biggest supporters but even them or my siblings would from time to time diminish my feelings and experiences because they didn’t understand. I felt so isolated and ended up in silence in fear of people thinking I was doing it for attention and making things up. I’m so thankful for people like you. Brave enough to stand in front of the whole internet to call out harmful people but also use your platform to educate others. You are incredibly thoughtful and always supportive to all communities and especially minorities. You remind us all that we are not alone in our struggles and that being different is actually a good thing. ❤
Sending you and all suffering in silence my biggest hug
Thank you for covering these assholes I was diagnosed with cancer at eleven and to see people fake an illness that I had that drained me boils my blood
As a person who just lost her mom to cancer in September, people like this make me sick 🤢
🫂🫂🫂
OMG I think you just changed my life with the tip about the sweat bands around your wrist while washing your face. I have anemia and am always so cold that washing my face is horribly painful for my body, but this would help sooo much!! I know that's not the point of this very amazing doc, but thank you!
I'm chronically underweight (so painfully freezing), and I'm so glad I read your comment! Love this little piece of advice ❤
How long have you been anemic!? you don’t have to stay anemic!? why are you accommodating anemia and not curing it? I’m so confused I don’t understand this. Can you get some iron? eat red meat? get infusions?
@leebliss3622 I'm recently diagnosed and on iron, but it doesn't seem to be helping the cold much. It's definitely being treated tho! Lol
Thank you for your words to chronic ill people. I've suffered chronic migraines since 12 and for so long people ignored my pain. I hope you get your answers, and that the health issues are something treatable. You are a lovely person and however long it takes you to get a doc out, I'll be here to watch it
As someone also living with fibromyalgia and a kind of complicated spinal condition, I always feel so seen and supported when you share these parts of your story. And it kills me when stories like this come out because I already feel so much guilt for how my conditions affect me, and so much paranoia that people won’t believe me/will think I’m exaggerating/ will get sick of dealing with it, and it’s exhausting and disheartening. Thank you so much for doing what you can to bring these things to the light and for acknowledging the ways it hurts people like us. Thank you for what you do.
I never post on youtube, but had to because I have numerous chronic health issues and some days just getting out of the bed seems like the hardest things in the world. Your pep talk near the end brought me to tears because just hearing someone else who gets it and makes me feel okay with myself and feel seen is a rarity and something I needed today. Thank you and I wish you the best in your health journey. Keep being awesome (and petty) because it makes a real difference ❤
Swoop, bringing me to tears. Your heart is so big I hope the messages you send out to others is being reflected back to you because you matter, you are valid and what you are going through is not your fault! You are so much stronger than I think even you realize. Thank you for being you, being honest and sharing even 1% of your life with us. You are a warrior and your videos always feel like a battle cry for justice.
I know as humans we are all flawed, but I love the fact that you are just you...not an image, but as close to a real person as I have ever seen out here.
Thank you Swoop!
Hi Swoop,I would liek to say that this video really touched me. You sharing your story means a lot. I was diagnosed 21 years ago, with bipolar 1 disorder. It runs in my family. It has been life changing for me. I have never gone off of my medication and with advancements in medicine I get better and better. The stigma of being mentally ill is a hard one. The minute that I say I am bipolar so many people think that I am "psycho" and crazy. I find that offensive. I have the type of bipolar disorder that is the hardest to control. I have worked hard to get to where I am. My illness is very much invisible and can't be seen on any kind of test. I do my best every day to get out of bed. Thank you for saying that I am worthy. You are too Swoop. I can see how emotional this video was for you to do. You take all of the time you need to look after yourself. Your health is the most important thing on your page. You're worthy too of loving yourself!!
Hey I was mis-dx'd with bipolar 1 and have friends with it. So I've experienced side effects from the medication and also know a little bit about the real life experience of those with it. I have invisible illnesses too and both my physical and mental illnesses have caused involuntary reactions that people have labeled "psycho". I am sorry my vasovagal syncope makes me appear frightening to you, I'll pretend like that makes sense. I am sorry that my autism makes me appear frightening to you, it's never my intention and oftentimes I find it's a reflection of your own internal or internalized ableism. Maybe you should work on that while I work on my social skills to not appear scary. (I'm using the royal you here, you @strawberryangel1647 seem like an angel)
Oh my... the 1h40m mark - you got to me. This has also been a dark year for me and have been living in medical hell since 2022... But what you said really got to me, I started crying but it was DEFINITELY something that I think EVERYONE needs to hear!! Keep spreading all the love and all the acceptance to those of us who find it hard to accept ourselves!!! So much love for you and your channels! 💙
I really appreciate when you talk about chronic pain and illness, Swoop. Especially when you emphasise how valid we are and remind us of our worth in the face of everything we deal with. I’ve never in my life known a moment of peace from pain: when I found out that the amount of pain people are usually in is “none at all” I couldn’t conceptualise that. I still struggle with it.
1:40:31 I just really needed this today. Thank you.
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos as a young child. An autoimmune disorder that effects the thyroid. My mother fell into the essential oils and alternative treatments.
I know on some level I know she thought she was doing what was best. But I think the choices she made has left me with more issues to deal with as an adult.
My medication strength is significantly higher along with other meds now. There will never be a day in my life I won't need meds.
I feel like I have been stripped of my youth as someone in my 20s. I struggle to have a social life due to always leaving in horrible pain.
I have a weird fascination with people who fake illness. Because it took me so long to even comfortably label myself as chronically ill. It is a double edged sword in my mind.
It was homeopaty with mine. I had allergies and when I got sick it was bronchitis and twice pneumonia that landed me in the hospital. When we went on holidays in summer usually after one week I had problems breathing, once I had an ambulance ride to a hospital because it almost affected my heart as I was slowly suffocating. Finally after second time in hospital the we started private therapy with a doctor specialising in allergies. I literally think she saved my life. I wish in no-one that horrible feeling when you try to breathe and can't and with every breath it gets worse. It destroyed my childhood and affected me to this day. Silly thing, thinking about scuba diving or reading sf set in space gives me anxiety because of limited source of oxygen.
Thank you for this video and the conversations in it. As someone living with several chronic illnesses, including fibromyalgia, not being believed despite medically diagnosed by a doctor is just another part of the suffering I've endured.
1:37:07 I love you swoop. I live with celiac disease which in my form it attacks my joints when I am exposed to any gluten (even cross contamination). As we come up to the holiday season I am literally dreading not wanting to eat at family functions. My family…really just don’t understand just how serious celiac disease can be. Your little pep talk was exactly what I needed to hear right at this moment as I fight off a gluten exposure from thanksgiving. It takes days, months, sometimes years to get my body away from the joint pain. I appreciate your kind words.
Im sorry what you going through❤
I have Celiac as well, so I understand you ❤️
My sister went through so much stuff until she was finally diagnosed with celiacs. I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to not have a family that understands. My family sometimes fucks up but they've always made sure to have everything clean and food for her because she also gets horrible joint pain and headaches. I hope you get through the holidays season safely :(( sending you lots of hugs
Thank you for the pep talk at the end. I was injured in April & have been dealing with appointments, doctors, and daily pain since. At the end of the Nov my doctor told me that unfortunately there's nothing else they can do; sometimes people just don't heal. In two weeks, I have a functional capacity evaluation. It's been a lot to process & my future looks uncertain right now. You made me feel seen. You made me feel valid.
Thank you for your kind, beautiful, support, and positive words at the end Swoop! You brought me to happy tears. As a woman with Lupus and cervical cancer, that is a message I need to hear daily, especially with the never ending pressure that society puts on us (whether real or self forced) to do it all, no matter what.
I just commented, but your words at the end made me cry and I'm not a cryer. Girl, you're the type of person I wish I had the nerve to be. I'm so scared of what people would say about me to say it. Thanks for making me feel a little more valid in my fight
My best friend died in 2020 from DIPG at the age of 17. I was 15, and didn't know until that August (she died in April, I believe). It devastated me, and I'm naming my first daughter after her when I have kids.
My friend found out she has an inoperable brain tumour in September. She now can't talk, walk, or do much with her arms. The treatments are only slowing down the progression. It is heartbreaking and I can't believe people would play and make light of something that cuts so deep for so many. :(
Thank you for the motivational talk towards the end. I am usually housebound and quite often bedbound with my condition and it means to much to hear someone I look up to say that its just important for me to be here even if I can’t do any more.
Faking cancer just makes me livid! I never met my grandmother due to cancer that literally took her within a few weeks of her diagnosis, I have one aunt who has beaten breast cancer twice and my other aunt is at this very moment receiving end of life care due to throat cancer. It has affected my family in so many ways and I am feeling so much empathy for my cousins who are about to lose their mum, and my own mum who is about to lose her sister, as well as working through my own feelings about it all. So, to hear how someone not only fakes it, but also fakes healing themselves from it..... I... I just can't even speak I am so angry.
I cant believe im typing this, but i just lost my dad to cancer on November 2nd. I wish more than anything he was just faking it for money. At least hed be here. I cant wrap my head ariund faking something that devestates entire communities.
🫂
The sidebar...i needed that. Thank you. Thank you. THIS THIS is why I and so many other people support you you're truly inspiring. Keep fighting through your struggles because it DOES get better. I really hope it does.
I've been a fan of your content for years now. I know your story, what you've been through, and I relate to those struggles. I'm an SA survivor, and 6 years ago I was diagnosed with GPA vasculitis. Illness has already almost claimed my life two times and this year was specially heart breaking and exhausting.
Seeing people faking this kind of illnesses be completely healthy just yotake advantage of the community's empty while I'm here struggling to work to be able to pay to even get a basic check up at the doctor's office is so infurating...
That's why your words at the end hit me real hard... Thank you Swoop. I'm proud of us, for being here today, and I'm proud of you for being a voice for all the people like us... And for never giving up.
I hope 2025 Is brighter for you.
I just recently found your channel and this video hits hard! Thank you for your words at the end, I am in the middle of test after test, also. I've had an epidural near my neck I've had trigger shots done, and I'm scheduled for another injection in my lower lumbar and my right hip. This has been going on all this entire year and no one has understood the pain I go through on a daily until I came across this video! You made me cry but in a good way. My family doesn't understand that the travel of a car ride is excruciating. I felt like you had my back and finally, someone got me! And in the same regard you are also worthy of a pain-free life and finally getting the answers you also deserve! I pray you get them soon. I am a new subscriber and I'm so grateful to have found you! 💜
Praying for your health Swoop, I'm in a similar boat. My last treatment stopped working and no one knows what to do next cuz they don't even diagnosis me correctly (24 yrs in counting in pain). Sending all of us some healing vibes
I've been hoping you'd cover this! Love you Swoop!
Your message at the end brought tears to my eyes. What people with chronic illness deserve and what they get are worlds apart most of the time.
Thank you. Hearing that from someone else who understands. Means more to me than i thought it would. I'm sitting here sobbing and not feeling alone. So, thank you and I see you too.
(PS my VALID ribcage hoodie came in yesterday and lives on my body forever 😊)
I've had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 19 (I'm 32) and omg swoop you are gonna make me cry, you keep hitting all of the things I shove down to get through the day so well.
I wish you all of the health and happiness in the world and hope that you get answers asap
I love that you've addressed this and made others aware of these cases.
As someone with a hidden disability, I've wanted to make content about my illness and create awareness but i have always been afraid of doing so because of these kinds of people ruining the space. I don't feel safe sharing anymore.
As someone who has been battling new autoimmune issues later in life, this really touched me. Thank you so much. They don't understand. We'll keep fighting. Xo
Thank you for always making me feel seen. I have fibromyalgia & I’ve had two hip surgeries, one of which gave me drop foot plus so many other “minor” health issues that have really dragged down my mental health. Thank you for always using your voice for good & thank you for not letting any of us feel alone. YOU are truly worthy & matter too, Swoop! 💕
Everyday I want to post a video and it makes me feel “ashamed” (I don’t know how to describe it) to post my struggles… I don’t know how these people don’t feel an OUNCE of shame for selling a chronic illness to people who just want to have a sense of community… it really upset me, but I am so happy you are speaking about this ❤️ thank you swoop ❤️
Swoop, just have to say that I really needed that pep talk on your sidebar. I have had a hard time (currently working from bed w/a bad kidney infection) and your message moved me to tears. We were dealt a bad hand, but at least we are making small meaningful steps everyday. I know 2025 will be a better year for all of us in the community. You got this. Much love to everyone who is feel low this holiday season 🎄👑
As someone with a diagnosis of TS "Turners Syndrome" when I was a baby/Child, this is disgusting!! F the way off! I have no sympathy or empathy for those who want to fake illnesses or whatever reason, I couldn't imagine or fathom using my illness this way!
Wow you got diagnosed young. It’s so rare to hear of someone with it I got diagnosed 14/15 yrs old. And also other myriad of complications due to the TS please get your checks and hope you have a good specialist on top of it also get heart check ups. ❤
My mother lied about having breast cancer when I was about 10-11. Then she disappeared entirely from my life until I was 14. I thought she had died. Turns out the breast cancer was a lie, and she dipped to make a new family. I spent 3 years thinking she was dead, just to get a random Facebook message from her after school one day my freshman year. And this was also after having looked for her on Facebook for years, so she must’ve had me blocked to keep up the facade.
People are insane and will do and say anything to cover their own ass
That's crazy... So sad you had to go through something like this! Hope you are better now! ❤️
@ thank you 🖤 I recently went no contact for good and it’s done wonders. I’m just focusing on my healing nowadays
My mother was diagnosed with brain cancer (glioblastoma) in early 2020 and died 4 months later so whenever I hear/see about these people faking brain cancer, I get *so* livid. What despicable people.
@whoobie
I'm so sorry for your loss. My sister hung on for 10 months from her diagnosis of glioblastoma, and passed 4 months ago. It was so horrible seeing that disease take everything away from her. People who think brain cancer is romantic need to visit the palliative care ward to see the reality of the disease & the effects on patients & their loved ones.
Sending you all the love and healing, Swoop. Thank you for being you. You are worthy and matter, too. 💙
Thank you for sharing your passion for your chronically ill and disabled viewers. I recently went no-contact with my parents and one of the main reasons is that they had not only been absent as my health continued to worsen, they flat out told me my autism and health issues were my problem and my spouse’s problem. Hearing your anger for how disabled people can be mistreated by others was healing for me and a reminder that I made the right choice when I chose my health over a relationship with people who refused to be there for me.
Thank you for increasing the visibility of those of us with chronic illness. I look healthy and when I use my cane people give me weird looks. I've thought about putting a post it that says DISABLED on my forehead so they stop acting like I am faking.
Girl I remember being yelled at for walking home and choosing to hold my cane and not use it for the walk cus it was just easier in the moment. The fact that people go around pretending to be sick blows my mind. I feel like I try to fake being healthy LMAO. I’m sorry people are so ignorant to the importance and use of mobility aids and I hope the people around u stop being so hateful ❤
Me too! I have Crohn’s that makes me look bloated sometimes. I can’t tell u how many times people have commented on my “pregnancy”. I’m 53 years old, so I guess I appreciate looking young enough to be pregnant, but damn! Just please don’t comment on someone being pregnant unless u KNOW they are!!
I've had some absolutely terrible experiences in hospital stays, too, Swoop, and I really appreciate what you said about how people deliberately lying about illnesses definitely fuels that dismissiveness that doctors and nurses can have. It's such a shame, seriously, some of the mistreatment that happens to patients in hospitals and doctor's visits, etc., all the time.
I lost my uncle to cancer this year. And, two others in my family have cancer currently, and are fight hard to win against this awful disease. One of my friends from high school has cancer and she's pregnant with her first child. Cancer is not something anyone should be faking they have.
Swoop,
Thank you for all of this. I've had a really dark two years health-wise and sooo many tests as well. Some ended up being less bad than I expected. I have visible disabilities and invisible illnesses as well. Illness can be so isolating, especially if you have a panic or anxiety disorder on top of that.
Also, I remember last year one of my friends told me she had been diagnosed with fibro and we got to talking. and then...she THANKED me for believing that fibro is real. It angered me and broke my heart.
I hope your health begins to get better.
I started this video yesterday. The day ended badly for me. I finally said I wish I was someone who could just give up and cease to be. I just finished this video with your talk of visible illness. I can't begin to express how the timing was perfect and how much I needed to hear it. I hope you find answers and treatments. At the very least I hope your good days outweigh your bad ❤
11:31 Did she… REALLY not think that she’d get dragged through the mud for faking an agonizing, debilitating illness that can end someone’s life!?