From For Grace’s Women In Pain Petition

“If I had a nickel for every time I was told that the pain was in my head or that I must be stressed or depressed, I would be rich instead of on the verge of losing my house.”
--Deborah Bernardy, #4376

“Chronic pain may not be a fatal disease, but despair can be and is not necessary with adequate treatment of pain.”
--Nancy Petersen, #3283

“I, also, suffer from pain because of a bone desease, and can get no help. I now treat myself with vodka at night before bed.”
--Darlina Anthony, #2854

“The comments that uneducated physicians provide their female patients with chronic pain lead to hopelessness and depression, which, in turn, exacerbates the pain. It is definitely time for the bias to stop; let physicians adhere to their motto: ‘first, do no harm.’”
--Megan Mills, PhD, #2758

“My doctor refused to see me because I brought in a book and asked questions.”
--Connie Brown, #2762

“If I am in complete desperate pain, I know not to seek help until I can get my emotions under control or I will be told my crying is a symptom of emotional distress, not true physical need.”
--Tristin, #2917

“As a nurse and health professional who has suffered with pain for years, I know firsthand women are treated ineffectively, often for their complaints of pain.”
--Mary Pat Conley, RN, BSN, #938

“I knew an old lady that cried because of the pain she was in. Doctors did not believe her. She committed suicide. Her name was also Betty—and she lived at Woodside Avenue in Queens, NY”
--Betty Fernbacker, #2153

“This discrimination is centuries old, but now is the time to stop!”
--Marty Byers-Smith., PhD, #1970

“When I finally got adequate pain relief I began achieving success and joy for the first time at age 50! I have had serious pain since childhood due to a birth defect. I’m making up for lost time now.”
--June Eberhart, #3719