For four years, personal trainer Megan Hope Johnson trusted her gut. Without health insurance and after years of feeling dismissed by doctors, the 28-year-old from Chattanooga, Tennessee, avoided professional medical care and turned to self-diagnosis instead.
“I just felt like it was a waste of money and so I just stopped going,” she told People, in an exclusive interaction. As her stomach started expanding, Johnson was convinced it was diastasis recti, a condition where the rectus abdominal muscles or the ‘six-pack’ muscles separate, often postpartum, creating a gap. “My stomach was getting bigger and just wider,” she said, adding that she even used the “two-finger test” she learned about online to self-assess. This involves
But when she opened up on TikTok, her followers sounded the alarm. Many urged her to seek real help, which she finally did. After a trip to the ER (Emergency Room), tests confirmed she not only had diastasis recti but also a “massive cystic mass extending from the left upper quadrant to the floor of the pelvis measuring up to 48 centimeters,” which is close to the size of a newborn baby.
She nicknamed her ovarian cyst ‘Cysterella.’ Reflecting on her hesitation, Johnson confessed, “My own pride got in the way of me getting help because I would justify my symptoms — like nothing’s wrong with me and I know best.”
According to the outlet, Johnson had a successful surgery during which 27 pounds of fluid were drained from her body on May 22. However, in the process of removing the cyst, doctors had to take out one ovary and a fallopian tube — a risk she was aware of. As for her diastasis recti, her medical team hopes it will heal naturally after the surgery.
Megan Johnson avoided professional medical care and turned to self-diagnosis instead (Source: Instagram/Megan Hope Johnson)
But, how common is medical avoidance in such cases?
Dr R Uthra, MS(OBG)., DCG., consultant obstetrics and gynaecology at DHEE Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Medical avoidance is far more common than we realise, especially among younger adults. In Megan’s case, the lack of insurance compounded the issue. Many people internalise the idea that unless something is ‘urgent,’ medical care can be delayed.”
There’s also an emotional layer to it. Avoidance is sometimes a coping mechanism, people may fear a serious diagnosis and feel that not knowing is less distressing than confirming their worst suspicions.
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The ‘two-finger test’
Johnson was convinced she had diastasis recti based on online research and used the “two-finger test” to self-diagnose. Dr Uthra mentions that the “two-finger test” is a basic tool that may suggest the possibility of diastasis recti, but it cannot replace a proper medical evaluation. It involves measuring the gap between abdominal muscles during a slight crunch, where a gap of two or more fingers may indicate the condition. “Internal organ conditions, like ovarian cysts or tumours, often have overlapping symptoms and may not be visible or detectable through surface-level tests.”
Social media can oversimplify or generalise medical issues, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed care. In reproductive health especially, symptoms can be subtle and progress silently.
How does undiagnosed or untreated illness affect self-worth?
Johnson shared, “Feeling like I’m not able to help myself makes me feel unqualified to help others.” Dr Uthra notes that for professionals in the fitness or wellness industry, there is often an unspoken expectation to “embody” health. “When they face a medical issue that goes undiagnosed or unresolved, it can deeply impact their sense of competence and credibility.”
Moreover, she adds that the pressure to maintain a certain physical appearance or standard of health can discourage them from seeking help. It’s essential to normalise the idea that health professionals, too, are human and vulnerable, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.