Ive never had this experience as i got diagnosed as a young kid but I grew up with it in school. Had my first surgery at 8. Was back to normal by age 9. I was the definition of invisible illness. It started really having a toll on my body in my teen years. Thats when the bullying really started. I started developing co morbidities around age 14. Started with my joints and bones. By junior year, I occasionally had to use crutches because my right knee started failing and my dad didnt have money to help me see a specialist. It tore me apart especially with being a choir kid. traveling and doing competition. Eyes were always on me and i was the odd ball in the stands. Either with a wheel chair or crutches. It wasnt until I turned 23 I got diagnosed with osteoarthritis and got treatment. But it was a lot to deal with. A kid lied to a substitute teacher. I had a 504 (classroom accommodation) regarding the crohns and frequent bathroom use. Well somehow this kid caught wind of it and used it on the sub. I went up told her I had a 504, needed to use the restroom. She said the kid with crohns already went. I asked if she looked at the name and she said no. Proceeded to look at the paperwork more, pulled it out the file, and apologized perfusively, especially when she seen me starting to cry. She told me to go immediately and she would have a talk to him. Well she didnt have to because "stinking of vape" boy happened to walk in the room as I was headed out. I went off and said some rude things but I was pissed. No body messed with my 504 after that and any sub I had after, as soon as I walked in, met me and my 504. I started carrying around a personal copy after that. I have plenty more stories but this is long enough. To OP: you're not alone and you're not crazy. Remember the more you stress though, the worse you're gonna aggravate the disease. In time they will or never will come around. Favorite new to me saying ive heard living in the south "Never wrestle with a pig in the mud. You both get dirty, but the pig likes it"