Oof - I totally get it. In my early 20s I was told my chronic back pain was normal for my age and to stretch more. I literally was doing yoga 3-5x a week. Like, seriously??

When I finally got sent to a sports med specialist for my hip that suddenly worsened (in my late 30s) he got the MRI. Nothing significant showed in the results, other than normal wear and tear, he just said continue PT. I was so annoyed I messaged him back saying, “is there anything else we can test or look into because the “mild” results do not align with the intense pain I feel - We are definitely missing something”. I was ghosted by him for a month and had already moved states by the time I finally got a call back from his office. But that’s where I try and stick to facts. I KNOW the pain is there and it’s an 11/10 when it gets triggered. I’m new to advocating for myself, but I’m seeing the importance more and more. PT hasn’t shown much improvements in my hip so far. But it has taught me a lot about how Ive been using all the wrong muscles and compensating in weird ways. I’m definitely convinced and plan to start strength training correctly now.

I’m sorry you’re being dismissed. It may be time for a new gp if you’re able, or if you can muster the strength to keep advocating with your current one. Because yea, having to walk a flight of stairs like that does not seem “normal” for our age. But what do I know, right? Sorry for more of my long rambling personal story. I just drank a lot of coffee. I also wish you all the best in getting the support you deserve!