Cautioning Against False Reassurance: The Silent Onset of Disease

Inspired by a father’s statement—“I’m glad my son has no permanent illness”—I feel compelled to share a word of caution. While such a sentiment is understandable and comforting, it may also reflect a deeper, potentially deceptive conclusion: that the absence of current symptoms or abnormal test results equals a clean bill of health.

As the renowned astrophysicist Carl Sagan once said, “Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” In the realm of medicine, this quote serves as a critical reminder. Even as science has advanced significantly—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—new and unexplained symptoms continue to surface. Yet society often clings to self-reassuring phrases like “Nothing bad showed up in the tests” or “We’ll get over it”, as if these offer definitive closure.

In reality, such statements may only offer false security.

Medical professionals, while operating with the best intentions, often base their conclusions on limited or narrowly focused test results. A common diagnosis might quickly follow: “Nothing dangerous was found.” While this can bring temporary relief, it may also overlook the earliest signs of a slow-developing condition.

Of course, living in constant fear is neither healthy nor productive. Chronic anxiety can lead to its own physical consequences, including hormonal imbalances and even organic damage. However, the other extreme—living in false security—can be equally dangerous. When we ignore the body’s subtle signals, we risk missing the critical moment when a disease first begins to take hold—often silently and without immediate symptoms.

One poignant example is myocarditis, a potentially serious heart condition that can develop gradually and may not be detected during routine screenings. Here is a clinical case review on myocarditis for reference. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/crp/2349610

Another is Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)—a genetic disorder that may remain unnoticed in childhood but can lead to severe visual impairment later in life. While there is currently no cure, early diagnosis and tailored preparation can significantly reduce emotional and logistical hardship.
https://swaresearch.blogspot.com/2025/04/when-vision-fades-personal-journey.html

Other conditions, such as ALS, Alzheimer's, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), often begin with subtle, nearly invisible changes. Medical science understands their devastating outcomes, but the early onset still remains largely elusive.

One way to bridge this gap is through genetic testing. While it cannot predict every health outcome, it can offer important warning signs, helping individuals stay alert to early symptoms and make informed decisions. Preparing gradually for potential health challenges is far less disruptive—and less emotionally taxing—than facing a sudden, life-altering diagnosis without support.

That said, this is not an endorsement of pseudoscience or unverified remedies. In our search for answers, it’s essential to rely on peer-reviewed, evidence-based resources. Engaging with science doesn’t require a degree—simply reading one credible scientific article per week can offer clarity, reduce stress, and empower people to better understand and respond to their own symptoms.

In a world full of medical noise and misinformation, staying observant and well-informed is essential to avoid taking unnecessary medications or supplements that could cause unwanted side effects and additional health issues. With valid information, we can move forward more confidently—while remaining cautiously optimistic, which may be the most responsible approach.

 

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742 ISBN: 0-9703195-0-9