Just to throw another random thought into the mix. (Sorry in advance if it doesn't make sense -I'm a bit off.)
I was born with medical issues and have continued to acquire new ones over the years at a steady pace.
All are now 'chronic' in nature or 'in remission' depending on how you look at it.
I often wonder if it's all in my head because I've gone as long as 10yrs in between acute flare ups. If one doesn't feel sick then is one sick?
A specialist once said to me "yes you are. You're the oldest living person in this country with your medical issues".
Yay me. For some reason I found that statement depressing.