The Phrase That Silenced Me — “No Acute Distress”

The Phrase That Silenced Me — “No Acute Distress”

By Neeley Jo Minor | Estimated read time: 4 mins

What doctors wrote in my records didn’t match what I lived—and it cost me time, treatment, and truth.


🔍 What This Post Covers

  • What “No Acute Distress” really means
  • Why it shows up even when you’re in pain
  • How to address it in an addendum

🧠 Quick Summary

“No Acute Distress” is a default line often used by doctors even when you’re crying or reporting pain. It reflects their observation, not your experience.

🧾 Real Example

Doctor’s Note: “Pleasant, no acute distress”

Reality: I was sobbing, in pain, and terrified of a possible rupture.

✅ What You Can Do Today

  • Request a copy of the visit notes
  • Highlight the “no acute distress” line
  • Use our template to submit a correction

📣 Advocate With Us

If you’ve ever been misdocumented or dismissed, your voice matters. Share your story with EnBloc AI™ and let’s build change.


EnBloc AI™ content is for education and advocacy only. Not a substitute for medical advice.