I'm afraid I won't be able to articulate myself well here, especially as I'm feeling terrible today. I'm not sure if this is similar to what you were saying Jenbooks and I hope this is not off topic but I think it relates to the previous discussion about TB and health and privilege.
TB
wrote on Psychology Today that illness is "the great equalizer," saying that the wealthy, the homeless, and in between are all in it together, as she observe from her doctor's waiting room.
I strongly disagree. The less well off in the U.S. have nowhere near the same experience as the wealthy when it comes to healthcare and illness. If anything illness is not only NOT a great equalizer in my opinion, but it serves to highlight the great disparity between classes.
Lack of privilege can affect health experience, as can variations in illness. For example someone who is healthier and can still do some work like TB can may find it easier to accept loss of a career. Someone with money and social support is much more likely to be able to afford medications, supplements, paid help, specialized treatment and more. A homeless or destitute person with CFS/ME will have a very different illness experience than someone in TB's position. This is especially important as disability often sends people who don't have significant resources and support into financial ruin. TB's comments about "the great equalizer," if I am understanding them correctly, seem to be denying and dismissing the effects of privilege on health, which I find disconcerting and even offensive.