I'm very sorry about your condition and that you're having to go through all you are going through.
> it's simply not possible for me to do something like pursue a PhD in biology
Becoming an expert is not the same as getting a credential. It's perfectly possible to become an expert in whatever particular condition you personally have, without getting a PhD in biology, or indeed any relevant degree. Indeed, since you say you are getting results, I suspect you are becoming an expert in your particular condition, whether you planned to or not. My wife has a chronic illness and she has been forced to become an expert in it (with no relevant degrees at all) even though she would much rather have spent the time on other things.
> I am getting results
I'm glad you are; that's the most important thing.
> it's simply not possible for me to do something like pursue a PhD in biology
Becoming an expert is not the same as getting a credential. It's perfectly possible to become an expert in whatever particular condition you personally have, without getting a PhD in biology, or indeed any relevant degree. Indeed, since you say you are getting results, I suspect you are becoming an expert in your particular condition, whether you planned to or not. My wife has a chronic illness and she has been forced to become an expert in it (with no relevant degrees at all) even though she would much rather have spent the time on other things.
> I am getting results
I'm glad you are; that's the most important thing.