As I hurried through the exit doors, eager to get home, I reflected on my recent doctor’s visit. The appointment had been squeezed between a work call and picking up my kids, and I felt fortunate to be finished early.
The warm air felt refreshing against my skin as I removed my paper mask. To my surprise, tears began to form in my eyes—not from sadness, but from a profound sense of being truly heard for the first time in ages.
For weeks, I had wrestled with the decision to reach out to my primary care physician. I must have picked up the phone ten times, only to hang up each time. I practiced what I wanted to say, taking notes and altering my approach repeatedly.
Having dealt with similar situations before, I understood the importance of being clear and precise in order to receive the support I needed. For months, I’d sensed that something was significantly “off.” I felt exhausted, bloated, and dizzy, as if I were always on the verge of physical collapse.
The first indication that something was wrong came during my daily runs. I had been jogging the same two-mile route at a consistent pace for a year. Then, one morning, it felt like I was running through molasses. My lungs were fine, but my body could barely keep up.
Simple activities like climbing stairs or tending to my yard became strenuous. Jumping on the trampoline with my kids—once a favorite pastime—turned into a series of breaks while my children expressed their frustration at my inability to keep up. No matter how much sleep I got, it never felt sufficient.
But how do you “prove” fatigue? Throughout my life, I’ve encountered medical professionals who made snide remarks when I mentioned tiredness as a symptom, often pointing to my young children, demanding job, and age—as if I needed that reminder.
This time, I came prepared. I had a comprehensive list of symptoms, reasons why I believed this was more than just general fatigue, and even researched potential blood tests that could be useful.
I firmly believe in advocating for myself in medical situations. While there are many exceptional doctors, there are also those who may not provide the best care. It’s vital to remember that doctors are humans too, and although they may specialize in a particular field, they do not possess complete knowledge about everything related to you.
Thus, I typically enter any medical appointment—whether it’s with a gynecologist, at an emergency room, or even the dentist—feeling a bit anxious. However, this time I felt ready; I knew I needed my doctor to listen.
And he did. He engaged with me, nodding and asking thoughtful questions. He listened to my heart and lungs while discussing possible issues such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid problems. He queried about my current medications and how they affected me.
His genuine concern and effort filled me with gratitude. Many women often feel disregarded during medical visits, leading them to avoid seeking care altogether. There have been countless times I hesitated to raise an issue, not wanting to justify or prove my concerns.
The tears I shed at the conclusion of my appointment stemmed from pure joy. This doctor didn’t just provide the necessary bloodwork scripts to investigate my health; he reinstated my confidence. He empowered me to continue advocating for my own well-being.
While I await my test results, which I know are crucial, I wish to focus on this small but significant victory. It may seem minor in the grand scheme of things, but its impact on my health journey is substantial.
This experience reminded me that I know my body better than anyone else, and my intuition deserves a seat at every future doctor’s appointment.
For those interested in more insights related to this topic, feel free to check out this other blog post here. You can also learn more about home insemination from the experts at Make a Mom, and explore valuable resources about pregnancy at CDC.
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Summary:
Feeling heard during medical appointments is crucial for effective healthcare. This article shares a personal experience of advocating for oneself in a doctor’s visit, highlighting the significance of clear communication and the emotional impact of being truly listened to. It emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s intuition regarding health and encourages women to speak up about their concerns.
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