For the five years, I have sporadically made my way in to either a family doctor or the gyno to try and understand some troubling symptoms.
Each time they look at me, find out I am employed full time, a marathon runner, writing on the side and traveling a lot for work...then comes the speech "I'm sure you are just stressed out."
After hearing this twice I decided that even know I wasn't really feeling stressed out maybe they were right and I should just stop worrying. In January, I passed out and had a seizure, suddenly I wasn't just stressed out any more. However, after going to the ER and running a battery of tests the doctors simply left it with a well this is strange and you should probably keep an eye out for things.
I fully understand that doctors can't know everything, but I also know that deep down I knew something was wrong. I had spoken to my husband, to my mother and to friends that I couldn't pin point the issue but I simply felt off. I didn't want to complain so if I mentioned anything it always seemed very random.
Now I am being more forceful when I see a doctor. I come in prepared with notes. I do not let them give me an "oh you are stressed". I ask them about tests and I require them to give me answers or ideas.
We are in charge of our health and though it is scary to stand up to the experts, I think it's required.
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I agree that we are responsible for our bodies and our health. Maybe it is because I am a registered nurse, but, I never was intimidated by physicians or fearful of asking questions. I do understand that some physicians can make a patient feel intimidated or the medical language can sound foreign.
But, it is so important to persistent if you feel you are not getting the answers or adequate explanations. The only stupid question is the one not asked.
Maryann
February 24, 2012 - 5:54pmThis Comment