I hurried through the exit doors, eager to return home. This appointment had been squeezed between a work conference call and picking up my kids, and I felt fortunate to finish early. The warm air felt pleasant against my skin as I removed my paper mask. I couldn’t help but smile, reflecting on how astonishingly well the appointment went, only to find tears unexpectedly rising in my eyes. I wasn’t crying out of sadness, but rather because, for the first time in ages, I truly felt heard.
For weeks, I had wrestled with the idea of reaching out to my primary care physician. I’d picked up the phone multiple times, only to hang up again, rehearsing my words and altering my notes repeatedly. I knew from past experiences that clarity was essential to receiving the help I needed.
Over the past few months, I sensed something was seriously “off.” I felt fatigued, bloated, and dizzy, as if I were constantly teetering on the edge of collapse from sheer exhaustion. My first indication that something was wrong emerged during my daily runs. Previously, I could complete the same two-mile route in roughly the same time, but suddenly, it felt like I was running through concrete. My lungs were fine, yet my body seemed unwilling to cooperate.
As time passed, everyday activities like climbing stairs or light yard work became challenging. Jumping on the trampoline with my kids—once a joy—turned into a series of breaks while they cried because I couldn’t keep up. And no matter how much sleep I got, it felt like it was never enough.
But how do you “prove” exhaustion?
Throughout my life, I’ve encountered a few healthcare professionals who made flippant or even sarcastic remarks when I mentioned fatigue as a symptom, often referencing my young children, my full-time job, and of course, my advancing age—as if I could overlook any of that.
This time, however, I entered the appointment prepared. I had compiled my list of symptoms, detailed my reasoning for believing this was more than just fatigue, and even researched potential blood tests that might be beneficial.
I believe strongly in being my own advocate in medical settings. While there are many outstanding doctors, some may not be as effective. Importantly, doctors are human too; despite their expertise, they aren’t all-knowing regarding my unique situation.
So, I often feel a bit anxious going into any medical appointment, whether it be with a gynecologist, at the emergency room, or even the dentist. However, this time, I felt ready because I was determined to have my voice heard.
And guess what? The doctor truly listened.
He nodded, smiled, and asked meaningful questions. He examined my heart and lungs while discussing potential issues that could explain my symptoms, such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid problems. He inquired about my current medications and how I felt taking them.
He genuinely cared, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his attentiveness.
Women can occasionally feel dismissed during medical visits, leading many to avoid seeking help altogether. There have been numerous occasions when I hesitated to discuss my concerns simply because I didn’t want to prove or explain myself.
Those tears at the end of my appointment were filled with joy. The doctor provided not only the necessary bloodwork referrals to uncover what was wrong but also restored a piece of my confidence. He reignited my courage to continue advocating for my health.
While I’m still awaiting test results, which I know are significant, I want to take a moment to celebrate this small victory. Although it didn’t take long, it profoundly impacted how I will approach my health in the future. It served as a reminder that no one understands my body better than I do, and my intuition deserves a place in every doctor’s appointment moving forward.
For more insights on navigating health issues, check out this other blog post, and for expert information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
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Summary:
This article highlights the profound impact of feeling listened to during medical appointments. It recounts a personal experience of overcoming the anxiety of seeking help and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. The author emphasizes that women, in particular, may feel dismissed by medical professionals, and shares the empowerment that comes from being heard and understood. As a reminder, no one knows your body better than you.