I had a wonderful weekend, but this week has been all about recovering. Our first day back I did as little as possible to rest and feel less sore from the car ride and recover from the fatigue a weekend like that causes. It is Thursday now and I am beginning to see results. I have had appointments this week to get ready for surgery with my doctor and a home care agency. Those went as well as can be expected. My doctor give me sound advice as always and the home care agency will be here if I need minimal nursing care afterward.
I've been feeling weepy over the last couple of weeks at very unexpected times. I can't seem to regulate when and if it happens it just does. It's a normal reaction to a situation such as this one but it is one people aren't used to seeing from me. I hope it doesn't last, as it is difficult to keep myself motivated for happiness, when I know what is ahead once again. As my Mom always says, this too shall pass. I say, but when?
I have learned over the past couple of months there are quite a few younger people reading my blog. By younger people I mean late teens and twenty somethings, as well as all you young at heart. First of all thank you, I'm glad you find it interesting enough to keep reading and I thank you for your kind words.
With that in mind, I thought it would be good to write about healthcare and our individual responsibility to it. It took me a while to learn what is required to receive excellent healthcare, and I would like to pass that on to you.
* One of the first and most important things to remember is to have respect for the doctor you are seeing. I would say even if you don't agree with what they are saying about your condition remember it is they who went too medical school not you. Hear them out and honestly consider the facts.
* Secondly, and a little like a contradiction, it is your body and you know when something is wrong. Don't quietly agree, when you are sure what the doctor is saying does not apply too you. Respectively be insistent.
* Educate yourself. Of course that means Google! How else do we educate ourselves these days. There is an intelligent way to do that, and a not so intelligent way to do it. While checking Dr. Google, make sure the site is a reputable one, and not a chat room that talks about common symptoms. Some of the sites I have used are: mayoclinic.org and any other hospital or government site.
* Don't look for trouble, and catastrophes your symptoms. Just because you wake up with a tingling arm don't google, find MS, and assume you have it. Chances are you slept on it the wrong way. Going into a doctor with a comment like that will lose your credibility for a long time.
* Build a relationship with your doctor. Let her know who you are. It is okay to say, "I prefer to take the prescription and only use it if I don't feel better". But than check, saying, "is that okay with you doctor?"
* Be concise and talk about the issue you came to see the doctor about first. Than if that is removed and if there is time bring up other things.
* Choose your words carefully. Start with the call to the office. If you are calling for an appointment for a check up or to look at a wart, take what is given you. If however you are calling because you have a sharp, unexplained pain in your side, start by saying, I need to see the doctor today. Once you see the doctor, be clear. This pain feels: sharp, intermittent and it started yesterday around two. Not, I have a pain in my side and I have had it awhile.
* Think about what you want for your healthcare before you fall into what a doctor has decided for your healthcare. There are options, but you must educate yourself. Do you want a pill for everything? Some do. Would you prefer the wait and see attitude with a check in with a doctor, or do you prefer naturopathic medicine or a combination of both.
* Remember, there is a lot you can do for yourself that you will not necessarily get guidance from your doctor on. Eating well helps a multitude of conditions. Educate yourself about what food work best for your situation. There are a multitude of practices that can help you feel better no matter what the condition. Some of them are: massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic, athletic therapy, osteopathy and the list goes on. Trying some of these things in addition to a doctor's visit can be very helpful if you can find one that works for you.
* Don't forget about your mental health. It is not a topic that is talked about a lot, but it is as important than any other. Looking after yourself physically without obsessing over your health is a very healthy start. Eating and sleeping regularly and well is a essential component to good mental health. Having a friend of any age that you can confide in on a regular basis helps diminish travels and dark thoughts. Exercise, outside time and having fun in your life is not an accident, it needs to be planned. If you are doing all of these things, and still feel sad, angry or lonely on a regular basis talk to your doctor and be honest. Tell him or her how long it has been going on and what it keeps you from doing on a regular basis.
* Remember, you are the driver of your own life. Make it happen in a positive, productive way. Don't let life happen to you, let you happen to life. Take it on like you mean it!
I've been feeling weepy over the last couple of weeks at very unexpected times. I can't seem to regulate when and if it happens it just does. It's a normal reaction to a situation such as this one but it is one people aren't used to seeing from me. I hope it doesn't last, as it is difficult to keep myself motivated for happiness, when I know what is ahead once again. As my Mom always says, this too shall pass. I say, but when?
I have learned over the past couple of months there are quite a few younger people reading my blog. By younger people I mean late teens and twenty somethings, as well as all you young at heart. First of all thank you, I'm glad you find it interesting enough to keep reading and I thank you for your kind words.
With that in mind, I thought it would be good to write about healthcare and our individual responsibility to it. It took me a while to learn what is required to receive excellent healthcare, and I would like to pass that on to you.
* One of the first and most important things to remember is to have respect for the doctor you are seeing. I would say even if you don't agree with what they are saying about your condition remember it is they who went too medical school not you. Hear them out and honestly consider the facts.
* Secondly, and a little like a contradiction, it is your body and you know when something is wrong. Don't quietly agree, when you are sure what the doctor is saying does not apply too you. Respectively be insistent.
* Educate yourself. Of course that means Google! How else do we educate ourselves these days. There is an intelligent way to do that, and a not so intelligent way to do it. While checking Dr. Google, make sure the site is a reputable one, and not a chat room that talks about common symptoms. Some of the sites I have used are: mayoclinic.org and any other hospital or government site.
* Don't look for trouble, and catastrophes your symptoms. Just because you wake up with a tingling arm don't google, find MS, and assume you have it. Chances are you slept on it the wrong way. Going into a doctor with a comment like that will lose your credibility for a long time.
* Build a relationship with your doctor. Let her know who you are. It is okay to say, "I prefer to take the prescription and only use it if I don't feel better". But than check, saying, "is that okay with you doctor?"
* Be concise and talk about the issue you came to see the doctor about first. Than if that is removed and if there is time bring up other things.
* Choose your words carefully. Start with the call to the office. If you are calling for an appointment for a check up or to look at a wart, take what is given you. If however you are calling because you have a sharp, unexplained pain in your side, start by saying, I need to see the doctor today. Once you see the doctor, be clear. This pain feels: sharp, intermittent and it started yesterday around two. Not, I have a pain in my side and I have had it awhile.
* Think about what you want for your healthcare before you fall into what a doctor has decided for your healthcare. There are options, but you must educate yourself. Do you want a pill for everything? Some do. Would you prefer the wait and see attitude with a check in with a doctor, or do you prefer naturopathic medicine or a combination of both.
* Remember, there is a lot you can do for yourself that you will not necessarily get guidance from your doctor on. Eating well helps a multitude of conditions. Educate yourself about what food work best for your situation. There are a multitude of practices that can help you feel better no matter what the condition. Some of them are: massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic, athletic therapy, osteopathy and the list goes on. Trying some of these things in addition to a doctor's visit can be very helpful if you can find one that works for you.
* Don't forget about your mental health. It is not a topic that is talked about a lot, but it is as important than any other. Looking after yourself physically without obsessing over your health is a very healthy start. Eating and sleeping regularly and well is a essential component to good mental health. Having a friend of any age that you can confide in on a regular basis helps diminish travels and dark thoughts. Exercise, outside time and having fun in your life is not an accident, it needs to be planned. If you are doing all of these things, and still feel sad, angry or lonely on a regular basis talk to your doctor and be honest. Tell him or her how long it has been going on and what it keeps you from doing on a regular basis.
* Remember, you are the driver of your own life. Make it happen in a positive, productive way. Don't let life happen to you, let you happen to life. Take it on like you mean it!
RSS Feed
