February 2, 2009Reader Success Story – taking charge of health management
A reader wrote: I was fat, exhausted and depressed, but every doctor I talked to told me I was normal. If that was normal, I’d hate to see abnormal. I researched my symptoms and figured out what was wrong with me, and spoke to scores of doctors who dismissed my ideas. I had to go out of state to find a doctor who would run the tests I wanted, even at my own expense. But I did find one, and guess what. I’m slim,energetic, and happy now. It took every ounce of assertiveness I have to keep going in the face of doctors who would rather dismiss me than work with me. Now, I help other women get their doctors to listen to them. Believe me, it’s worth it to SpeakStrong when your doctor won’t listen.
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Thank you so much for your weekly newletter. Thanks to you I feel alive again after 2 years of feeling crazy. I had Hyperthyroidism and was treated with Radiation Therapy and since than my weight and health went downhill, literally. I read the whole story about and researched more about Hashimoto’s Disease and now am on nature herbs and feel alive again. Thank you!
Comment by Juanita Jeff — February 18, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Jeff, that is FANTASTIC!!!
Comment by merylrunion — February 18, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
I had something similar happen to me. I ws misdiagnosed as biopolar when I really had narcolepsy. A consultation with Dr. Google really helped cinch the diagnosis. I went back to my doctor with a letter describing my symptoms and asked to be tested. He prescribed the sleep study.
A few years later my son was diagnosed with an epilepsy syndrome. He was put on meds that made him crazy. Dr. Google said the symptoms didn’t make sense for that syndrome. I got a second opinion and he has a different type of epilepsy, and we got him off those horrible drugs.
In current times, patients really have to advocate for themselves. Just watch mystery diagnosis. Doctors often think people are “faking” to get attention, but this is probably rare. If you have insurance that lets you, get a second opinion if you think something is not right. Always question the medications they put you one, and ask about alternatives to the treatments they prescribe. After I have asked, I have been able to use foods or herbs instead of the drugs they originally suggested.
Comment by sarahp — April 2, 2010 @ 10:06 am
Bless Dr. Google – where did we go for answers before? Compelling stories and excellent advice. I will add that even if insurance doesn’t cover us, the bottom line is these are our bodies, we live in them, and to let the system limit us is an abdication of responsibility. If we make professionals or the system responsible for our well-being, we are the ones who lose.
I’m continually reevaluating my life and observing where I’m making others responsible for me having the life I want. If someone gives me support that is useful, I”m all over it. As soon as I realize it’s not working, it’s time to stop blaming and start making a new plan.
Comment by merylrunion — April 4, 2010 @ 1:31 pm