I’ve been dealing with some health issues over the past six weeks. I’ve become quite friendly with my internist as I’ve seen him three times in a month. Each time he has been respectful, inquisitive, and proactive. We’ve discussed treatment options and altered the medication I’m taking to resolve the issue. At this last appointment he suggested it’s time to see the specialist. I did what all of you should do, I went home and researched the doctor’s credentials. I checked where he went to medical school, but more importantly, I wanted to see where he did his residency. The residency is where the doctor get’s their in-depth training, especially for a specialist. I was very secure in the qualifications of the physician easing my anxiety of having to see the specialist.
I arrived for my appointment to find a nurse who was terrific. She was caring, polite, and really knew what was going on. She explained how the appointment would go and when she took my blood pressure she found it to be a bit high. I explained that I have “white coat syndrome” (where one’s blood pressure goes up just being in the doctor’s office). In addition, I’ve been dealing with pain for the past six weeks and that has a tendency to raise one’s blood pressure. She informed me that I should have my pressure checked in the next couple of days as that’s the new protocol from my medical provider, good to know!
The doctor entered the room and jokingly welcomed me to the specialty practice. He was acknowledging that no one really wants to the see a specialist because it means that the situation has been elevated to the next level of seriousness. He did an exam and seemed hopeful, a very good sign. He invited me to his office where he started to show me my ultra-sound and then decided to make a drawing to explain what was happening. Following his artistic creation he did show me the ultra-sound so I would have a better understanding of my current health status.
He prescribed some medication and emphasized that he was committed to resolving my current health challenge. He also was kind enough to let me know that it could take some time because sometimes the body or in this case, an infection, can be quite stubborn. I left the appointment feeling relieved because like so many of you I figured I had something much more serious. I had already gone down that dark tunnel, only to be lifted back to the light.
Having a doctor who instill confidence is vitally important! Having a doctor who instills hope is vitally important! Having a doctor who makes it clear that you’re a team is vitally important!
If you have other things that you think are vitally important please share them with us!
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 