What do I believe everyone should know? Given everything others have written, I think people should know their bodies. It is your vehicle, safety, soul, and identity. If you don’t know what keeps it going or how it works, you can’t protect it or know how to fix it. So many times I have talked to people after they have been to the doctor who had told them they need a test but have no idea what it entails or what it is for. I’ve known of people who take several medications and have no idea what they are, do, or their side effects. This is absurd. You wouldn’t have that attitude with your Ford, why your own body? You have one body, one time here on earth, why would you not want the best for it?
I read a book in college reflecting the changes in our minds that happen when we as women go to the gynecologist and expose ourselves completely without question to the doctor. We as Westerners, and Americans, have a strange relationship with our doctors. In our minds, he is a “God” where we ask no questions. We do what he says, and take what he gives us with no questions. It gave me pause. When did this happen? Why are we not more concerned about our own bodies that we don’t wonder or question?
We need to wonder, ask questions, and understand just what is wrong with us and what is going to happen to fix it. On several occasions, I have found that the doctor is prescribing a procedure or medication just as a matter of routine. I’m not “routine”! I am me, with my own problems. They aren’t on a list somewhere where you can pick a medication or procedure that match. This is where people need to know their own situation and body to understand if what the doctor is prescribing is warranted. More times than not, it isn’t. I’m not bashing doctors, they get caught up in the bureaucracy of their business just like anyone else. That is when YOU need to be your own advocate and educate the doctors about what you want and need.
A few days ago my sister and I were talking about this topic. She was looking at having a procedure she wasn’t too keen on having. She decided to cancel it. During this conversation, she told me of a woman who was 85 years old who was told to have a colonoscopy. Why at 85 she needed to have one is beyond me. There were no medical reasons other than it was “routine” by this doctor. During the procedure something went wrong, she was seriously torn inside and now has more problems with a colostomy bag. She said it ruined her life.
This is a perfect example of questioning “why” a procedure is needed. She needed to have an advocate with her during her doctor visit if she was not able to be one for herself. Everyone should take someone with them to help understand what is being said. We often feel anxious just being in the doctor’s office. As a result, we do not focus on the conversation as we should.
Please treat your body as the most important possession in your life. Find out how it works, and listen to it when it speaks or screams at you. You only have one.
Rural Realities - For women about women 