A Journey to Wellness: Listening to Your Body and Advocating for Yourself
Hello everyone,
I hope you’ve all had a fantastic week! Right after our last gathering on Sunday, I went to the doctor because I'd been experiencing persistent pain for over a week. What started as a lower backache eventually turned into a stomach ache. The first doctor, a man, suspected pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the lung lining. But I knew my symptoms didn’t quite match that diagnosis. After a round of tests and a CT scan showed nothing conclusive, they sent me home with pain meds.
During all of this, I was chatting on the phone with one of my dear friends. We usually have our thought-provoking conversations on this day, so I called her from the hospital. Despite everything, it was a good distraction. To my surprise, she showed up at the hospital to support me. My husband had been with me but had gone to grab some lunch, so her presence was a comforting addition.
She immediately began asking the doctor questions that I was too exhausted to think of. Although the doctor prescribed pain meds and sent me home, I didn’t feel right. I called the advice nurse that night, who scheduled another appointment for the next morning.
This time, I saw a female doctor. I told her that I was sure the first doctor had misdiagnosed me. My symptoms didn’t align with pleurisy. Backaches in women can be a sign of many things, like kidney stones, infections, appendicitis, or even cardiac issues. She reviewed my previous tests and ordered another round, along with additional tests to leave no stone unturned.
The pain was intense—it hurt to sit, stand, bend over, and even breathe. My appetite had decreased significantly. I was mostly drinking a protein shake and eating a salad daily. My favorite smoothie, Tropical Smoothie's Peanut Paradise with Whey, was a constant in my diet. I later realized that might not have been the best choice.
The new doctor noticed that my intestines appeared full on the scans, likely causing my stomach ache. She asked if I was having trouble going to the bathroom, and I admitted that I had been. She suggested a good cleanse and a new plan to get me feeling better. This got me thinking about my diet. Being lactose intolerant, the whey protein in my smoothie could have been causing constipation and gas. Plus, the sugar content in the smoothie, disguised as healthy, wasn’t helping.
This experience taught me to pay closer attention to what I put into my body. I’m grateful for a doctor who took the time to listen and investigate thoroughly. She discovered something the first doctor overlooked—my diet was causing my pain. It reminded me of the importance of knowing the facts about what we consume.
I’m also incredibly thankful for my friend who came to the hospital and advocated for me when I couldn’t. Her support gave me the strength to return the next day and advocate for myself. Good friends are essential for mental and emotional well-being.
Remember to listen to your body and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right. Your health and wellness journey is worth every effort.
Embracing Change and Recalibrating My Routine
The next day, I emailed the doctor to thank her. I felt a mental shift, a sense of clarity and relief. Now that I know better, I am definitely doing better. I've stopped going to Tropical Smoothie and started making my own smoothies at home again. Over two years ago, I discovered my love for creating delicious concoctions in the kitchen, whether it's cooking, baking, or experimenting with new kitchen gadgets. One of my favorite tools is The Beast, a high-powered blender I used so often that I eventually burned out the motor.
This morning, as I thought about my morning routine and recalibrating my life, I decided to order a new Beast blender. I'm excited to get back to making my own smoothies, which helped me lose over 20 pounds before. This experience has been enlightening. As we get older, our bodies change, and I'm embracing this evolution. Our well-being, friendships, and relationships are so crucial—they enhance the quality of our lives. Recognize the value in these things, as they make your journey through life easier and sweeter.
Until next time.
