My Autumn Is Here

You know my blogs are about whatever is on my mind at the time. As the title “Off the Top” should convey. Tonight, my mind keeps coming back to one subject. Though I am not a healthcare provider or professional, nor am I in the medical field, I can’t get the subject of healthcare out of my mind.  

While interviewing so many people in healthcare, I am learning that everything is not what we assume it to be.  We trust our doctors because they are committed to the field of medicine and have a passion for healing people.  They have a desire to provide care and improve the well-being of others. They are knowledgeable and undergo extensive training and education to diagnose and treat their patients. Nevertheless as  I interview one doctor after another, I learn something new that I never heard of before.  Not complicated, not far-fetched, just new to my ears. 

I learned about some symptoms that are overlooked.  There are some treatments that are not offered and there are some tests that are not presented to everyone. 

Doctors are diagnosing people with pre-diabetes: Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.  Yet it’s the precursor to type 2 diabetes.  And many doctors tell you to lose weight, watch your carbs, reduce your sugar intake and we’ll see you in 6 months. Doctors should be clear that it’s imperative for you to change your lifestyle and recommend a nutritionist.  

We must educate ourselves, seek information and have our questions ready for the doctor. Do your own research. Ask about the possible solutions or remedies that you have heard of.  No question is wrong when it comes to your health. It may annoy the doctor but it’s your health. They have a wealth of medical information to offer even if they don’t initiate it. Be an advocate for your health. Especially if you’re a woman. 

Women, especially black women are misdiagnosed 20 – 30% more than white men. Which has resulted in serious illnesses and even death. 

There are so many things that have been missed in my personal experience with my mom , my children and with me. If I knew what I know now I would have asked more questions.  

Doctors are human so they are flawed just like us.  Help them be better and challenge them to give you more information.  And don’t feel bad about getting a second opinion. It may confirm their diagnosis and put you at ease.

As we know there are no absolutes or one pill that fits all in healthcare. What works for one may not work for the other.

My point is not to downgrade doctors, my point is that we need to be advoc

ates for ourselves. We need to go to the doctor with clear descriptions of our symptoms. Write it down prior to our appointment. We need to make ourselves aware of the things that will happen in our lives at different stages and ages. We need to adopt a lifestyle of wellness. We must realize that a sedentary life equals an unhealthy life.  We need to get moving. Monitor your medicines. If they are not working, let the doctor know. Trust your gut and use your common sense. Only you know what you are feeling. 

Doctors’ intentions are good, but the healthcare system has changed.  They are limiting the time that doctors spend with their patients. If you go to your doctor with multiple problems, how are they going to thoroughly address them in 15 minutes?

Through this “Autumn is Here” journey I’m learning a lot. There are many things I wish I would have known before but… I know them now. My eyes are open. My autumn is truly here.