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Who Is Your Best Health Advocate?
Written By: Dr. Sue Aery - Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture | Issue: 2018/07 - July
Who has an extra set of ears for you? Who goes to bat for you?
When you’re in a doctor’s office dealing with challenging health decisions, did you know that you can make your own decisions because it’s your body and no one else’s? A good doctor will bring you and your advocate into the mix and offer you their educated diagnoses and valid suggestions, but these decisions are ultimately yours! It is best to be aware of all options and why they have been offered to you. Then, with the help of a loved one or friend, you can weigh all of the choices and come to a decision that makes the most sense to you and that you are comfortable with going forward.
Even when you feel confident going it alone, bring someone who might hear what you miss or think of a question you forget to ask. I recommend you get at least two professional opinions when it comes to surgical procedures. If these two are conflicting, then get a third opinion so that you can be comfortable and trusting as to what is about to happen to your body.
When it comes to lab work, ask for what you want to see on the tests. If your lab work comes back with some suspect markers, ask what this means and what to do about it. Always ask for copies of all of your labs. You may obtain a copy for your own records, whether it is blood, urine or imaging. Remember: your body, your tests. After all, you are paying for all of this one way or another!
Get help with understanding what is going on with your body and your health. If it seems overwhelming, then pull in someone you trust and let them listen, too. This will help you feel more comfortable with your future and your health! Be your own advocate and allow someone else to help as well – it’ll be good for both of you.
