Four Tips to Help You Confidently Self-Advocate For Better Care
In this blog I share with you my top four tips to help you advocate for better medical care from your doctor and/or medical team!
This blog is brought to you by the Endo Babe Podcast. Listen below!
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is not just painful periods. Endometriosis is a full body inflammatory disease with an immune component. The endometriosis lesions are similar to the tissue that lines the uterus, however, they are outside of the uterus. The lesions are hormone sensitive and respond to the hormones of the menstrual cycle, but, endometriosis is not caused by excess estrogen! Click here to read more about endometriosis
"We all deserve to be seen, heard and respected by the medical professionals who are taking care of our cases."
With endometriosis, it's SO important to be your own self advocate - because the medical community just hasn't caught up with the current research. Here are four tips to help you advocate for better care.
1. Ask a lot of questions.
Don't be afraid to say that you don't understand. Ask things like : Can you explain this better? What are the risks and benefits of this medication/surgery? Why is this the best treatment plan for me? The more questions you ask, the more knowledge you have - and therefore the better prepared you are to make a decision. Walk in ready to have a real discussion with your doctor and/or medical team.
2. Prepare for your appointment.
Have a list of questions to bring with you to the appointment. A lot of times you get into the appointment and “black out”- as in, you get overwhelmed, you shut down, and/or forget everything you wanted to ask. So having a physical written list to reference is helpful. Write down any concerns you have, a full list of your symptoms, and even a pain map. The more info the doctor has about you and your body, the better decisions/treatment plan they can make for you. Do your research before hand. Know your own goals and priorities for treatment.
3. Bring someone with you.
Bring someone to act as a second set of ears and a second healthcare advocate for you. This is something that will also help in case you have that figurative "black out." A good advocate is someone who knows you really well, and is calm, organized, assertive, and comfortable asking questions. Bonus points if they know the medical community/medical jargon!
4. It's completely ok for you to get a second opinion.
If you don't like the plan of care/treatment plan your doctor lays out for you, and they're presenting certain things as the only options without budging- DON'T be afraid to get a second opinion!
Stay tuned for the rest of my three part mini series about getting the best possible care for your endometriosis!
Chelsea Blackburn | Endometriosis Blogger & Podcaster
Instagram: @chelseaaabri
Email: chelseaaabri@gmail.com
Podcast: The Endo Babe Podcast: Endometriosis w Chelsea Bri
PS. Be sure to join my free Endometriosis Support Community Here
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