Hi Michelle - Your comments rang in my ears today as I experienced a frustrating meeting with a healthcare practitioner. It's been six weeks since I was diagnosed with a chronic form of leukemia, and in that time I've marshaled an incredible range of resources for education and support, including the wonderful team at EmpowHer. It means so much to not have to take these journeys alone.
As just one example, today was the first time anyone in this medical group provided any support resources, and what they advised was that I visit a specific website for information. They're about six weeks late. I first visited the site the day after diagnosis because that's when it was most needed. The website has provided access to resources including an international webcast with one of the top specialists in my form of leukemia, invaluable drug therapy management tips from other patients, inspiring success stories from those who've come before me, and more. I've also used information from the site to develop blog topics that have helped educate others.
Fortunately, I learned a long time ago that you have to find healthcare practitioners who welcome a partnership if you want to optimize your health, and I have an appointment tomorrow with a physician who "gets" it, welcomes my questions and works with me.
It can be a hassle to change doctors and to go through the process of vetting your caregivers. When your health is at stake, however, the hassles are a small price to pay to obtain practitioners who believe in patient empowerment.
Thanks again, Michelle, for taking this stand and educating others.
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Hi Michelle - Your comments rang in my ears today as I experienced a frustrating meeting with a healthcare practitioner. It's been six weeks since I was diagnosed with a chronic form of leukemia, and in that time I've marshaled an incredible range of resources for education and support, including the wonderful team at EmpowHer. It means so much to not have to take these journeys alone.
As just one example, today was the first time anyone in this medical group provided any support resources, and what they advised was that I visit a specific website for information. They're about six weeks late. I first visited the site the day after diagnosis because that's when it was most needed. The website has provided access to resources including an international webcast with one of the top specialists in my form of leukemia, invaluable drug therapy management tips from other patients, inspiring success stories from those who've come before me, and more. I've also used information from the site to develop blog topics that have helped educate others.
Fortunately, I learned a long time ago that you have to find healthcare practitioners who welcome a partnership if you want to optimize your health, and I have an appointment tomorrow with a physician who "gets" it, welcomes my questions and works with me.
It can be a hassle to change doctors and to go through the process of vetting your caregivers. When your health is at stake, however, the hassles are a small price to pay to obtain practitioners who believe in patient empowerment.
Thanks again, Michelle, for taking this stand and educating others.
Take good care,
October 14, 2009 - 6:55pmPat
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