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XLI've been thinking about getting those letters emblazoned across a sweatshirt--not because it's my favorite size sweatshirt, but because that's how old I am now, courtesy of my latest birthday. There's something about that number that puts a gleam in the eye of anyone in the medical profession. "Ah, you're 40 now. Pretty soon you're going to need bifocals." "Well, things tend to change as you get older..." And my most recent, "You're 40? Time for a mammogram." Ahhhhh. This was at my most recent well woman visit. "Annuals" as they now like to call them. (By the way, have you read "A Well Woman"? If not, you should. Then you can know what memories I bring with me to these visits...) At least the nurse in this office is sympathetic. And now I'm with a female gynecologist, which is much to be preferred to a man. Problem is, she's so young! And skinny. I knew their scale was going to register higher this year; I just didn't know how much higher. It's been a tough winter weight-wise. The boys and I started baking to earn pocket money, beginning last July, and since that time, I can tell, I've been struggling with weight gain. Turns out it was nine pounds. Ahhhhh. I actually went to this appointment planning to talk with her about a different problem I was having. I get a tremendous headache at the beginning of my cycle each month. Lasts a whole 24 hours, makes me sick to my stomach, and nothing will even touch it for lessening the pain. A friend of mine had told me that her doctor recommended going back on the pill, at age 40, to reduce the symptoms she was having related to her cycle. I just wanted to see what my doctor might have to say about it. I like to know my options. (Now I should tell you that, last year at my visit, my doctor was rather incredulous that I WASN'T using some form of chemical birth control, and that I was happy with that. She would have been glad to "put me on something" if I'd have wanted it.) So here are the options she gave me: birth control pills (surprise, surprise), a low dose of estrogen for the few days before my cycle starts in order to prevent the headache, and a prescription-strength migraine medicine to combat the headache, if the other didn't work. Oh, and come back in three months so we can check out how well it's working for you. And here's your form to get your mammogram done. Plus, you really should see your family doctor for a basic physical. You know, cholesterol screening, diabetes, etc. And one more thing...don't gain any more weight. (To be fair, I brought it up. I thought maybe she'd have some words of encouragement and motivation for me. I was wrong.) So let's summarize. I had today's visit. I've got a follow-up visit. There's the mammogram. And a physical. Plus two prescriptions for medication. And I'm basically a healthy person! Generally speaking, I know what I need to do to lose weight or lessen the effects of a headache. Some of it is common sense, some of it I can research for myself, and the other bit I know is just plain change I should make for my better overall health. The problem is that I haven't experienced enough consequence yet--apparently--to compel me to change. Now, I sense that you may not really be seeing what the big deal is. The doctor's just doing her job to keep me healthy, as she should. After all, prevention is the best cure. Right? But perhaps some of you are like me. You don't like lots of doctor's appointments. You don't want to be taking medications on a regular basis. What you really want is someone to help keep you accountable to the things you know you should do but have trouble doing on your own. Is there anybody out there willing to do that? But, even if you're not like me, perhaps you will understand this: insurance. My husband is self-employed. Our insurance stinks. I'm sorry. That was rude. Let's just say it's not very comprehensive. In fact, it's just a hospitalization policy. No doctor visits, no outpatient. The prescription coverage is little to nothing. They do sometimes surprise me by paying on something that I thought wasn't covered at all. I've asked their CSR's (customer service reps--another favorite topic) about this, and they--of course--can never tell me why. They just assure me that I should always have the doctors submit paperwork to them, "in case they make an adjustment to the charges." It's happened once. And in the meantime, all that unnecessary paperwork costs time, money, and resources that end up getting paid for in insurance premiums. Ahhhhh. But I digress. My point was that I now have four appointments and two prescriptions to pay for, out of pocket. What I really need is one appointment, no prescriptions, and an accountability partner to help me get back to better health and habits. Doctors don't give you that. Honestly, they don't make money off healthy people. Well, except through lots of prevention... But I'm not as timid as I used to be. It's my body--my health--and the internet has made it much easier for us ordinary folk to research the topics of concern in our own lives. That doctor has known me for a sum total of thirty minutes in my entire life. I've known myself for 40 years. I guess, ultimately, I'm a better judge of what I need than she is, as long as I'm basically healthy. Now, I realize that I asked. I wanted to hear her thoughts on the headaches. And honestly, her information has helped guide and direct me in my search for more natural answers to the problems I'm having. Therefore, the prescriptions are sitting on my desk, unfilled. The follow-up appointment is written on the calendar, but it has the words, "Probably cancel" written right after it. I'm endeavoring to monitor my diet, exercise, and cycle a little more closely. Three months from now, instead of going back to the doctor, I hope that I can have corrected some of the lifestyle choices I've been making that have contributed to my headaches--and all the other health concerns that, ahem, do seem to pile up as you get older. (Darn it. All the nonsense they tell you is true: "Now that you're 40...". I just don't want to hear it!) Ultimately, what I mean is that I hope I can use this latest experience as that one final motivator I've been seeking to help me get healthier. Not that I'd turn down an accountability partner. Anybody want to volunteer? |
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Chantal L. DeYoe
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