The Significance of Feeling Heard During Doctor Visits

As I rushed through the exit doors, eager to return home, I felt fortunate to have completed my appointment ahead of schedule, squeezed in between a work conference call and picking up my child from a playdate. The warm air felt refreshing against my skin as I removed my paper mask. A smile crept across my face as I reflected on how surprisingly well the visit had gone, and I was caught off guard by tears forming in my eyes—not from sadness, but from the overwhelming sense of being genuinely listened to for the first time in what felt like ages.

For weeks, I had debated whether to reach out to my primary care physician. I picked up the phone multiple times, only to hang up again, rehearsing my thoughts and jotting down notes, adjusting my phrasing repeatedly. I was all too familiar with this journey. I knew that to receive the care I needed, I had to communicate clearly and effectively.

For months, I had sensed that something was significantly “off.” I felt persistently exhausted, bloated, and dizzy, teetering on the edge of physical collapse. My initial indication that something was wrong came during my daily runs. I had always completed my two-mile route in roughly the same time, but one morning, it felt as though I were running through thick cement. My lungs were fine, but my body refused to cooperate.

I soon found even simple activities like climbing stairs or casual yard work becoming a struggle. Jumping on the trampoline with my kids—once a cherished activity—was reduced to taking frequent breaks while they expressed their disappointment at my diminished energy. Regardless of how much sleep I accumulated, it never felt sufficient.

But how does one “prove” fatigue? Throughout my life, I encountered medical professionals who made dismissive or sarcastic comments when I cited fatigue as a symptom. They often reminded me of my two young children, my demanding job, and of course… my age (as if I needed reminding).

This time, however, I was prepared. Armed with a list of my symptoms, a rationale for believing this was something more serious, and even researched blood tests that could provide insight, I felt ready.

I firmly believe in advocating for oneself in medical contexts. While many doctors are exceptional, there are some who fall short. Importantly, it’s crucial to remember that doctors are human too; despite their expertise in specific areas, they are not all-knowing when it comes to individual cases.

Consequently, I typically approach medical visits with a degree of anxiety. But this time, I was confident because I recognized the necessity of being heard by this doctor. And to my relief, he truly listened.

He engaged with me, nodded, and asked thoughtful questions. As he examined my heart and lungs, he discussed potential causes for my symptoms—such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid issues. He inquired about my current medications and how I felt while taking them. His genuine concern and effort filled me with gratitude.

Unfortunately, many women often feel overlooked during medical appointments, leading some to avoid seeking care altogether. I have frequently hesitated to discuss certain issues with doctors due to the fear of needing to justify my feelings.

The tears I shed at the end of my appointment stemmed from sheer joy. The doctor didn’t merely provide me with the necessary blood work orders to uncover my health concerns; he restored a piece of my confidence. He rekindled my courage to continue advocating for my own health.

While I await my test results, I recognize their significance. Yet, I also want to celebrate this small victory. Though it might seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, the impact it has had on my approach to my health is substantial. It served as a reminder that I am the best expert on my own body, and my intuition deserves a seat at every medical appointment moving forward.

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Summary:

Feeling listened to during a doctor’s appointment can significantly impact a patient’s experience and confidence. Julia Marks shares her journey of advocating for her health, highlighting the importance of effective communication with medical professionals. After expressing her symptoms and concerns, she felt truly heard by her doctor, which not only provided her with the necessary next steps for her health but also restored her confidence in self-advocacy. This experience serves as a reminder that patients know their bodies best and should always trust their instincts.

Keyphrase: Importance of feeling listened to at the doctor

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