4 Words Foundation, Inc.

A few months ago I visited my physician for my annual Gynecological exam.  This is a great time to discuss any concerns and I brought a few to this visit.  I explained to the physician some ongoing symptoms that did not seem to get better over the prior months.  As individuals we are told to listen to our bodies, contact our physicians with any concerns.  We know our own bodies and we know what is normal or not. 

As we age, sometimes new symptoms are just part of the aging process, some might not be.  Some symptoms can be just benign in nature while others might be signalling a serious health condition.  After multiple tests regarding these symptoms (ie: diagnostic colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, MRI, etc.) these symptoms continued. 

As a women, there are some issues that we are told have "silent" symptoms.  I was concerned about "below-the-belt" conditions and asked it I could have an Ultrasound to rule out other possible causes.  The physician obliged my request and ordered the Transvaginal Ultrasound.

Upon my return to the office after the testing was done I was assured that everything was okay.  As I was leaving the office I heard the physician say out loud, "stop watching TV".  I turned about and asked - "just what do you mean by that?"   They stated that just because a celebrity had died of Ovarian Cancer, didn't mean everyone would get it.  Quite frankly I was stunned by this response, turned and proceeded to the checkout window.

Now maybe they didn't mean to say that out loud, maybe they were having a rough day; however I have been going to this physician for years and I am not the type of patient to call for every ache in my body.  I had a genuine concern (and still do).  This physician has always been one of my favorites, talks direct, doesn't sugar coat issues and this is what I respect most about them. 

I am a cancer awareness advocate for both women and men.  I'm also a cancer survivor.  This episode a few months ago has really hit a nerve.  I now don't know if I should bring concerns up to this physician at my next visit, or is it time to consider changing to a new one?

I am a believer that taking care of your health should be a partnership between patient and physician.  Like a business, if the partners no longer think on the same terms, or agree with common issues it is time to have the discussion that may result in parting ways.

I guess I'll figure it out in a couple of months when I return for my annual exam.