Diagnosis: Lyme Disease and possibly a couple other tick co-infec- tions. As of this writing, I am still waiting for lab work to come back with a definitive diagnosis, but from what I understand those aren’t fail proof so I was started on treatment since I have all the tell-tale signs. A week later and I am already seeing improvement.


This scenario was not new to me. I had been there before when


my husband, mother or father was sick. I would accompany them to the doctor or visit them in the hospital after an illness or surgery and time and time again they were dismissed about their complaints. I was always astounded when they wouldn’t ask questions about what was being told to them. They had the mindset of, “Well they’re the doctor, so I should believe what they’re telling me.”


I remember when my father was first diagnosed with Colon


Cancer and was started on medication. I wanted to help him fill his pill box so I took all the new and old bottles of medication for his many illnesses and lined them up on the table. It looked like he could have started his own pharmacy and the worst part was that he didn’t know what pills he was taking for which disease! His response when I asked what he was taking it for was, “Because the doctor told me to.” After doing my own research and asking questions, we were able to remove him from a few of the pills he was taking because, after consulting with the doctor, he said they weren’t necessary anymore and he should have stopped them a long time ago. Ugh.


I am a firm believer in being your own advocate, especially


when it comes to your health and I highly encourage people to go to the doctors with their loved ones to be an advocate for them. It’s always nice to have another set of ears when you have a lot of medical information coming at you at one time. If you don’t have someone to go to the doctor with you, then I would suggest hiring a health advocate. Some professional advocates specialize in researching the best available treatments and can assist you at home or in the hospital. You can also ask your local hospital staff


to recommend a patient advocate. In fact, some hospitals and nurs- ing homes employ advocates who work on patients’ behalf at no charge. Another option is to hire someone from a home health aide company or organization. These advocates work by the hour and can be an affordable option.


A health advocate can: • Ask questions or voice concerns to your doctor for you.


• Compile or update your medication list.


• Remember your medication regimen and help you follow treat- ment and instructions, including asking questions about your follow-up care.


• Help arrange transportation. • Research treatment options, procedures, doctors, and hospitals. • File paperwork or assist with insurance matters.


• Ask the "what’s next" questions, such as, "If this test is negative what does it mean? If it’s positive, will more tests be needed?"


I know my story isn’t unique and many people who read this will probably relate it to something that happened to them or someone else. My hope in sharing my story is to let you know you are not alone and that it is ok to ask questions of your healthcare professional and seek advice and treatment elsewhere if you feel you are not being heard. Yes, your provider may have a degree that you don’t, but that doesn’t mean they know everything and ultimately you are the expert when it comes to your own body and how you feel.


Lynda Adams is the Marketing Director of ELMTM Maine


magazine, the radio show host of Successful Balanced Living on WMPG in Portland and a City Councilor for the City of Westbrook. She considers herself a natural “con- nector” and utilizes that skill to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and her media followers make positive,


healthy changes in their lives.


www.NaturalNutmeg.com


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