Best doc I ever had gave me this advice: 1) tell your doctor everything, not matter how small because that could be the difference in diagnosis; 2) if your doctor doesn't listen, you don't have a doctor; and 3) always be your best advocate because when it gets right down to it, the only person you have to live with is YOU.
We do need to advocate for ourselves. I worked for a brilliant surgeon for about two years. And when he left for NY he told me to never be afraid to advocate for myself, to never be afraid to ask for second, third or even fourth opinions, and always be willing to question your doctor. We know our bodies! I am so glad you finally listened to your body and had a successful surgery.
What if you’re not a very confident person? A lot of people in one of the groups that I’m in say that you should push for things, but this is so hard to do when you’re not very confident. I certainly couldn’t do it if it meant being rude to others.
As a nurse I have told countless people to always trust their instincts and that they know their body best, even before they may have words yet to really explain what they are experiencing. Advocating doesn't mean having to being aggressive or rude so please don't mistake that. You don't have to be anyone but your genuine self. Advocating for yourself or a loved one means you are willing to ask questions, and ask for answers to the questions, even if you have to keep asking. Advocating for yourself means letting yourself matter too. Imagine if your dearest friend was going through this and not you, how would you encourage her? You deserve that same love and care. If you feel or actually are ever dismissed, ask how would I know if I need to come back? What symptoms would you consider that I should be concerned. But even armed with that information trust yourself. Kind of like how as mother's we can sense something is up with our kids often even before they realize themselves that they aren't feeling well or their stress is building up. Thank you Laura for sharing your story and that critical message.
I have learned that women need to present health issues as loss of function instead of only saying that something hurts. Thank you for sharing your health journey.
I'm so sorry you went through this! After I had my third child, my body just kind of went nuts. I started having autoimmune issues. I had weird rashes, IBS, ITP , and rheumatoid arthritis...I was also diagnosed with Hashimotos. Now my immune system just gets triggered easily. Too much sun, too much sugar, too much gluten or any illness just flares everything up. I hope you can see a good internist who can test your ANA and see if you are having an immune response too. I had to have my gallbladder removed...it's been a journey to say the least.
Prayers… I also have autoimmune issues, I have Graves’ lol the opposite of Hashimotos.. Had radioactive iodine, that killed my thyroid and on synthetic… now type 2 diabetes., suspected rheumatoid arthritis.. but all the drs say they can’t figure out why I am still always tired and in pain 😩., but I have come to the conclusion that stress unlocks and triggers autoimmune diseases…
Thank goodness you listened to your gut and went to the ER. Pain is your body tell8ng you something is wrong. It's so sad our medical system is so messed up that doctors think that patients are faking symptoms to get drugs. I think you must have a very high pain tolerance. I'm praying for you to recover quickly and return to enjoying your life pain-free again. ❤
Wow - I'm so sorry to hear about the intense pain and suffering that you've experienced. Thank you for sharing with us. You will be in my prayers for continued healing and renewed health.
Oh, sweet Laura. I'm sorry for all the pain and uncertainty. I'm glad you got some relief, and I'm praying for continued answers to your health problems. I have an autoimmune disease, so I understand a lot of what you've been going through. May the Lord continue to give you strength to press on.
Thank you for sharing your story, praises that your ER trip was 'fruitful' and prayers for continued recovery. I think that many of us, subconsciously, have a difficult time pushing back against the word of a doctor.
I’m so glad you finally found an answer for the severe pain and that you’re doing so much better…..I’m a retired RN and we absolutely must advocate for ourselves….bless you and I hope your following up is all good news…..many others may be helped because you shared your story…..thank you….
ALWAYS trust your intuition! Your body was definitely trying to communicate with you. Thank you Laura for sharing your story and giving us all some perspective on how we need to be proactive about advocating for ourselves. I had a mini stroke and the people at the ER were very dismissive of what I described and how I was feeling - they let me sit in the waiting room for several hours before letting me see anyone and accused me of falling asleep when I was trying and failing to stay conscious and focused.
So sorry your journey has been so long and hard! You are not alone either. When I had my gallbladder attacks my husband told me just to go back to sleep and I listened to him. I've learned since then, between my own stuff and my children's illnesses, to always trust my instinct because it is rarely wrong. Keep asking until you get an answer that either really helps or at least makes sense. I have IBS too and it has taken me quite a while to find what works for me. Hang in there and keep searching. Finding what helps and getting to a better place is so worth it. I don't even miss the foods I had to give up because I finally feel good most days.
Thank you for sharing. I had my appendix removed in 1997 and have never had pain in the area until recently when I had Covid that turned into pneumonia last year. I have been having abdominal pains especially when I cough and sneeze. I am calling my primary doctor right now as I’m typing this response. I’m happy you’re feeling and doing better. I wish you the best 💚🩷
Oh Laura, I am so sorry that you went through this. I do think women do not advocate for themselves. I know myself, I walk into the doctor's office, they say how are you. I say I'm fine with a big smile on my face. Even though I am not fine or I wouldn't be there! It is hard to be as honest as you need to be. Take care of yourself and hopefully you are now on the road to good health.
Thank you so much for sharing your story - oh, how hard a journey its been! I appreciate your honesty and encouragement to us to advocate for ourselves. I'm sorry you've gone through such difficult times and I pray you continue to discover what will improve your health journey.
Thank you for this! I’ve been putting my hernia surgery off for months. I’m going to schedule it now before it gets worse. Best wishes to you on your health journey ❤
Laura thank you so much for sharing your experience. I completely support what you are saying and yes keep seeking help when you know something is wrong with your own body.
Thank you for sharing your health journey, Laura! I've had to advocate for myself a few times for different health issues, and yes I understand the emotional conflict we deal with. So glad to hear you are better. Lifting you in prayer 🙏🏽
Oh Laura! You have been so helpful to so many (including me) and it hurts my heart that you had to go through this! Thank you for putting yourself out there so that all of us could understand the importance of advocating for ourselves! I’m sending a big hugs and my most prayerful sincere wishes for a complete recovery and better lifelong health! 🙏🏼💖💖
You are so strong and brave! Thank you for sharing your story with us and for encouraging people to be their own best advocate. I wish continued healing for you 💕☀️🦋
Dear Laura! I am glad that you finaly found out what was wrong. I think it's very important that you listen to your body. The doctors normally do there conclusion according to general knowledge, but you may be the exception that doesn't fit in to what is normal .So you really have to stand up for yourself. I am glad you did and encourage other to do the same❤
Holy cow 😳 I've had abdominal pain for almost 5 years. I've gone to multiple doctors plus an ER visit. My mri report says I have an umbilical hernia that not one doctor has addressed. My pain controls every facet of my life. I will be following up with a new gastro immediately. Thank you so much for sharing this info because I have trusted the doctors to address the necessary issues & I have been so miserable. I just want to cry. 🥺 I'm so glad you were able to get real help before things escalated. Prayers for complete healing. 🙏
Laura, thank you so very much for the message you gave. Yes, we must strongly advocate for ourselves and not allow ourselves to be placated when we feel something is wrong. It helps to write out the questions and concerns beforehand and take someone trust worth with you you to help with assertiveness and listening. It is hard often to be forthright when told to not worry and wait. May you continue well on your journey to full health. It was brave of you to share. Thank you. You are a brave dear woman.
Such good news to hear you got off the crazy train of thinking maybe you are supposed to be fine because no one can find anything! It does make a person feel like they are losing their mind. Congrats
Wow! Thank you for sharing. You are not alone in all the doubts you had when every one is telling you that you're okay. So glad you are better and healing!
Laura! Thank you for sharing your story! Prayers for your continued healing and your IBS symptoms. I think people who have chronic pain are sometimes dismissed by the medical field and even themselves, not because we don’t think it’s real pain, but because you’re so used to being in pain that it becomes the normal for you and your providers. Much love to you- from an ICU NURSE 👩🏻⚕️ ❤
I’m so glad you’re doing better. My husband had 6 hernia surgeries. 2 or 3 of the with the mesh, and have not had any issues with them since it was 25-30 years ago. Please take care of yourself. 😊
So glad you are ok! You know your body. And if you don’t, it will show you! Thank goodness it all worked out! I am scheduled my hernia surgery within the next week. Not in pain like you but it’s uncomfortable. I Just need my cardiologist approval. Appointment is Tuesday. Wish me luck!
And don’t worry what they think of you or whether they like you or not stand up for yourself and for your loved ones if you’re a caregiver. Especially if you have someone elderly and is in assisted-living or a nursing home.
My mother-in-law, had this happen to her when she was 89. If we had not forced her to go to the doctor, she would have died. We took her to her GP, who immediately sent us to the hospital. Hers did strangulate, and she had major surgery that night. They had to remove a lot of the bowel. She wasn't able to have the mesh put in, but 5 years later she is still going strong. I'm glad that you got through this and lived to tell the tale. Thank you for sharing so that hopefully others won't have to go through what you did!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so sorry that you had to endure all of this. Prayers for healing and figuring out what you can do to heal yourself further. Take good care. ❤
Oh sweetheart. I could hear the nerves and frustration and pain and relief in your voice. Thank you so much for sharing your story. And I’m so glad you went to the ER. You’re absolutely right that we all need to advocate for ourselves. I have multiple health issues as well, too many to list, and honestly I feel like I’m 80 most of the time instead of 52. It’s discouraging and hard and scary and frustrating a lot of the time. I totally get what you mean about doctors continuing to tell you there is nothing wrong or even that the scans don’t show anything. I’ve been there too. There have been so many times when I’ve had to push my doctors and be more forceful than I like. But it’s just like you said - we know our bodies better than anyone else and we definitely know when something is wrong. I’m sorry for everything you’ve had to deal with and everything you’re still dealing with. Chronic illness is so hard and advocating for yourself when you’re feeling so bad is really difficult too. Thank you, again, for this video. I’d absolutely LOVE if you decided to do lots more!
Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging us to advocate for ourselves! You have a beautiful gift of encouragement and a lot of wisdom that you impart. Love your heart-felt delivery!
Laura, You have gone through so much...I am glad you have finally found a source of your pain. Sounds like you were advocating for yourself but must listen to your inner voice and keep pushing the doctors who I think receive pressure not to do certain tests due to costs. Our medical system is breaking down so the patient must be their own best advocate. Praying for you as you continue this journey and wishing you continued strength as you heal.
Hey Laura Thank you for sharing your story, I thought I had a stomach ulcer until the pain wouldn’t go away so I ended up in the Emergency Room and was told I had gallstones so on May 22, I had my gallbladder removed took me two weeks to recover and still couldn’t eat much then last Sunday I had awful stomach pain went back to ER and was admitted because my liver enzymes were elevated they ran test and think a gallstone got over looked when I had the robotic surgery and that was causing my pain I was admitted to the hospital and they think I passed it but also have pancreatitis worse pain ever back home now still can’t eat much have lost 30 pounds since May, please keep me in your prayers that I will get straightened out, pray you are feeling better 🙏🏻❤️
So glad you’re doing fine now. And everything you said is so very true. I make sure I try really hard to be my own advocate because we do know what’s going on with our body.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I know for myself many times I’ve went to the doctor thinking ‘I’m being a big baby for not being “tougher”’. I’ve felt silly to go but then it would actually be something (not as serious as your situation). Doctors and nurses have actually made me feel foolish. So thank you again for sharing!! It’s not foolish when you know something is off with your body!! Glad you are better! ❤
Wow. You have gone through so much for so long. I'm glad you are doing better. I am glad you shared this. I too am suffering from an unknown ailment similar to yours. I definitely will be a better advocate for myself now. Hope you heal fast.
Part of the problem of relying on describing your level of pain is that we all experience it differently. What may be a "Level 7" to you could knock someone else off their feet. And you're right - I think women tend to minimize their pain. We are wired to take care of others and put our problems on the back burner.
❤❤❤ Precious Laura, thank you for sharing your experience. I can identify with your struggle and the minimization of my pain and loss of functionality. Wondering whether it’s “all in my head “. I believe that as mothers and caregivers for everyone, we don’t take our own health seriously enough. I’m 81 and have one of those invisible autoimmune diseases. I’m also a recovered alcoholic. The disease has not been removed. I have a 24 hour reprieve. I remember thirty some years ago lying in bed crying because I couldn’t do even the easy things normal people do. I wish I could have heard your story then. I’m sharing this video with my daughter, daughters in law, granddaughters, and other women who put their health as a low priority. Thank you again. I have been a faithful member of your group. Your planner and the philosophy behind it are the only tools that have worked consistently for me. ❤❤❤
Sending prayers! Thankyou for sharing your experience! Take away to advocate for self with determination and courage comes through in your video. May you give yourself lots of love!! Keep positive you have so many amazing ideas and I thankyou!!
Oh my, I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through. I’m surprised the previous doctors poo-poo’ed the hernia surgery. We must be so thankful for our good health. I pray you’re on the road to recovery and feeling better!🙏
Thank you for sharing this. I think you're right that as moms we tend to minimize any physical issues we have, and that's a bad mindset: we need to stop being so concerned about possibility inconveniencing other people when something is wrong. I'm so glad you've been able to eliminate at least this one issue---I hope that, over time, there will be ways to eliminate all the issues (although maybe that's just me being too optimistic. lol) Your positive attitude and outlook are so encouraging to me. I have two aside comments that have nothing to do with the importance of your message: 1) your blouse is gorgeous! I'm going to be on the lookout for one like it for myself. And 2) you talk so fast-! You're not at all difficult to understand---everything you say is very clear---I am just amazed at how fast you can talk. LOL. That must be like a superpower for someone with a business like yours, who makes videos regularly. Please don't think I'm being the least bit critical, because I sure don't mean to be! I've been following you for a long time, and I think you're wonderful! Thank you again for sharing this. Carry on, sister!
So glad you are so much better. Always listen to your body. I had a dental implant put in, and I remember asking the dentist prior to having the implant, "what if my body rejects it?" and he told me it was extremely rare. However within 2 weeks of the final surgery, my right knee became swollen, and I had difficulty climbing stairs, very painful. NP said I had Arthritis, and I told her I didn't. She ordered blood work and exercises. Then the left knee got swollen. I did some scholarly research and found out that some people are allergic to their dental implants. I went back to the NP, all the blood work was normal, no arthritis, and I asked her if she had heard about implant allergies. She had not. I asked for a referral for allergy testing to rule out a metal allergy, and 6 mos. later, when the appt came, it was determined that I in fact did have a metal allergy, and three years later, had to have the implant removed due to an infection in my jaw that was threatening to perforate my sinus. All this time, I did not have any pain at the implant. Now, I no longer have the pain, or swelling in my knees. Again, I knew that I didn't have Arthritis, and the only thing different thing that happened in my life was having the implant put in!
our dear Laura, i am so very glad you went to the e.r. that night. i recently went to the e.r. for gallbladder pain, and they found my kidney problems had gotten much worse. if i hadn't had that "assumed" gallbladder pain, they wouldn't have found the kidney issues had snowballed. we really have to fight for our care - the *lady* at the check in desk had asked why i didn't go to urgent care instead. morphine took the edge off my kidney pain and now i'm getting the care i actually need. best wishes for your health journey. we appreciate all you do for us, many thanks!
Thank you for sharing your story and the wisdom you have gained. I'm glad God brought you through this; He isn't through with you yet, He has more for you to do in this life. You're a blessing to me and to numerous others. Much love to you, and God bless you to the utmost.
Sorry you had to go through all of that. I think as women, we are more in tune with our bodies than men are. We also have thoughts that "it's not that bad" or "I don't want to be one of those people". I work as a medical coder and see some crazy stuff for ED visits! But in the end - you know your body and must advocate for yourself! Praying for continued healing! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Stumbled upon your channel because I also love organizing and cable mangement was way out of my depth. I used to be a massive health guy since I’ve seen a lot of cases like these where even doctors have difficulty figuring out what issue you might have. Biggest thing I dealt with was bloating and gut issues, so many will immediately diagnose with IBS and I’ve seen a lot of these go wrong and I love how you said that doctors won’t even know what to fully do. I heard for one guy’s case they gave him an antibiotic that caused more harm than good. The guy looked up the antibiotic he was prescribed on pubmed (I recommend everyone use that) turns out this antibiotic was linked to many suicides, chronic fatigue and other issues, worse part is that it didn’t even help with his condition. After enough digging he went through a SIBO organic acid test and from that found out his issue and was able to easily get it treated. Bottom line for any issues like this, is to try and always identify the issue, since trying to guess what it may be and treat it may sometimes make it worse. Biggest thing is to rate your pain from 1 to 10 and if it keeps getting worse faster than what you could figure it out that’s when you’re going to want to go the emergency room if they can’t find out and might be willing to let you out but you feel like the problem isn’t going to get better ask to get transported to another hospital who might be able to figure out the problem. There was a guy who threw up and passed out, went to the hospital all the tests they did they couldn’t find anything and this happens another 3 times before his wife insists on keeping him in the hospital until they find what’s wrong with him, transported him to another hospital found out the guy had a defected heart and needed a heart transplant. This was one of the lucky guys as apparently his condition is something that is difficult to diagnose and it kills a lot of people due to the time it takes to correctly diagnose the issue. Anyways apologies for the long comment. TLDR: Rate your pain from 1 to 10 and trust your gut after constantly getting nothing from multiple doctors. I also do wish Laura the best of luck with her health going forward.
So good to hear and see that your health is improving! Many thanks for all of your inspiring podcasts! All the best blessings to you, and to all of your family and friends.
Laura, May God’s grace and comfort and healing continue to abound to you and bless you and your husband and family and provide everything all of you need. I have ongoing health challenges which my specialists call incurable but treatable and I keep struggling to declutter and organize our home to be like I want it to be: a comfortable and cozy sanctuary for my husband, children, and pets. I keep chipping away at the clutter but exhaustion and pain keep me from completing this in a timely manner. Lisa Anne Dupree 🙏🏻✝️🦋
So glad you are feeling better. Please continue to take care of yourself. I have had good and bad doctors myself. I have gone in for strep throat and been told that if I lost a few pounds I wouldn’t have these issues. I have a tendency to avoid doctors. Now, in my 60’s I am addressing gait and mobility issues that I should have dealt with 40 years ago, but got tired of arguing with doctors about weight and exercise. Can’t exercise if you can’t move. Take care and make sure your kids learn from this.
Thank you for sharing. Super good topic. I’m happy things are working out for you. With the IBS, perhaps you could ask one of your doctors if it is the lack of gallbladder causing that issue. I am having gallbladder surgery next week and I was concerned about that type of issue. One of the staff told me that if I eat fatty foods, it will cause gas and the need for an immediate trip to the bathroom.
Thank you for being brave enough to share this! A few months after I had my second child, I began experiencing vaginal yeast infections that intensified until my period started again, and then they would go away during my periods and return when the bleeding stopped. I tried several things, like the candida diet (even though I already ate a low-sugar gluten free diet out of necessity), birth control pills, and creams that would change the pH of that area (but I had allergic reactions to). At some point I wondered if the infections started because of the pH change that happened with childbirth and perhaps the only way it would go away was to have another baby and experience another pH change. No doctor really thought that was likely to be the case, so I continued to try various methods until I got pregnant again (and then just used creams occasionally to help deal with the symptoms). My third child was born 3.5 years after my second, and really, truly, the yeast infections stopped immediately after I gave birth.
I am happy you were able to figure things out. I too had my gallbladder removed 12 years ago. Recently this past Jan I made the decision to see a functional medicine and what a relief. I found out I needed to not eat gluten, my meds even contained gluten. Severe stomach cramps, body aches all from gluten and I found out that my anxiety also was linked to gluten as well. It’s been a long road but I stay educated and keep in contact with my provider. Even found out I had Hashimotos too
Oh my gosh! Laura, I’m so sorry you had to endure such sloppy healthcare but I’m also not surprised because it’s happened to me and so many others u e talked to. I really, truly hope your health care providers and healthcare providers in general watch this video. This IS real life for 98% of the population. Doctors will not test unless you’re flailing helplessly on the floor because the insurance companies will not pay them for it. Easy as that. They are trained to not “alarm” the patient and will always diagnose the simplest reason first because of that. I definitely have a love/hate relationship with healthcare professionals. They always dismiss first, no matter what. If you go back a second time, they will out their thinking cap on. And you’re absolutely right we deal with our pain for so long that it becomes second nature for us and we don’t even know what the differences between a good pain and a bad pain anymore. It’s mind-boggling how the healthcare system works and your story accentuates the problem. You are not alone. can totally relate to second-guessing yourself. I have Advocated for myself as well by demanding a test only to be told “no, I don’t think that’s the problem so you don’t need it”. Guess what?!? I can go on and on about this subject so I’ll stop and just say I’m so very happy that everything has gotten better for you. God bless.
I'm sorry to hear that happened to you. the same thing happened to my husband. He would go to the urgent care for abdominal pain, and they would diagnose him with heartburn or acid reflex. He had 2 years of pain, until he couldn't take it anymore. We visited the ER 6-10 times in a two week period. One of the doctor's did an ultra sound and found his gallbladder was expanded widthwise taking up all his abdominal space and gallstones the size of golf balls. We seen the ER doctor, then an anesthesiologist, they both said he'll have to wait 3 days to have the gallbladder removed, then a surgeon came in and said you'll be going up to surgery. Just like you we were a little bit of shock just cause 2 other doctors said we'll have to wait. It's hard when you do go to urgent care and they keep turning you away, cause they can't find anything wrong with you. This is a good warning for people to listen to your body, you know when something is not right.❤
Oh wow - what a story! I'm so glad they got to the bottom of it and it's wild that he went so many times before they ran the test that revealed what was actually going on.
Laura, I feel that God knew you would go to Urgent Care when your pain got bad so He worked it out so that it happened on a day you couldn't do that and had to go to the ER where you were able to get the treatment and care you needed.Thank goodness He did so that you went to the ER. I'm glad you got to the hospital before it was too late. I have had several chronic illnesses for over 20 years and I know I do what you did and that is to minimize my pain when I go to the doctor because i don't want the doctor to think I'm that patient that complains all the time over every little thing. So I usually put on a cheerful face and always say I'm fine. You were brave to put up with that abdominal pain for so long because abdominal pain is rough to deal with. I hope you continue to heal so that you begin to feel better than you have in years.
Laura, I wrote my comment after reading your blog but before watching your video. I'm glad you also think that God was watching it for you and made sure you got to the ER. And yes, you are right, we need to advocate for ourselves better and stand up for ourselves. I hope you do remember that if there is a next time when you know something is wrong if the doctors try to brush it off. Even though you're still in pain, I'm glad it is back to the manageable and functional level.
Wow, this is terrible to hear. I'm glad that you were finally able to get a diagnosis and was in time for the surgery. I hope that you are able to finally get some peace without pain. Quick couple of questions, what type of hernia was it? Was the hernia caused from the gall bladder removal surgery? I only ask I too have been struggling for about 2 years, umbilical hernia, the size of a golf ball discovered and operated on, and gall bladder removal surgery. I also have been having some abdominal pain lately that can't be explained, I thought it might be related. Anyhow, thank you for sharing your story with us.
You sound so much like me. I'm always second guessing myself. I have had a pain in my side for years now and I've had scans and talked with my doctor several times and she say the scans don't show anything. I've told the doctor well I guess when I'm dead I will tell my husband to have an autopsy done and they will find out what it was at that time. Every time I go into the doctor for anything I bring up the pain again but like you what else are we to do. I'm so glad yours was resolved and fixed. I hope you continue to feel good.
I’ve been told I should have kept my gallbladder even after they heard my complete story. My gallbladder was dead, shriveled up to the size of a grape, and gangrene had already set in by the time it was removed…which was fairly quickly after onset of symptoms. They had to open me up and scrape out the infection. I have a 9” scar. If someone is ignorant enough to tell me I should have kept a dead organ, then I don’t even want to ask directions from them much less medical advice. 🙄
Thank you for sharing. I have been going thru something similar with my back. I had started going to this doctor back in early 70 he had a partner. They started growing but my doctor was really good. When he retired they put me with the dr that replsed him. He was awesome. He was such a great doctor and he really cared about his patients so he left the practice and I went with another doctor. I was in such horrible pain that I could not stand up and also could not lay in bed. I ended up having to go the ER. I sat in ER waiting room for over 6 hours before they saw me. They did a cat scan and gave me 5 pain pills and sent me home. My husband kept calling my primary dr and they told him I needed to come to the office. My husband rented a wheelchair van and we had a wc. S I did not even get dressed just wore my nitie. He came in the room with two nurses and stood over me and shook some papers in my face and said he was not going to loose his license just to supply m with pain pills. The pain pills from ER did not help. All I wanted was to be heard and to be treated like a person. Anyway this is getting so long.... I did change doctors and now have a really good doctor. He sent me to a neurologist and he did all kinds of test and in the meantime, I had started having seizure-like activity when I stood up. They sent me to a neurologist and then to a neuro surgeon. He found three places in my back that needed surgery but we talked and I told him at my age 77 I did not want it. He said he thought that was best. The back pain they are treating and the seizure activity neurologist could not find the problem but he said we would treat the symptom. My back is much better and so are the seizure activity is still around just not as much....Sure glad you are doing much better.
Wow. I cant believe you were told you could just wait to repair a hernia when there are serious complications that can occur from them and the fact you were having pain issues. I recently started following a Hormone doctor on line and she shared that in her residential training they called women that came in highly complaining "WW" for whiney woman. So glad you're feeling better and hopefully cured the problem. Don't feel weird about sharing your experience - it helps all of us learn and may help someone else deal with their issue quicker.
From my experience, always do your own research along with getting checked out and try to figure things out. Basically, be your own doctor. Ask your doctor questions and make them think. If they are unwilling to investigate, leave them. They don't deserve to be your doctor. Doctors are supposed to be investigators of diseases. I stopped trusting them when my son was improperly given meds and that resulted in complications. From then on, i research on every medicine what they prescribe and ask questions about the illness and the medication. I do my research on whether the condition can be naturally treated etc.
So scary! I'm glad that the cause of your acute pain was finally identified. Being willing to share your personal information may save someone else who has questioned themselves when it comes to health issues. As to acting normal, I developed Fibromyalgia back when hardly anyone had heard of it. I could see the doubt in co-workers' eyes and hear their whispers because I looked fine and appeared to function normally for brief periods of time. Looking back, months of that period of my life were like a blur. I felt like an actress playing the role of a normal, healthy human being as my life was disintegrating. Please keep us posted as you feel comfortable sharing. ❤
Oh my! I am so sorry you have gone through all of this. I hope you have a lot of relief from pain now and start to feel much better. Did you have a colonoscopy and that is how you were diagnosed with IBS? Prayers for continued relief.
Thank you for sharing your story. I think women in particular come up against disbelief and dismissal. I was recently at the ENT who was very dismissive and didn’t really examine me at all. I was there because the audiologist saw something that she thought should be investigated. So now I’m trying to get in to see the only other audiologist. Meanwhile I have ear pain and vertigo causing me to not be able to work (or drive or basically function). I paid to have genetic testing to confirm I have EDS, which helps with dealing with many issues I’m having, and I have the genes for celiac, and all the symptoms (had them for years but nobody bothered to look for that, though my ANA was consistently high enough to trigger them to look for autoimmune disease - just not the one I actually have! Funny thing, my lifelong IBSd completely resolved with the elimination of gluten from my diet. I totally get that feeling g that you won’t be believed or viewed as histrionic or a hypochondriac if you advocate for yourself and push for treatment and testing. It seems to be the way the medical system is designed unfortunately
I haven’t read all the comments- maybe this has been addressed before. But - as women, we tend to compare our pain to natural childbirth. Maybe it would be better to ask ourselves “If I were a man and had not given birth or had menstrual cramps every month for years, would this pain seem mild or off the charts?”
Thank u so much for taking the time to explain & also encourage others. Isaiah 53:5 in the Amplified Classic (AMPC) version says that w the stripes that wounded Jesus we are healed & made whole. I pray healing, wholeness, & energy for u!
LoL…I was diagnosed in February with a Spigelian hernia, ventral just below the belly button. Get my 2nd CT on Monday to see if it is immediate surgery or wait a bit longer…Good luck for you!!!
Have you tested for lupus? I have that and IBS is also a symptom. I was told I have fibromyalgia. It took a while to get correctly diagnosed. I hope you get it all figured it. Sending all my prayers and healthy vibes to you and your family.
This is the first time I’ve commented. I have Chiari 2 which was diagnosed in my 40’s. I’m 53 now. I was complaining for a years that I felt bad. It was blamed on the Chiari. A year and a half ago I had kidney stone surgery. My left kidney was full of stones. My GP dismissed my symptoms all those years. Still feel crappy because of the Chiari, and that one kidney is at 40%. But I knew something was very wrong and it wasn’t due to the Chiari. Thank you for sharing what you have been through. As the Chiari progresses I’m still trying to figure out how to stay active and promote decluttering. My vocal cords are atrophying so now I sound drunk when I speak. I don’t drink.
Have you considered decompression surgery? My husband has type 1. He did decompression and I believe that's helped him from further deterioration. Talk to a neurosurgeon who specializes in chiari.
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Best doc I ever had gave me this advice: 1) tell your doctor everything, not matter how small because that could be the difference in diagnosis; 2) if your doctor doesn't listen, you don't have a doctor; and 3) always be your best advocate because when it gets right down to it, the only person you have to live with is YOU.
We do need to advocate for ourselves. I worked for a brilliant surgeon for about two years. And when he left for NY he told me to never be afraid to advocate for myself, to never be afraid to ask for second, third or even fourth opinions, and always be willing to question your doctor. We know our bodies! I am so glad you finally listened to your body and had a successful surgery.
What if you’re not a very confident person?
A lot of people in one of the groups that I’m in say that you should push for things, but this is so hard to do when you’re not very confident.
I certainly couldn’t do it if it meant being rude to others.
As a nurse I have told countless people to always trust their instincts and that they know their body best, even before they may have words yet to really explain what they are experiencing. Advocating doesn't mean having to being aggressive or rude so please don't mistake that. You don't have to be anyone but your genuine self. Advocating for yourself or a loved one means you are willing to ask questions, and ask for answers to the questions, even if you have to keep asking. Advocating for yourself means letting yourself matter too. Imagine if your dearest friend was going through this and not you, how would you encourage her? You deserve that same love and care. If you feel or actually are ever dismissed, ask how would I know if I need to come back? What symptoms would you consider that I should be concerned. But even armed with that information trust yourself. Kind of like how as mother's we can sense something is up with our kids often even before they realize themselves that they aren't feeling well or their stress is building up. Thank you Laura for sharing your story and that critical message.
I have learned that women need to present health issues as loss of function instead of only saying that something hurts. Thank you for sharing your health journey.
Oh wow...good to know. Thanks for sharing!! :)
I'm so sorry you went through this! After I had my third child, my body just kind of went nuts. I started having autoimmune issues. I had weird rashes, IBS, ITP , and rheumatoid arthritis...I was also diagnosed with Hashimotos. Now my immune system just gets triggered easily. Too much sun, too much sugar, too much gluten or any illness just flares everything up. I hope you can see a good internist who can test your ANA and see if you are having an immune response too. I had to have my gallbladder removed...it's been a journey to say the least.
Prayers… I also have autoimmune issues, I have Graves’ lol the opposite of Hashimotos.. Had radioactive iodine, that killed my thyroid and on synthetic… now type 2 diabetes., suspected rheumatoid arthritis.. but all the drs say they can’t figure out why I am still always tired and in pain 😩., but I have come to the conclusion that stress unlocks and triggers autoimmune diseases…
So sorry you have to go through this! You have an amazing attitude! When your gall bladder goes bad, you have no choice. It has to come out.
Thank goodness you listened to your gut and went to the ER. Pain is your body tell8ng you something is wrong. It's so sad our medical system is so messed up that doctors think that patients are faking symptoms to get drugs. I think you must have a very high pain tolerance. I'm praying for you to recover quickly and return to enjoying your life pain-free again. ❤
💕 glad you are doing better! It sounds like you may actually have a higher pain tolerance too..
So glad you were able to find the solution to your severe pain, prayers will continue. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Wow - I'm so sorry to hear about the intense pain and suffering that you've experienced. Thank you for sharing with us. You will be in my prayers for continued healing and renewed health.
I was just watching some of your new shorts. You look wonderful! So glad you are feeling better. Stay healthy!
Oh, sweet Laura. I'm sorry for all the pain and uncertainty. I'm glad you got some relief, and I'm praying for continued answers to your health problems. I have an autoimmune disease, so I understand a lot of what you've been going through. May the Lord continue to give you strength to press on.
Thank you for sharing your story, praises that your ER trip was 'fruitful' and prayers for continued recovery. I think that many of us, subconsciously, have a difficult time pushing back against the word of a doctor.
I’m so glad you finally found an answer for the severe pain and that you’re doing so much better…..I’m a retired RN and we absolutely must advocate for ourselves….bless you and I hope your following up is all good news…..many others may be helped because you shared your story…..thank you….
ALWAYS trust your intuition! Your body was definitely trying to communicate with you. Thank you Laura for sharing your story and giving us all some perspective on how we need to be proactive about advocating for ourselves. I had a mini stroke and the people at the ER were very dismissive of what I described and how I was feeling - they let me sit in the waiting room for several hours before letting me see anyone and accused me of falling asleep when I was trying and failing to stay conscious and focused.
There’s a reason we feel pain, like that because if we felt no pain we’d be getting injuries left and right and may die.
Glad you made the right decision and they caught it . Glad you feel better
I’m so glad you finally got it taken care of. I’m praying your recovery continues and any other health issues are resolved.
So sorry your journey has been so long and hard! You are not alone either. When I had my gallbladder attacks my husband told me just to go back to sleep and I listened to him. I've learned since then, between my own stuff and my children's illnesses, to always trust my instinct because it is rarely wrong. Keep asking until you get an answer that either really helps or at least makes sense. I have IBS too and it has taken me quite a while to find what works for me. Hang in there and keep searching. Finding what helps and getting to a better place is so worth it. I don't even miss the foods I had to give up because I finally feel good most days.
So sorry you had to go through this but your message is clear. Trust yourself and advocate for yourself! Ellen T
Thank you for sharing. I had my appendix removed in 1997 and have never had pain in the area until recently when I had Covid that turned into pneumonia last year. I have been having abdominal pains especially when I cough and sneeze. I am calling my primary doctor right now as I’m typing this response. I’m happy you’re feeling and doing better. I wish you the best 💚🩷
Thanks so much for your support! I'm glad you're proactively getting things looked at.
Oh Laura, I am so sorry that you went through this. I do think women do not advocate for themselves. I know myself, I walk into the doctor's office, they say how are you. I say I'm fine with a big smile on my face. Even though I am not fine or I wouldn't be there! It is hard to be as honest as you need to be. Take care of yourself and hopefully you are now on the road to good health.
Oh my goodness! I am so happy that you are doing better. Prayers for a complete and swift recovery!
Thank you so much for sharing your story - oh, how hard a journey its been! I appreciate your honesty and encouragement to us to advocate for ourselves. I'm sorry you've gone through such difficult times and I pray you continue to discover what will improve your health journey.
Thank you for this! I’ve been putting my hernia surgery off for months. I’m going to schedule it now before it gets worse. Best wishes to you on your health journey ❤
I'm glad you feel like you've got your life back. I hope you continue to have improvement with other symptoms.
Laura thank you so much for sharing your experience. I completely support what you are saying and yes keep seeking help when you know something is wrong with your own body.
Glad you’re here and sharing your experience
Hope you keep healing and do better
Thank you for sharing your health journey, Laura! I've had to advocate for myself a few times for different health issues, and yes I understand the emotional conflict we deal with. So glad to hear you are better. Lifting you in prayer 🙏🏽
Oh Laura! You have been so helpful to so many (including me) and it hurts my heart that you had to go through this! Thank you for putting yourself out there so that all of us could understand the importance of advocating for ourselves! I’m sending a big hugs and my most prayerful sincere wishes for a complete recovery and better lifelong health! 🙏🏼💖💖
So glad you're better and that you're willing to be vulnerable
You are so strong and brave! Thank you for sharing your story with us and for encouraging people to be their own best advocate. I wish continued healing for you 💕☀️🦋
Oh my! Thank you for sharing your story. We should always listen to our bodies! Glad you are feeling better!
Dear Laura! I am glad that you finaly found out what was wrong. I think it's very important that you listen to your body. The doctors normally do there conclusion according to general knowledge, but you may be the exception that doesn't fit in to what is normal .So you really have to stand up for yourself. I am glad you did and encourage other to do the same❤
Holy cow 😳 I've had abdominal pain for almost 5 years. I've gone to multiple doctors plus an ER visit. My mri report says I have an umbilical hernia that not one doctor has addressed. My pain controls every facet of my life. I will be following up with a new gastro immediately. Thank you so much for sharing this info because I have trusted the doctors to address the necessary issues & I have been so miserable. I just want to cry. 🥺 I'm so glad you were able to get real help before things escalated. Prayers for complete healing. 🙏
Laura, thank you so very much for the message you gave. Yes, we must strongly advocate for ourselves and not allow ourselves to be placated when we feel something is wrong. It helps to write out the questions and concerns beforehand and take someone trust worth with you you to help with assertiveness and listening. It is hard often to be forthright when told to not worry and wait. May you continue well on your journey to full health. It was brave of you to share. Thank you. You are a brave dear woman.
Such good news to hear you got off the crazy train of thinking maybe you are supposed to be fine because no one can find anything! It does make a person feel like they are losing their mind. Congrats
Wow! Thank you for sharing. You are not alone in all the doubts you had when every one is telling you that you're okay. So glad you are better and healing!
Laura! Thank you for sharing your story! Prayers for your continued healing and your IBS symptoms. I think people who have chronic pain are sometimes dismissed by the medical field and even themselves, not because we don’t think it’s real pain, but because you’re so used to being in pain that it becomes the normal for you and your providers.
Much love to you- from an ICU NURSE 👩🏻⚕️ ❤
I’m so glad for you. Praise God! Thank you for the update, we certainly want the best for your health!! 🙏🙏
I’m so sorry you went through this, it sounds so difficult and frustrating. Glad you are on a path to recovery.❤
I’m so glad you’re doing better. My husband had 6 hernia surgeries. 2 or 3 of the with the mesh, and have not had any issues with them since it was 25-30 years ago. Please take care of yourself. 😊
Im so sorry you've had to endure so much. I hope youre on the mend after these painful years.
So glad you are ok! You know your body. And if you don’t, it will show you! Thank goodness it all worked out! I am scheduled my hernia surgery within the next week. Not in pain like you but it’s uncomfortable. I Just need my cardiologist approval. Appointment is Tuesday. Wish me luck!
And don’t worry what they think of you or whether they like you or not stand up for yourself and for your loved ones if you’re a caregiver. Especially if you have someone elderly and is in assisted-living or a nursing home.
My mother-in-law, had this happen to her when she was 89. If we had not forced her to go to the doctor, she would have died. We took her to her GP, who immediately sent us to the hospital. Hers did strangulate, and she had major surgery that night. They had to remove a lot of the bowel. She wasn't able to have the mesh put in, but 5 years later she is still going strong. I'm glad that you got through this and lived to tell the tale. Thank you for sharing so that hopefully others won't have to go through what you did!
Thank God you are OK and doing well! Thanks for sharing your information with us. God bless you!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so sorry that you had to endure all of this. Prayers for healing and figuring out what you can do to heal yourself further. Take good care. ❤
Oh sweetheart. I could hear the nerves and frustration and pain and relief in your voice. Thank you so much for sharing your story. And I’m so glad you went to the ER. You’re absolutely right that we all need to advocate for ourselves. I have multiple health issues as well, too many to list, and honestly I feel like I’m 80 most of the time instead of 52. It’s discouraging and hard and scary and frustrating a lot of the time. I totally get what you mean about doctors continuing to tell you there is nothing wrong or even that the scans don’t show anything. I’ve been there too. There have been so many times when I’ve had to push my doctors and be more forceful than I like. But it’s just like you said - we know our bodies better than anyone else and we definitely know when something is wrong. I’m sorry for everything you’ve had to deal with and everything you’re still dealing with. Chronic illness is so hard and advocating for yourself when you’re feeling so bad is really difficult too. Thank you, again, for this video. I’d absolutely LOVE if you decided to do lots more!
Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging us to advocate for ourselves! You have a beautiful gift of encouragement and a lot of wisdom that you impart. Love your heart-felt delivery!
So glad you are doing so much better!!! 🙏💕
You are in our hearts and prayers. We love you, and God bless you. ❤️🤗♥️
Laura,
You have gone through so much...I am glad you have finally found a source of your pain. Sounds like you were advocating for yourself but must listen to your inner voice and keep pushing the doctors who I think receive pressure not to do certain tests due to costs. Our medical system is breaking down so the patient must be their own best advocate. Praying for you as you continue this journey and wishing you continued strength as you heal.
Laura, So glad to hear that you are feeling better!!!!!
Hey Laura
Thank you for sharing your story, I thought I had a stomach ulcer until the pain wouldn’t go away so I ended up in the Emergency Room and was told I had gallstones so on May 22, I had my gallbladder removed took me two weeks to recover and still couldn’t eat much then last Sunday I had awful stomach pain went back to ER and was admitted because my liver enzymes were elevated they ran test and think a gallstone got over looked when I had the robotic surgery and that was causing my pain I was admitted to the hospital and they think I passed it but also have pancreatitis worse pain ever back home now still can’t eat much have lost 30 pounds since May, please keep me in your prayers that I will get straightened out, pray you are feeling better 🙏🏻❤️
So glad you’re doing fine now. And everything you said is so very true. I make sure I try really hard to be my own advocate because we do know what’s going on with our body.
Thank you for sharing. I'm so sorry your had to through all that you did. You are in my prayers. 🙏
Thank you so much for sharing this. I know for myself many times I’ve went to the doctor thinking ‘I’m being a big baby for not being “tougher”’. I’ve felt silly to go but then it would actually be something (not as serious as your situation). Doctors and nurses have actually made me feel foolish. So thank you again for sharing!! It’s not foolish when you know something is off with your body!! Glad you are better! ❤
Thanks for your support - yes, I've had a similar feelings of not wanting to act like a big baby and worrying about what people will think.
Wow. You have gone through so much for so long. I'm glad you are doing better. I am glad you shared this. I too am suffering from an unknown ailment similar to yours. I definitely will be a better advocate for myself now.
Hope you heal fast.
So glad you are ok. This is a good one for me. Thank you so much.
So thankful for God’s protection over you! 🙌 Praying for complete healing in your body! 🙏 Thanks for sharing your story with us ❤️
I just found your channel. I'm so glad you are here to talk to us
Part of the problem of relying on describing your level of pain is that we all experience it differently. What may be a "Level 7" to you could knock someone else off their feet. And you're right - I think women tend to minimize their pain. We are wired to take care of others and put our problems on the back burner.
Yes - so true - it's so relative and then we tend to minimize it.
❤❤❤ Precious Laura, thank you for sharing your experience. I can identify with your struggle and the minimization of my pain and loss of functionality. Wondering whether it’s “all in my head “.
I believe that as mothers and caregivers for everyone, we don’t take our own health seriously enough.
I’m 81 and have one of those invisible autoimmune diseases. I’m also a recovered alcoholic. The disease has not been removed. I have a 24 hour reprieve. I remember thirty some years ago lying in bed crying because I couldn’t do even the easy things normal people do.
I wish I could have heard your story then. I’m sharing this video with my daughter, daughters in law, granddaughters, and other women who put their health as a low priority.
Thank you again. I have been a faithful member of your group. Your planner and the philosophy behind it are the only tools that have worked consistently for me. ❤❤❤
Sending prayers! Thankyou for sharing your experience! Take away to advocate for self with determination and courage comes through in your video. May you give yourself lots of love!! Keep positive you have so many amazing ideas and I thankyou!!
So so glad you were able to get help in time. ❤
Oh my, I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through. I’m surprised the previous doctors poo-poo’ed the hernia surgery. We must be so thankful for our good health. I pray you’re on the road to recovery and feeling better!🙏
Thank you for sharing this. I think you're right that as moms we tend to minimize any physical issues we have, and that's a bad mindset: we need to stop being so concerned about possibility inconveniencing other people when something is wrong. I'm so glad you've been able to eliminate at least this one issue---I hope that, over time, there will be ways to eliminate all the issues (although maybe that's just me being too optimistic. lol) Your positive attitude and outlook are so encouraging to me. I have two aside comments that have nothing to do with the importance of your message: 1) your blouse is gorgeous! I'm going to be on the lookout for one like it for myself. And 2) you talk so fast-! You're not at all difficult to understand---everything you say is very clear---I am just amazed at how fast you can talk. LOL. That must be like a superpower for someone with a business like yours, who makes videos regularly. Please don't think I'm being the least bit critical, because I sure don't mean to be! I've been following you for a long time, and I think you're wonderful! Thank you again for sharing this. Carry on, sister!
Thank God you are doing better.
So glad you are so much better. Always listen to your body. I had a dental implant put in, and I remember asking the dentist prior to having the implant, "what if my body rejects it?" and he told me it was extremely rare. However within 2 weeks of the final surgery, my right knee became swollen, and I had difficulty climbing stairs, very painful. NP said I had Arthritis, and I told her I didn't. She ordered blood work and exercises. Then the left knee got swollen. I did some scholarly research and found out that some people are allergic to their dental implants. I went back to the NP, all the blood work was normal, no arthritis, and I asked her if she had heard about implant allergies. She had not. I asked for a referral for allergy testing to rule out a metal allergy, and 6 mos. later, when the appt came, it was determined that I in fact did have a metal allergy, and three years later, had to have the implant removed due to an infection in my jaw that was threatening to perforate my sinus. All this time, I did not have any pain at the implant. Now, I no longer have the pain, or swelling in my knees. Again, I knew that I didn't have Arthritis, and the only thing different thing that happened in my life was having the implant put in!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I will definitely be more careful about how I share information with my doctor and/or healthcare provider.
👍💕
our dear Laura, i am so very glad you went to the e.r. that night. i recently went to the e.r. for gallbladder pain, and they found my kidney problems had gotten much worse. if i hadn't had that "assumed" gallbladder pain, they wouldn't have found the kidney issues had snowballed. we really have to fight for our care - the *lady* at the check in desk had asked why i didn't go to urgent care instead. morphine took the edge off my kidney pain and now i'm getting the care i actually need. best wishes for your health journey. we appreciate all you do for us, many thanks!
Thank you for sharing your story and the wisdom you have gained. I'm glad God brought you through this; He isn't through with you yet, He has more for you to do in this life. You're a blessing to me and to numerous others. Much love to you, and God bless you to the utmost.
Sorry you had to go through all of that. I think as women, we are more in tune with our bodies than men are. We also have thoughts that "it's not that bad" or "I don't want to be one of those people". I work as a medical coder and see some crazy stuff for ED visits! But in the end - you know your body and must advocate for yourself!
Praying for continued healing! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Stumbled upon your channel because I also love organizing and cable mangement was way out of my depth.
I used to be a massive health guy since I’ve seen a lot of cases like these where even doctors have difficulty figuring out what issue you might have. Biggest thing I dealt with was bloating and gut issues, so many will immediately diagnose with IBS and I’ve seen a lot of these go wrong and I love how you said that doctors won’t even know what to fully do.
I heard for one guy’s case they gave him an antibiotic that caused more harm than good. The guy looked up the antibiotic he was prescribed on pubmed (I recommend everyone use that) turns out this antibiotic was linked to many suicides, chronic fatigue and other issues, worse part is that it didn’t even help with his condition. After enough digging he went through a SIBO organic acid test and from that found out his issue and was able to easily get it treated.
Bottom line for any issues like this, is to try and always identify the issue, since trying to guess what it may be and treat it may sometimes make it worse. Biggest thing is to rate your pain from 1 to 10 and if it keeps getting worse faster than what you could figure it out that’s when you’re going to want to go the emergency room if they can’t find out and might be willing to let you out but you feel like the problem isn’t going to get better ask to get transported to another hospital who might be able to figure out the problem.
There was a guy who threw up and passed out, went to the hospital all the tests they did they couldn’t find anything and this happens another 3 times before his wife insists on keeping him in the hospital until they find what’s wrong with him, transported him to another hospital found out the guy had a defected heart and needed a heart transplant. This was one of the lucky guys as apparently his condition is something that is difficult to diagnose and it kills a lot of people due to the time it takes to correctly diagnose the issue.
Anyways apologies for the long comment. TLDR: Rate your pain from 1 to 10 and trust your gut after constantly getting nothing from multiple doctors. I also do wish Laura the best of luck with her health going forward.
So good to hear and see that your health is improving!
Many thanks for all of your inspiring podcasts!
All the best blessings to you, and to all of your family and friends.
Laura,
May God’s grace and comfort and healing continue to abound to you and bless you and your husband and family and provide everything all of you need.
I have ongoing health challenges which my specialists call incurable but treatable and I keep struggling to declutter and organize our home to be like I want it to be: a comfortable and cozy sanctuary for my husband, children, and pets.
I keep chipping away at the clutter but exhaustion and pain keep me from completing this in a timely manner.
Lisa Anne Dupree 🙏🏻✝️🦋
I’m so grateful you are more healthy!
So glad you are feeling better. Please continue to take care of yourself.
I have had good and bad doctors myself. I have gone in for strep throat and been told that if I lost a few pounds I wouldn’t have these issues. I have a tendency to avoid doctors.
Now, in my 60’s I am addressing gait and mobility issues that I should have dealt with 40 years ago, but got tired of arguing with doctors about weight and exercise. Can’t exercise if you can’t move.
Take care and make sure your kids learn from this.
Sorry you've had to deal with bad doctors - that's so frustrating!
Thank you for sharing. Super good topic. I’m happy things are working out for you. With the IBS, perhaps you could ask one of your doctors if it is the lack of gallbladder causing that issue. I am having gallbladder surgery next week and I was concerned about that type of issue. One of the staff told me that if I eat fatty foods, it will cause gas and the need for an immediate trip to the bathroom.
Thank you for being brave enough to share this!
A few months after I had my second child, I began experiencing vaginal yeast infections that intensified until my period started again, and then they would go away during my periods and return when the bleeding stopped. I tried several things, like the candida diet (even though I already ate a low-sugar gluten free diet out of necessity), birth control pills, and creams that would change the pH of that area (but I had allergic reactions to). At some point I wondered if the infections started because of the pH change that happened with childbirth and perhaps the only way it would go away was to have another baby and experience another pH change. No doctor really thought that was likely to be the case, so I continued to try various methods until I got pregnant again (and then just used creams occasionally to help deal with the symptoms). My third child was born 3.5 years after my second, and really, truly, the yeast infections stopped immediately after I gave birth.
I am happy you were able to figure things out. I too had my gallbladder removed 12 years ago. Recently this past Jan I made the decision to see a functional medicine and what a relief. I found out I needed to not eat gluten, my meds even contained gluten. Severe stomach cramps, body aches all from gluten and I found out that my anxiety also was linked to gluten as well. It’s been a long road but I stay educated and keep in contact with my provider. Even found out I had Hashimotos too
Oh my gosh! Laura, I’m so sorry you had to endure such sloppy healthcare but I’m also not surprised because it’s happened to me and so many others u e talked to. I really, truly hope your health care providers and healthcare providers in general watch this video. This IS real life for 98% of the population. Doctors will not test unless you’re flailing helplessly on the floor because the insurance companies will not pay them for it. Easy as that. They are trained to not “alarm” the patient and will always diagnose the simplest reason first because of that. I definitely have a love/hate relationship with healthcare professionals. They always dismiss first, no matter what. If you go back a second time, they will out their thinking cap on. And you’re absolutely right we deal with our pain for so long that it becomes second nature for us and we don’t even know what the differences between a good pain and a bad pain anymore. It’s mind-boggling how the healthcare system works and your story accentuates the problem. You are not alone. can totally relate to second-guessing yourself. I have Advocated for myself as well by demanding a test only to be told “no, I don’t think that’s the problem so you don’t need it”. Guess what?!? I can go on and on about this subject so I’ll stop and just say I’m so very happy that everything has gotten better for you. God bless.
Thank you so much for your support! It sounds like I'm not alone in these furstrations.
I'm sorry to hear that happened to you. the same thing happened to my husband. He would go to the urgent care for abdominal pain, and they would diagnose him with heartburn or acid reflex. He had 2 years of pain, until he couldn't take it anymore. We visited the ER 6-10 times in a two week period. One of the doctor's did an ultra sound and found his gallbladder was expanded widthwise taking up all his abdominal space and gallstones the size of golf balls.
We seen the ER doctor, then an anesthesiologist, they both said he'll have to wait 3 days to have the gallbladder removed, then a surgeon came in and said you'll be going up to surgery. Just like you we were a little bit of shock just cause 2 other doctors said we'll have to wait. It's hard when you do go to urgent care and they keep turning you away, cause they can't find anything wrong with you. This is a good warning for people to listen to your body, you know when something is not right.❤
Oh wow - what a story! I'm so glad they got to the bottom of it and it's wild that he went so many times before they ran the test that revealed what was actually going on.
Laura, I feel that God knew you would go to Urgent Care when your pain got bad so He worked it out so that it happened on a day you couldn't do that and had to go to the ER where you were able to get the treatment and care you needed.Thank goodness He did so that you went to the ER. I'm glad you got to the hospital before it was too late.
I have had several chronic illnesses for over 20 years and I know I do what you did and that is to minimize my pain when I go to the doctor because i don't want the doctor to think I'm that patient that complains all the time over every little thing. So I usually put on a cheerful face and always say I'm fine.
You were brave to put up with that abdominal pain for so long because abdominal pain is rough to deal with.
I hope you continue to heal so that you begin to feel better than you have in years.
Laura, I wrote my comment after reading your blog but before watching your video. I'm glad you also think that God was watching it for you and made sure you got to the ER. And yes, you are right, we need to advocate for ourselves better and stand up for ourselves. I hope you do remember that if there is a next time when you know something is wrong if the doctors try to brush it off. Even though you're still in pain, I'm glad it is back to the manageable and functional level.
Thank-you for sharing your journey
Wow, this is terrible to hear. I'm glad that you were finally able to get a diagnosis and was in time for the surgery. I hope that you are able to finally get some peace without pain. Quick couple of questions, what type of hernia was it? Was the hernia caused from the gall bladder removal surgery?
I only ask I too have been struggling for about 2 years, umbilical hernia, the size of a golf ball discovered and operated on, and gall bladder removal surgery. I also have been having some abdominal pain lately that can't be explained, I thought it might be related.
Anyhow, thank you for sharing your story with us.
You sound so much like me. I'm always second guessing myself. I have had a pain in my side for years now and I've had scans and talked with my doctor several times and she say the scans don't show anything. I've told the doctor well I guess when I'm dead I will tell my husband to have an autopsy done and they will find out what it was at that time. Every time I go into the doctor for anything I bring up the pain again but like you what else are we to do. I'm so glad yours was resolved and fixed. I hope you continue to feel good.
🌟Thank you for sharing.
🙏wishing u all the best💐
I’ve been told I should have kept my gallbladder even after they heard my complete story. My gallbladder was dead, shriveled up to the size of a grape, and gangrene had already set in by the time it was removed…which was fairly quickly after onset of symptoms. They had to open me up and scrape out the infection. I have a 9” scar. If someone is ignorant enough to tell me I should have kept a dead organ, then I don’t even want to ask directions from them much less medical advice. 🙄
Oh my!! How crazy. Yes, it definitely needed to go!!! I'm very glad I got my removed and it wasn't even anything that intense.
Thank you for sharing. I have been going thru something similar with my back. I had started going to this doctor back in early 70 he had a partner. They started growing but my doctor was really good. When he retired they put me with the dr that replsed him. He was awesome. He was such a great doctor and he really cared about his patients so he left the practice and I went with another doctor. I was in such horrible pain that I could not stand up and also could not lay in bed. I ended up having to go the ER. I sat in ER waiting room for over 6 hours before they saw me. They did a cat scan and gave me 5 pain pills and sent me home. My husband kept calling my primary dr and they told him I needed to come to the office. My husband rented a wheelchair van and we had a wc. S I did not even get dressed just wore my nitie. He came in the room with two nurses and stood over me and shook some papers in my face and said he was not going to loose his license just to supply m with pain pills. The pain pills from ER did not help. All I wanted was to be heard and to be treated like a person. Anyway this is getting so long.... I did change doctors and now have a really good doctor. He sent me to a neurologist and he did all kinds of test and in the meantime, I had started having seizure-like activity when I stood up. They sent me to a neurologist and then to a neuro surgeon. He found three places in my back that needed surgery but we talked and I told him at my age 77 I did not want it. He said he thought that was best. The back pain they are treating and the seizure activity neurologist could not find the problem but he said we would treat the symptom. My back is much better and so are the seizure activity is still around just not as much....Sure glad you are doing much better.
Wow. I cant believe you were told you could just wait to repair a hernia when there are serious complications that can occur from them and the fact you were having pain issues. I recently started following a Hormone doctor on line and she shared that in her residential training they called women that came in highly complaining "WW" for whiney woman. So glad you're feeling better and hopefully cured the problem. Don't feel weird about sharing your experience - it helps all of us learn and may help someone else deal with their issue quicker.
From my experience, always do your own research along with getting checked out and try to figure things out. Basically, be your own doctor. Ask your doctor questions and make them think. If they are unwilling to investigate, leave them. They don't deserve to be your doctor. Doctors are supposed to be investigators of diseases. I stopped trusting them when my son was improperly given meds and that resulted in complications. From then on, i research on every medicine what they prescribe and ask questions about the illness and the medication. I do my research on whether the condition can be naturally treated etc.
We need to stop gaslighting ourselves. We need to be kind to ourselves and listen to our bodies.
So scary! I'm glad that the cause of your acute pain was finally identified. Being willing to share your personal information may save someone else who has questioned themselves when it comes to health issues.
As to acting normal, I developed Fibromyalgia back when hardly anyone had heard of it. I could see the doubt in co-workers' eyes and hear their whispers because I looked fine and appeared to function normally for brief periods of time. Looking back, months of that period of my life were like a blur. I felt like an actress playing the role of a normal, healthy human being as my life was disintegrating.
Please keep us posted as you feel comfortable sharing. ❤
"as my life was disintegrating" ... yes
How much I relate! My fibro has been debilitating at times and affects me mentally as much as physically.
I am very glad you are ok
Oh my! I am so sorry you have gone through all of this. I hope you have a lot of relief from pain now and start to feel much better. Did you have a colonoscopy and that is how you were diagnosed with IBS? Prayers for continued relief.
Thank you for sharing your story. I think women in particular come up against disbelief and dismissal. I was recently at the ENT who was very dismissive and didn’t really examine me at all. I was there because the audiologist saw something that she thought should be investigated. So now I’m trying to get in to see the only other audiologist. Meanwhile I have ear pain and vertigo causing me to not be able to work (or drive or basically function). I paid to have genetic testing to confirm I have EDS, which helps with dealing with many issues I’m having, and I have the genes for celiac, and all the symptoms (had them for years but nobody bothered to look for that, though my ANA was consistently high enough to trigger them to look for autoimmune disease - just not the one I actually have! Funny thing, my lifelong IBSd completely resolved with the elimination of gluten from my diet. I totally get that feeling g that you won’t be believed or viewed as histrionic or a hypochondriac if you advocate for yourself and push for treatment and testing. It seems to be the way the medical system is designed unfortunately
I haven’t read all the comments- maybe this has been addressed before. But - as women, we tend to compare our pain to natural childbirth. Maybe it would be better to ask ourselves “If I were a man and had not given birth or had menstrual cramps every month for years, would this pain seem mild or off the charts?”
Thank u so much for taking the time to explain & also encourage others. Isaiah 53:5 in the Amplified Classic (AMPC) version says that w the stripes that wounded Jesus we are healed & made whole. I pray healing, wholeness, & energy for u!
LoL…I was diagnosed in February with a Spigelian hernia, ventral just below the belly button. Get my 2nd CT on Monday to see if it is immediate surgery or wait a bit longer…Good luck for you!!!
Hope everything goes well for you!
@@GetOrganizedHQ it should. Surgery scheduled for 8/5. Thanks for the kind thoughts.
Have you tested for lupus? I have that and IBS is also a symptom. I was told I have fibromyalgia. It took a while to get correctly diagnosed. I hope you get it all figured it. Sending all my prayers and healthy vibes to you and your family.
This is the first time I’ve commented. I have Chiari 2 which was diagnosed in my 40’s. I’m 53 now. I was complaining for a years that I felt bad. It was blamed on the Chiari. A year and a half ago I had kidney stone surgery. My left kidney was full of stones. My GP dismissed my symptoms all those years. Still feel crappy because of the Chiari, and that one kidney is at 40%. But I knew something was very wrong and it wasn’t due to the Chiari. Thank you for sharing what you have been through. As the Chiari progresses I’m still trying to figure out how to stay active and promote decluttering. My vocal cords are atrophying so now I sound drunk when I speak. I don’t drink.
Have you considered decompression surgery? My husband has type 1. He did decompression and I believe that's helped him from further deterioration. Talk to a neurosurgeon who specializes in chiari.
🙏🏻❤️