Day 7 Post 6 - Preparing for the Doctor's Appointment

Saturday was a very lazy day for me. I had no energy after a miserable night of leg cramps. I would no sooner get a cramp to release in one area than I'd get another one in a different spot. I was on the verge of tears several most of the night. I don't know why, but the cramping is getting worse and seems to affect me longer.  My legs hurt all day Saturday. I couldn't stand for long periods and I had to move after sitting for a little while. A few weeks ago, after having particularly strong cramps in my lower legs, it felt like I was walking on a sprained ankle for 3-4 days. I take a potassium supplement as well as a magnesium supplement. So I am not sure what to do next. 

I am going into the doctor on Tuesday and I plan on bringing a list of concerns. The constantly aching in various parts of my body, like my shoulders, and wrists despite wearing my wrist braces. The lack of energy despite losing a bunch of weight. The bladder control issues that only occurs during the day. The lack of a libido.  And of course, the leg cramps. 

Last time I went in for a physical, the PA could only see my weight. Everything prescribed and every test ordered was all tied to weight. I pushed for referrals to an endocrinologist and a cardiologists. The issues have continued despite the weight loss. In fact they seem to be worse. I am going to push for root cause. And the answer is not going to just be lose weight. Because having lost 90 pounds in the last 30 months hasn't solved the issue and in fact it seems to be getting worse

I still have weight to lose and I have been back sliding lately, but so many doctors look and my size and make up their minds that is the whole problem. I am not putting up with that this time around. I am going in with my list and going to demand they look into all possible factors. 

We take for granted that Doctors are well trained and know what they are doing. We forget that they are human and overworked. New advances and developments are coming out everyday and many doctors, especially those in small towns and rural areas, don't always get updated on these things right away. We need to educate ourselves. When we get a diagnosis, we need to learn about it and the possible treatments. When we get a prescription we need to find out about it and what it's side effects my be.

We need to advocate for ourselves. And women especially need to push for answers. Women in general often fail to question "pat" diagnoses. I know two women who were hypothyroid and their symptoms were put down to menopause. Fortunately, they didn't stop looking for answers and finally got the right diagnosis and treatment for their condition.

Are you looking after your health? Do you push for answers?