Loved reading this (though did not love listening to what you've had to go through, I'm so sorry) – I have a cyst (also blessedly benign) on my right ovary currently that's about the size of an orange, and they're 'reluctant' to remove it because it's not dangerous... it's causing me pain and other difficulties and yet I get the feeling I'm just expected to put up and shut up. I need to advocate for myself and push back, because you're right, we shouldn't have to do this just because we're women.
OMG, cysters!! I mean, I felt kind of guilty for going under anaesthetic for exploratory surgery because of all the what ifs, but I am so glad I did because there are lots of other what ifs if it's left unchecked. And bottom line, you shouldn't be suffering xxx
Great piece. So glad you persevered and advocated for yourself and got a satisfactory result. It is not easy to do but so essential. I have not been properly listened to by quite a few doctors (luckily I now have a lovely GP who is a brilliant listener) and several mental health professionals. Back in my late teens, the dismissiveness and lack of empathy of one of those medics impacted my life in a profoundly negative way for a very long time as I hadn’t the life experience at that point to see her gaslighting for what it was. Be your own best advocate is something every girl and woman should be taught and stories like yours illustrate why it’s so important.
Loved reading this (though did not love listening to what you've had to go through, I'm so sorry) – I have a cyst (also blessedly benign) on my right ovary currently that's about the size of an orange, and they're 'reluctant' to remove it because it's not dangerous... it's causing me pain and other difficulties and yet I get the feeling I'm just expected to put up and shut up. I need to advocate for myself and push back, because you're right, we shouldn't have to do this just because we're women.
OMG, cysters!! I mean, I felt kind of guilty for going under anaesthetic for exploratory surgery because of all the what ifs, but I am so glad I did because there are lots of other what ifs if it's left unchecked. And bottom line, you shouldn't be suffering xxx
Great piece. So glad you persevered and advocated for yourself and got a satisfactory result. It is not easy to do but so essential. I have not been properly listened to by quite a few doctors (luckily I now have a lovely GP who is a brilliant listener) and several mental health professionals. Back in my late teens, the dismissiveness and lack of empathy of one of those medics impacted my life in a profoundly negative way for a very long time as I hadn’t the life experience at that point to see her gaslighting for what it was. Be your own best advocate is something every girl and woman should be taught and stories like yours illustrate why it’s so important.