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nikki's avatar

This is so timely. I went to my doctor two months ago with mild abdominal pain. I was diagnosed with a UTI and given medication. When the symptoms persisted, I was given a CT scan and diagnosed with constipation. I didn’t think that made sense and pushed for more testing. After a blood test, several rounds of imaging and even a dramatic cancer scare, I was finally diagnosed with advanced endometriosis (which will require surgical removal of a cyst) and a uterine fibroid. Had I accepted the constipation diagnosis and not pushed for more testing, I may never have discovered what was really happening in my body. It has really taught me the value in trusting what our bodies are telling us and advocating for ourselves as women.

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Clare Tomkins's avatar

Twenty years ago, I had two vaginal births of 9 lb babies and was induced both times. I waited several hours for the epidural because staff was busy. I couldn’t advocate for myself due to the 30 second contractions and my partner didn’t seem to know what to do. I finally said to the nurse “ would it help speed things up if I threw things around the room?”. That worked 🤯 Looking back , I realize that I was socialized (as many women are ) to be polite and not make a scene. I vowed to be there for my daughters and loved ones while they are in medical care. While my mother was in the hospital , I learned that due to fears of opioid addiction, many health practitioners are taught not to offer pain meds but wait for patients to ask 🤪

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