ontheedgeofeverything

Given the state of the healthcare system here in Ontario, I don’t need to remind any Ontarians of just how bad it is.

To broaden the scope a bit, healthcare system issues seem to be becoming a worldwide, universal problem, and I am well aware that Ontario isn’t special in its shit healthcare construct. I live here, so I can personally attest to the quality of healthcare where I reside.

In addition to wait times being out of control, there still remains the stark issue of over-worked, and in some cases, plain lazy doctors. You wait weeks, even months for appointments, only to be rushed out the room before your ass even meets a chair, and if you’re a woman, then there is a strong chance any symptoms you’re experiencing are a direct result of you being a woman, anxiety, or pregnancy, naturally.

Osteoporosis runs in my mother’s family, and rather rampantly. She has it, her mother had it, her sister has it, and the list goes on. Given my history of an eating disorder and a plethora of digestive issues, my mom encouraged me to speak with my doctor about getting a bone density scan done.

When I asked my doctor about this particular test, he started laughing, and no, I’m not kidding. He told me I’m far too young and healthy to require a test of this sort and to instead wait until I’m 60. I tried to explain to him my reasoning for requesting this test, and he continually interrupted me, laughed some more, and refused to hear my concerns or take me seriously.

This has been my personal experience with almost every single doctor I’ve ever met.

I refused to let this doctor invalidate me and my concerns, so when he started getting heated, I did, too. I wouldn’t back down, and he eventually agreed to send me for this test to, in his own words, “avoid a headache.”

The lovely nurse who performed my bone density scan was kind enough to inform me that while my bones are looking ok right now, I should not wait until I am 60 to have this test done again.

Be your own advocate when it comes to health. There is no other way.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash