Facing up to some hard truths

Wolseley

This column comes with a warning. It feels pretty personal and not everybody likes “personal.” So, please be advised.

Maybe it’s because this is the year of my champagne birthday (when you turn the same age as the year you were born.) Or maybe it’s because I have avoided dealing with my physical health concerns for many years, especially since the pandemic; always on a mission to steer clear of doctors, clinics and all things medical, out of worry and fear.

My body, it seems, had been screaming at me in all kinds of ways to take better care of it. I share this because I’m hoping it will inspire others to see a doctor when they’re feeling like something isn’t right. That, and I was inspired by other women who shared their stories of practising self-care and learning to do for themselves what they’ve always been really good at doing only for others.

So, this year I decided it was time to grow up and face my fears head on. At 62, I had my first mammogram. I’d made an appointment to get one last year at this time but couldn’t bring myself to go through with it — but I was able to do it this year. I was scared, not only about the test itself but the aftermath. I got called back and will be going for more tests, which doesn’t necessarily mean a cancer diagnosis, but it certainly has a way of bringing on heart palpitations. Breast cancer runs rampant in my family, so the fear is real.

Because I didn’t have a family doctor it became urgent that I find one, as additional tests can’t be ordered without a doctor. So, I did what I had to do and signed on with the first one I could find. Not ideal, but that’s what I get for procrastinating. He immediately requested the usual blood and urine tests. Results from those showed some levels were way too high and some way too low. As generally happens, medications were encouraged but, being the stubborn old hippie that I am, I insisted that I first try natural remedies and lifestyle changes to deal with those particular issues.

He’s given me three months to show improved levels or prescription medications will be necessary. He’s alright, this doctor, and even agreed to work co-operatively with the naturopath I’m now seeing, thanks to my partner’s insurance plan. (I wish everyone had access to that kind of holistic care – she’s been incredibly helpful).

I got a good talking-to about the importance of physical activity, from both doctors. I had fallen into a real slump over the last few years. My excuse was always that my work involves being at the computer all day, every day, so how can I possibly have time to exercise? Well, it turns out that not moving can cause all kinds of health issues. And it certainly did with me. From increased anxiety to chronic insomnia, and growing aches and pains – among more serious concerns. So, now I’m faced with needing to make big changes in how I live, or else take several prescription medications, all of which have side effects I’d rather not experience.

I’ve implemented immediate changes, including 30 minutes of daily aerobic exercises and regular weight-training workouts. I’m cutting out many of the things I’ve loved a little too much – potato chips, salt, and sweets. Anything processed will no longer be consumed. And green vegetables are my new best friend. All this takes time and effort and the ability to focus and have the resources to do so, and not everyone has that. I wish we all did.

I feel better knowing that I’m finally being truly proactive about every aspect of my health. And I know that it may not be enough. Some of it is genetics, some of it is just beyond what we can overcome, and some of it just plain luck. We need assistance from the medical system. And despite all the criticisms about ours, we do have access to health care when something doesn’t seem right.

Navigating through health scares is an isolating kind of thing. I’ve had a few pity parties already but I’m back to focusing on getting healthy and hopefully not having to deal with any more scary test results. But if that happens, I’ll likely write about that, too.

If you’ve been putting off seeing a health-care professional, no matter how old you are, please remind yourself that you matter. A check-in and check-up are better than checking out.