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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – The U.S. has one of the greatest healthcare systems in the world. However, it’s far from perfect. Sometimes, you’ll need to step up and champion your own health. It’s not easy but it is worth it.
Here are a few situations that require you to speak up.
1. You Feel Sick
This seems obvious, but here’s why it still needs to be stated. You may feel sick but have no idea what’s going on. The first doctor that you see may dismiss you. If this happens, but your symptoms don’t improve, it’s time to go back to the doctor.
It could be the start of a long fight. There are many diseases, autoimmune disorders for instance, that are notorious for having inconclusive symptoms. You feel generally unwell until you break out into a massive flare. You might go undiagnosed for years.
If you feel like something is wrong, keep fighting.
2. You Want a Second Opinion
When it comes to your health, you should trust your doctor. Yet, should also remember that they’re only human. Your doctor is just a fallible man or woman doing a job. You can’t expect perfection.
Your health matters more to you than anyone else. So it’s only natural that you may spot problems that your doctor misses or glosses over. If you don’t feel as though your concerns are being heard, or you’re not sure if you agree with your doctor, get a second opinion.
3. You’re Injured (And It’s Not Your Fault)
Your entire life can be derailed by a chance accident. You could end up paying for someone else’s mistake. That’s why the personal injury lawyers at SteinLaw advise that: “If you have been hurt by someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.”
It might feel strange involving the court, especially if you’re naturally an even-keeled person. However, you may not have a choice. Justice is due to yourself as much as anyone else.
4. You Want to Try Something Experimental
Participating in medical experiments is very controversial. Some people view it as becoming a guinea pig while others are willing to take the risks in exchange for something they value. It could be financial compensation or it could be a chance of a cure for a disease they currently have. Sometimes it’s both.
If you want to join a medical experiment, it’s entirely your decision. Expect there to be a backlash from people who don’t understand, however.
5. You Want to go Drug-Free
There are many reasons why you may be hesitant to introduce more drugs to your life. You may be a recovering addict who doesn’t want to go down that road again. Or you could be devoted to a pure, drug-free life.
If you don’t want to use drugs in your medical care, you need to speak to your doctor. It’s not an uncommon desire. For example, many women are choosing to have drug-free pregnancies.
6. You Want Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is obviously a medical procedure. In fact, it can be quite serious and risky. However, the decision is still yours to make. Your doctor can tell if you’re healthy enough for surgery. If you are, you then have to find a plastic surgeon willing to accept you as a patient. But the ultimate decision is yours.
Patients sometimes feel emmbarassed about plastic surgery. However, if it’s what you want, you should fight for it.
7. You Want an Unusual Treatment
Often, there are multiple viable treatment paths. If you’re in that spot and you disagree with your doctor, you should speak about the alternative treatment method you prefer. If you and your current doctor can’t agree, find a new one.
It’s true that you didn’t go to medical school but the doctor hasn’t lived your life and doesn’t know what it feels like to be you. The doctor’s the expert but you need to understand and agree with the treatment plan if you’re going to follow it.
As the wellness trend grows, a certain subsection of society is turning toward homeopathic remedies. Consider using these in combination with your doctor’s recommendations. There are many illnesses that traditional medications don’t touch.
Standing up for your health is part of being a responsible adult. Unfortunately, everyone will get sick at some point. You can’t avoid it. How you handle it is what matters.