Did The Healthcare System Fail Asha?

Over the past four months, I have watched my beloved wife, Asha, face one of the toughest challenges of her life. As a health coach, she has focused on her well-being, making mindful choices about food, exercise, mental, and spiritual health. This disciplined and passionate approach is part of who she is year-round, but these months felt like a sprint toward a long-awaited finish line.

If you are a woman reading this, you will find many insightful takeaways in the blog post in which Asha shares many valuable aspects and decisions related to her recent engagement with our healthcare system.

I encourage you to read this account also if you are a man, as understanding how to approach health care in certain circumstances will not only help you but also equip you to care for the loved ones in your life.

Asha and I both feel as though we have been given a new lease on life, which we intend to appreciate and share with others to help improve health and well-being in various areas.

Stay posted for more on this topic.

Summary: While it can be overwhelming to navigate the sea of information in health care, the necessary knowledge and support can prove vital in making critical choices.

POSTED FROM ASHA'S BLOG

Did The Healthcare System Fail Me?

I would like to share my journey over the past year, during which I faced some unexpected challenges with my healthcare. By sharing my experience, I hope to inspire you to persevere in the face of confusion, fear, and a genuine need for care.

 For the last 18 years, I've kept a close eye on my fibroids and usually received positive results from my annual ultrasounds. However, I was in for a surprise last June when I learned that a polyp had grown from 5mm to 10mm! This revelation left me puzzled since I had never been informed about any existing polyps before, and I hadn't received the usual ultrasound report despite my request for it.

To add to my anxiety, the medical team wasn't even sure it was a polyp. They stated that surgery was the only definitive way to confirm its presence. I asked about alternative methods, but was met with a firm "no." It's also worth noting that I've never had issues with polyps in the past.

On the bright side, I was reassured that, since I had no symptoms and was generally in good health, the surgery didn't have to be rushed and could be scheduled within a year. But I felt an instinctual push to seek a second opinion, especially after my gynecologist casually mentioned, "We do this surgery routinely as it is our bread and butter!"  

I decided it was time to take charge of my health by making some positive changes. First off, I revamped my diet. After COVID, I had let my guard down and started eating some foods I had previously avoided, so removing those from my meals felt like a great starting point. I also began adding specific supplements to my routine and kept up with my regular mental and spiritual practices. Plus, caring for my spouse and interacting with our fantastic student body really helped deepen my commitment to this journey.

Along the way, I found an older male gynecologist who specialized in these conditions. Unfortunately, he didn't accept any insurance, but I decided to pay out of pocket to ensure I received the best care. Prior to my visit, I made sure to have my annual ultrasound done, and I was over the moon to find out that my endometrial lining had decreased from 6mm to 5mm! For someone like me, a postmenopausal woman who isn't experiencing any symptoms, that's a very healthy range. Plus, the ultrasound showed no signs of polyps, which is a relief. I'm feeling optimistic about my health journey! 

However, when I visited the new male gynecologist, I was disappointed. When I went in, he seemed eager to schedule surgery right away, but he didn't take the time to answer my questions or even review my recent ultrasound with me. It felt rushed, and I was surprised that he didn't discuss any of the potential side effects of the surgery. That really didn't sit well with me. Trust is so important in these situations, and I just didn't feel comfortable moving forward with him. I decided it was best to seek a third opinion.

Finally, in August, I came across a wonderful female gynecologist who was part of the insurance network, caring, incredibly knowledgeable, and who also served as an assistant professor at the University of Texas. She took her time to answer all my questions patiently, which really put me at ease. During our discussion, she confirmed that since the polyp wasn't visible on my recent ultrasound, we could perform a saline ultrasound first to gain clarity. If it turned out to be around 5mm, she could remove it without surgery and send it for a biopsy.

 To both our surprise, during the saline ultrasound, we found a polyp that was about 10mm in size. My incredibly reassuring doctor suggested that I should have surgery to remove it sooner rather than later. The good news was that it hadn't grown since last year, and given my overall health, she was reasonably confident it would be benign.

So, could my surgery have been avoided?

 With the knowledge my new gynecologist provided, it seems likely that it could have been avoided if I had been informed about the probability of a 5mm polyp a couple of years ago.

Throughout this journey, a few things really helped me maintain my sanity and avoid becoming a basket case: my daily soul-work and mental hygiene practices, an enhanced healthy diet, and the unwavering love and support from my husband during such a challenging time. These elements became my cornerstones, providing me the strength to develop new programs for the students I care about.

One of the most rewarding aspects was meditating, chanting, and cooking together each month from the comfort of our kitchens in different countries. It created a unique bond and sense of unity, despite the distance.

Here are my key takeaways for you:

1. Change Is Inevitable But Not Hopeless:

As we age, both men and women undergo significant hormonal changes that can impact our physical and mental health. While each gender is affected differently, specific hormonal changes are common to both. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize annual check-ups with your doctor, and for women, regular visits to a gynecologist are essential.

2. Feeling Helpless & Settling May Not Be a Good Option:

If you ever find yourself in a medical situation like mine, do not hesitate to seek a second or even third opinion until you find the right doctor for you. Taking charge of our health is essential, not just for ourselves, but also for our loved ones. Ultimately, it's about taking responsibility for our well-being, regardless of the circumstances we face.

3. The Power In Your Fingertips:

And let's not forget the incredible benefits of good health through simple home-cooked meals! They can nourish your body as you age, complementing your medical care with proper nutrition. However, it's important to remember that each human body is unique, with specific needs and weaknesses.

For example, many women in their fifties experience uterine polyps due to hormonal changes, but not all do. I have had a history of weakness in this area since I was thirteen. Similarly, not all men will face prostate issues as they age, but hormonal imbalances can affect the most vulnerable areas of the body, with the brain being particularly at risk.

An added benefit of home cooking can be incredibly therapeutic, as it provides a sense of control and a tremendous creative and mental outlet to manage anxiety and stress.

New Birth

Despite my frustration and disappointment with previous physicians throughout the year, I felt a deep gratitude for my life. I held on to my faith, knowing something good would emerge from my challenging experience.

And just last month, after my successful surgery, I had an insight that not only helps more people but also addresses a critical crisis that is affecting us today. Russill (my hubby) is thrilled and is willing to join forces. We plan to share it with y'all soon.

And so, in conclusion, did the healthcare system fail me?

I truly don't feel that the healthcare system let me down, and I attribute that to the understanding I gained and how I navigated the process at each step. This journey has deepened my compassion for those who might struggle to research their options or advocate for their own well-being. I’ve come to realize just how overwhelming it can be to feel lost in a sea of information without the necessary knowledge or support. My heart goes out to those who face these challenges without guidance.

Thank you for reading about my journey! I hope it inspires and benefits your own path.

Wishing you abundant health and deep peace.

Asha
ashapaul.com