For many seeking information from this site this may be your first time needing to advocate for your healthcare. It can be frustrating, intimidating and awkward. This is what I've learned so far.... Get yourself a great PCP. That's your quarterback, team captain, coach and cheerleader. That provider needs to be someone who not only listens but cares. Youre not being lectured during visits, you're having a converstion. You want to feel comfortable presenting and exchanging ideas, knowing that you are always in choice because it is your body, yet trust their judgement. Then look for a doctor and/or researcher that's familiar with the rare illness, disease, disorder, etc that you can always check in with. Someone who is knowledgable about past research an keeps up with current studies and treatments. Ideally this person will most likely fight for patients' rights, help with the disability process, do peer-to-peers with insurance companies and have a great network for assistance. It's all about building a team! Building a team of specialists depending on previous medical history, symptoms, secondary diagnoses, what therapeutic needs and function are and will be. 

Factors like belief system, affordability, healthcare coverage, personal finances, access (location, transportation, technology), etc. need to be considered. Want to try and/or combine aspects of holistic, Ayurvedic, TCM, functional treatment styles? Yes you can and a good quarterback will help you. 

 

Always know YOU are in choice and control this situation. It's ok to release a member from the team if it doesnt feel right for you. That choice is yours and need not be influenced. Instinct, education and discernment are your greatest allies in this process.

                                                                                                                              ~ Liza

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