Reasons I should go to the doctor:
- The fourth toe on my left foot sorta hurts. And has for a few months. There's maybe something unhealed or infected way under the skin in the cuticle area. But it's not getting any worse and doesn't look bad . . .
- I've got this red bump on my left thigh. It's maybe an infected/ingrown hair and doesn't hurt but I don't like the way it looks. It's been there for . . . maybe 5 years or so?
- I was a sunscreen-free lifeguard for a long time. I should probably be checked out by a dermatologist, for a baseline reading, at least.
- I have plantar fasciitis (my feet hurt) and it's been quite a while since I've been to a podiatrist.
- My insurance company likes this kind of thing.
Reasons I don't go to the doctor:
- All these things seem pretty minor.
- I don't actually have a doctor, other than my OB/GYN. (I keep meaning to get one, but . . . )
- I'm really about to lose some weight, and then I'll feel better about going. cough.
- It's not worth going while I'm pregnant; I have an OB for that. And it seems like I've been pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or fat for much of the last 6 years. There was a window, after I finished nursing Ellie and lost weight, but I was trying to get pregnant with then Ada and soon succeeded. Oops.
- I have little kids and scheduling time without them is a challenge.
9 comments:
Go to the doctor.
You know how on airplanes, they tell you if there's an emergency, you have to put on your own oxygen mask before you put on your kid's oxygen mask? Because you really can't help anyone else if you can't breathe?
I think this is a good example of that premise. You can't be a great mom if you're worrying about all these little things (little things that add up to big things), so put on your own oxygen mask first. Go to the doctor.
Amy @ http://prettybabies.blogspot.com
Ok, seriously...are you me? Except...I don't have plantar fasciata. But I do have a super annoying plantar wart. Oh, and my heart keeps racing. And there's that weird mole behind my knee.
First off, let me point out how ridiculously fortunate you are that these are your most pressing health concerns. I see doctors at least three times a year, more often if I get sick or injured.
Second: Ask your friends or acquaintances if they like their internist, and make an appointment for a checkup with a good doctor. You should move into getting an annual physical, and it helps to be a patient of record in case you get sick and need a doctor. The internist can give you basic advice about your toe, your bump, and your feet, in addition to checking your blood pressure and running basic labwork.
Third: Ask around for a dermatologist, too. You could ask your internist to check your skin for moles and whatnot, but given the lifeguard thing, you're best off getting a dermatologist.
Call now and set up appointments for September when Ellie's back in school. No, it's not too soon to call.
Ask friends for a recommendation for a doctor. I have found most of my doctors this way.
Go to the doctor. Yes, it's a pain in the ass to schedule around the kids but you really should go.
You look great and no doctor is going to be concerned about the number on the scale.
I second the airline analogy. You are your children's guardian. Your health needs to be maintained. Besides, you need to set a good example for them, don't you?
Nick, it's good advice, but the barrier to entry is quite high!
Amy, it doesn't feel like big things yet. . . . and I'm not sure about the airplane thing, either. ;)
Liss, I'm glad to hear that I'm not alone!
Orange, I do see my OB/GYN regularly, and occasionally about things that are only tangentially related to gynecology, like when I fell asleep on a heating pad and burned my breast late last year. I've been to Paul's internist and to the local (very nice, very quiet) urgent care (not the er) for things like the horrible staph infection in my thumb early last year and the bronchitis that wouldn't go away this year.
I used to have an internist, but he moved his practice and I chose not to move with him. I'll start asking around for a new one. It's just such a . . . hassle. And you're right about September.
CCW, I really don't, and I think a doctor should be concerned, but alas. I guess I'll have to suck it up and hear the lectures. Again.
Beach, it's a bit early to be setting an example, as in all liklihood they won't know when I've gone as they won't go with me, and I do go to my other doc (OB/GYN) regularly, but I do see your point. Sigh.
Maybe next week I'll tackle this.
I am in StL and could give you some doctors to consider. I really like my GP - she comes off as concerned and understanding at the same time as competent and efficient.
The Best Doctors in St. Louis list just came out too, but I suspect they all get bum-rushed when that happens.
At any rate, if you email me, I'll send you the info from my family's GPs.
--Kate
Kate, I'll look you up; I need to make a call this week and I'd love your suggestions!
Post a Comment