Scary diagnosis? What to do next
If you've ever had an abnormal pap test or a suspicious lump, you know what it feels like to get the call: Your results are in. I've never had a really scary test result (knock on wood), but I know plenty of women who have--including the three brave souls we profiled in the May issue of Prevention. When one woman was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, she decided that after a lifetime of deferring to doctors, it was time to take control of her health: She found a physician who was open to a holistic approach, and she eventually went from taking 44 pills A DAY to taking none--and she's currently symptom free.
Hearing the news that something is wrong with your health is devastating, no doubt, but it's crucial to remember that although your doctor is an expert, she's not the only expert--and more important, she works for YOU. These steps can help you take back control.
Get the Proverbial Second Opinion It may seem like a medical drama cliché, but a recent study found that when breast cancer patients got a second doctor's review, surgery recommendations changed for half of them. If your doctor balks, that's even more reason to get another opinion--a good doctor knows this is not a comment on her skills or competence.
Keep a Record Before you meet with doc #2, outline all your symptoms, treatments, and test results in the calm and quiet of your home. This will help you stay focused and even-keeled during your next appointment.
Ask about Alternative Medicine In some ways, it's still the Wild West of medicine, and your doctor may need to play a little catch-up, but more and more MDs are open to complementary remedies (just be sure to tell her before you try anything).
Delve Into the Cutting Edge The National Institutes of Health (NIH) runs trials for new treatments for many diseases; even if you end up in the group getting standard care, you'll likely receive extra attention. This can also provide an amazing respite from health care costs.
Have you had a scary diagnosis? What course of action did you take?
Related Links:
Talk to Roanne Weisman, author of "Our Lives Were in Our Hands"
Make informed health decisions by visiting our Health Channel
Read how 4 women saved their lives with alternative medicine
