The sound ground I now stand on comes from a slowly built foundation.
The heart I write this with, has shed its skin.
I am entering my next phase of healing and I am longing for conversation.
Exposure.
Understanding.
The past year and a half has been intense to say the least.
It is July and I am 24 weeks pregnant. I have initiated a very difficult, long overdue conversation convincing someone to seek care. After much debate and a few referrals we finally get an appointment scheduled.
Relief rattles my bones. I don’t want this stress on top of having a newborn.
The air crisps, the baby comes and so does the long awaited appointment.
I sit by my phone, impatiently waiting to hear the news.
“Oh, he said nothing is wrong! Stop worrying about me, I am fine! The doctor said so!”
My heart shatters.
Something is not right.
Things get worse and I have no plan.
I never imagined the shift from child to “caretaker” happening alongside the transition from women to mother.
The dam finally breaks in April…A HIPPA form with my name on it.
I desperately try to pump color back into the sunset.
I resent all the time we lost.
If only these doctors read the patient and not the chart, we might not be dependent on this crisis to cause change.
My relentless pursuit barely gets me an appointment with the doctor who doesn’t think anything is wrong.
This will have to do.
I pack my things, strap Harlow to my chest and wait eagerly in his office.
Suddenly, the alarm is sounding.
I watched him scramble to cover up his tracks but I finally had the support I needed, any referral I wanted…he’s ready to help clear the fog.
I am afraid that this experience is all too common.
Doctors dismissing symptoms as they aren’t consistent with statistics. Waiting months for an appointment and then offices not allotting the proper amount of time for a fair assessment.
Patients may leave with a diagnosis and a prescription, but no further resources. They are left to educate themselves on alternative treatments, but most don’t even consider this as their doctors diagnosis is accepted without question.
It takes a lot of courage to sit in an office and surrender to your symptoms. I still wonder if things could be different had they honored the concerns. What if they dug deeper and supported their patient through life changes to try to reverse the symptoms? What if they suggested preventative measures in case there was something they were missing?
I now understand that doctors simply do not have the time to coddle each and every patient. They do not have the training to help them implement specific behavior changes and it is for these reasons that some doctors are beginning to “prescribe” health coaches.
A health coach takes a whole person approach leading a client to motivation. They partner with them to create strategies, actionable steps, goals and accountability. They help clients find the insight to make intuitive behavior changes to better their health.
Witnessing the need for an Integrative Health Coach fueled my motivation to become one. It inspired me to help fill the void that is present in too many peoples care. I have completed training through Duke Integrative Medicine and I am currently continuing my education in pursuit of certification and beyond.
I am teetering between vulnerability and anxiety, but I feel a sense of responsibility to be there for others as they forge a path to better health. I have been fortunate to connect with professionals who have guided me through times of adversity and I am hoping to be that for other women…to help them dust off their map and find their way.
I am looking forward to building authentic connections and to help create positive momentum. I am anticipating the challenge and dedication it will require, but I am open to change and I am excited to honor my potential.
If you are interested in learning more or are ready for a change, let me know! I am currently looking for my first 5 clients to coach for free as I fine tune my skills and complete my certification course!
