Sometimes in life we encounter hardship and trauma over and over. We develop dysregulation and coping mechanisms to protect ourselves that often push others away only furthering the hurt.
But sometimes in life, we also come across those who give of themselves and reach into our dysfunctional, pain filled lives and give us a balm to our wounds; they stitch up our bleeding wounds when we’ve given up on ourselves because we couldn’t hold the weight of the trauma and judgements any longer. They save us.
The doctors, nurses, schedulers, insurance agents, patient experience personnel and many others in the medical field that have taken the time to truly hear my pain and offer collaboration to meet my needs within the system they work have absolutely been a major part of my healing journey.
They have given of their emotions, sacrificed their time, accommodated what they could – in both big and small ways – and who have made me feel safe, respected and they’ve seen past my sometimes abrasive, anxious behavior: they are the reason I am alive. They are the drive behind my passion to help friends and family navigate the daunting medical system.
Being neurodivergent and having a very high level of trauma make even situations without power dynamics triggering. For me, my interactions are compounded by having a larger body making navigating this system more strenuous and biased.
I know for certain without the surgeons, PCPs, nurses, therapists, etc. that have invested in my wellbeing, I wouldn’t have the spoons left to re-engage with the system. I would not be able to invest hours in advocacy and research to get where I am today. I am eternally grateful for everything. They are the best parts of the medical system.
I want to share my experiences – both successes and flubs—to inspire, encourage and collaborate with those who want to be healers and activists in their own stories. We can change the system and reduce the trauma one interaction at a time.
Wisconsinite Yooper 