Tag

Self Advocacy

All articles tagged with #self advocacy

health4 days ago•51 min saved

Tea choking episode uncovers throat cancer in 66-year-old dad

A 66-year-old man with over a year of swallowing difficulties choked on a cup of tea, passed out, and subsequent medical tests uncovered masses in his neck and throat, leading to a diagnosis of oropharyngeal cancer. His daughter says the choking episode was a blessing in disguise that finally yielded answers and urges others to push for answers when something feels wrong. He is set to undergo chemotherapy and possibly surgery, and a GoFundMe has been launched to fund a family trip to Cornwall before treatment.

via Yahoo|

#choking-incident #health #oropharyngeal-cancer

health4 days ago•13 min saved

When bloating isn’t just a nuisance: spotting gut health red flags

Bloating is common but can signal serious conditions like gastroparesis; the article follows Emily Karp’s journey to a diagnosis after seeing a gastroenterologist, highlighting the importance of listening to your body and tracking foods, symptoms, and stress to identify triggers. Seek medical advice if bloating is persistent or accompanied by ongoing pain, weight loss, changes in bowel habits, vomiting, or symptoms that don’t improve with lifestyle changes. Treatment may include medications, and patients are encouraged to advocate for themselves while avoiding unproven online gut-health products.

via KSL.com|

#bloating #gastroenterology #gastroparesis

advice1 month ago•16 min saved

Setting boundaries with neighbors over neurodiversity: practical steps to stay comfortable

A reader with autism describes facing persistent rude and dismissive comments from neighbors who label her as 'fidgety.' In Dear Eric, the columnist reassures that fidgeting is not a problem, that she doesn't owe explanations for her neurodiversity, and recommends practical coping strategies: use clearly visible headphones instead of earbuds, consider a visible badge or sign to signal how others should interact, and prioritize comfort to avoid sensory overload—empowering her to set boundaries without feeling forced to medicate.

via The Mercury News|

#advice #autism #neighbors

health2 months ago•64 min saved

When Doctors Didn’t Listen, She Read Her Own Scans and Found the Truth

A HuffPost health feature recounts how Aly Worsham, frustrated by doctors who dismissed her abdominal pain, downloaded a DICOM viewer and taught herself to read medical images. She eventually identified adenomyosis and related pelvic issues, endured multiple surgeries, and uncovered a pituitary tumor after years of silence and misdiagnosis, including a life-threatening meningitis/sepsis scare. The piece argues that gender bias and the health system’s gaps force many women to become their own radiologists and advocates, urging patients to seek second opinions and read their records to push for proper care.

via Yahoo|

#adenomyosis #health #misdiagnosis

health5 months ago•40 min saved

Misread Menopause, Diagnosed with Rectal Cancer at 42: A Mom’s Self-Advocacy Journey

A 42-year-old single mom from Columbia, S.C., endured months of weight loss and gut changes she initially blamed on perimenopause, only to be diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer—highlighting the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults and the importance of self-advocacy and timely screening.

via Yahoo|

#colorectal-cancer #health #rectal-cancer

health5 months ago•8 min saved

Lili Reinhart's Yearlong Battle for Answers Turns Up Endometriosis

Lili Reinhart recounts a grueling year of misdiagnoses and invasive tests for persistent bladder and pelvic pain that were initially treated as infections, ultimately leading to laparoscopic surgery that confirmed endometriosis and adenomyosis. She describes the emotional toll, fertility concerns, and the pivotal role of advocating for herself and listening to women's pain, while highlighting the broader issue of how often women's symptoms are dismissed.

via ELLE|

#adenomyosis #chronic-pain #endometriosis

health5 months ago•4 min saved

Hidden Clues, Big Fight: A Mom Beats Stage 3 Rectal Cancer

Shannon Ivey, 42, was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer after months of symptoms she mistook for menopause, including rectal bleeding, pencil-thin stools, and a 26-pound weight loss. She underwent radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, and is now cancer-free more than a decade later. The piece notes rising rectal cancer rates, especially among people under 50, and stresses self-advocacy and listening to one's body when symptoms appear.

via TODAY.com|

#colorectal-cancer #health #rectal-cancer

health8 months ago•9 min saved

Ignoring Medical Advice Nearly Cost Me My Life

A woman shares her harrowing experience of being dismissed by her doctor despite symptoms of a rare, aggressive cancer, highlighting issues of gender bias, systemic healthcare delays, and the importance of self-advocacy in medical care. Her story underscores the critical need for patients to persist in seeking timely diagnosis and treatment, especially for women and those with rare conditions.

via HuffPost|

#cancer-diagnosis #delayed-care #health

health8 months ago•13 min saved

Lessons Learned After a 5-Year Cancer Diagnosis Journey

Jackie Garcia's five-year journey to diagnose a large tumor highlights the challenges faced by women of color and plus-size women in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and addressing unconscious biases to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

via SELF Magazine|

#cancer-diagnosis-delay #health #medical-bias

health1 year ago•8 min saved

Cancer Patients Share Regret Over Overlooked Early Symptoms

The article highlights the importance of recognizing early signs of cancer through personal stories shared on Reddit, emphasizing that early detection can significantly improve outcomes. It encourages body awareness and proactive medical consultation when symptoms like unusual bleeding, persistent pain, or unexplained weight loss occur, to avoid late-stage diagnoses and improve survival chances.

via BuzzFeed|

#cancer #diagnosis #early-symptoms

relationships1 year ago•3 min saved

Carolyn Hax: Navigating Anxiety When Meeting a Partner's Territorial Daughter

The article advises that the woman should take her time to build the relationship without rushing into meeting her partner's daughter, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and patience to ensure a healthy relationship and reduce anxiety.

via The Washington Post|

#anxiety #boundaries #family-dynamics

health1 year ago•6 min saved

Healthy 31-Year-Old Woman Diagnosed With Colon Cancer

Jenna Scott was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at age 31 after her symptoms were initially dismissed as pregnancy-related, leading to delayed diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Despite the challenges, she continues to manage her health while raising awareness about the importance of self-advocacy and regular check-ups for young people.

via Business Insider|

#cancer-treatment #colon-cancer #health

health1 year ago•9 min saved

Trust Your Gut: A Toddler Tickling Revelation

Christine Kalafus was misdiagnosed with a clogged milk duct during pregnancy, which delayed her breast cancer diagnosis until it was aggressive and advanced, leading to a life-threatening situation that she now advocates women to trust their instincts and stand up for themselves in medical settings.

via Daily Mail|

#breast-cancer #cancer-awareness #health

health2 years ago•6 min saved

"Mom Diagnosed with Skin Cancer After Toddler Mistakes Mole for Chocolate"

Amanda Eilian, a 33-year-old mother from New York, was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma after her 2-year-old daughter mistook a mole on her wrist for a chocolate stain. Despite initial dismissals from her doctor, Eilian's persistence led to the mole's removal and subsequent diagnosis. Her experience underscores the importance of self-advocacy and regular skin checks, especially for those with a family history of skin cancer. Eilian has since been cancer-free and advocates for proactive health measures.

via Daily Mail|

#early-detection #health #health-awareness

health2 years ago•7 min saved

"Mom's Dismissed Mole Diagnosed as Melanoma After 2 Years"

Amanda Eilian, a 33-year-old mother, had a mole on her wrist that worried her for years, but doctors dismissed her concerns. It wasn't until her 2-year-old daughter pointed it out that she insisted on its removal, discovering it was stage 2 melanoma. Eilian's experience underscores the importance of self-advocacy and regular skin checks, especially for those with a family history of skin cancer. She now emphasizes proactive health measures and encourages others to trust their instincts about their bodies.

via TODAY|

#dermatology #early-detection #health