Building Your Toolbox: A personal experience and tools learned 

Thank you for sharing your story. I am crying right now because I never heard anyone else who talked about some medical providers causing more harm. I’ve experienced the same thing the past seven years. One of my friends tells me I am the best self-advocate she knows, but I have been more hurt than helped by doctors. I understand they are overwhelmed with too many patients, as well as under pressure by some health systems to see as many patients as possible and do as many surgeries as possible. Many doctors probably have good intentions, but the system does not let them treat patients the way they think is best. I have felt left out in the cold with no help after experiencing post-surgical complications. It is frustrating and I feel very alone, like you did. Depression and CPTSD have gotten worse, also. Many times I have been on the brink of giving up. Your story helps me feel like I’m not so alone. It also gives me the courage to join a support group. Thank you for that. You are an amazing gift.

"It's my body so I should be part of my team".

Listening to her story makes me so angry at the hit and run medical community. All too familiar. 😫