This week’s Think Write Thursday is to write about something you’ve been putting off doing. We all have those tasks, projects, phone calls and more that we find excuses to avoid. What are you procrastinating about? And why? And, finally, how are you going to address it? Happy writing!
I love this part – “Happy writing”
Ummmm, not so much.
This post strikes fear into my very inmost being. Really. I am going to have to talk about things I put off and I am not talking about cleaning out junk drawers or re-organizing kitchen cupboards.
Nope – even though those things are not on my “to do” list with any regularity. The Procrastination Elephant in the room for me is scheduling regular health maintenance.
Oh, I have a million excuses as to why I have not done this, but when it gets right down to it, none of them are really valid excuses.
This was not always the case – in Holland I had a doctor I loved. And, I trusted her.
No, I mean I really trusted her – even to talk about being overweight without shame or avoidance. And, with her I got regular maintenance done – mammograms, colonoscopies, bone density testing, and regular blood work.
Then I moved to Pittsburgh and discovered how hard it is to find a doctor. And, trust me – it is really hard.
Pittsburgh is a fairly large city, yet do you know that they do not have a single physician who specializes in Women’s Midlife Health?
So, in the time I have lived here, I have seen 3 different doctors – and last year, I did not visit a doctor at all. I have not really loved any one I have seen – and let me tell you about the Health Care Insurance Wars here in Pittsburgh. No one takes all insurances – so if you have “X” insurance, none of the UPMC doctors will see you. If you have “Y” insurance, none of the Highmark doctors will see you. (And, if you can only afford “Z” insurance – you are straight out of luck because no one will see you.) It is absolutely insane.
However, I have this list of things that has been nagging at me.
Things like getting a mammogram and a bone density test and a colonoscopy.
If this post was not hard enough, I now have to make a plan to address it.
Now is the part when I confess that typing is not easy – nor is it any easier to verbally say it out loud.
However, here I go…
I will look up my last physician’s phone number and call him TODAY to make an appointment. And, you can hold me to that – I promise to update you all with my appointment time in tomorrow’s blog post!
Will that get everything off my list? Nope, but it will be a start and I will bring my list…
If you want to join Carole and I in our Think Write Thursday journey, we would love to have you – please sign up here!
P.S. Every week is really not this hard! Promise!!
Oh I feel your pain! I have a doc I really trust – been seeing her for 29 years. I cannot imagine starting again. But it is a very good list and you are right to tackle it. Be strong!
I know what you mean! I have, fortunately, finally found a doctor whom I like…it took some time. My SIL lives in Export and really likes her doctor (female). If you’d like, I will get her name and number for you…might be worth trying another one.
It *is* hard finding a good doctor that you feel comfortable returning to see. Does UPMC have a Find a Doctor line? One of the hospitals here has it, and the nice thing is that you can filter preferences, so (at least in theory) you get closer to what you really want. And then when you call the line, the person on the other end can help you even more. I have not always gotten someone perfect, but for me it’s worked more than not.
Good luck!
Been there too! Seriously considering switching doctors…I like mine but her practice overwhelms her and I don’t much care for the office procedures…Is there a women’s collective you might consult? Perhaps your previous doctor, Dr. Barb, might be able to recommend someone?
In the meantime, yes, do get those critical tests as you plan and keep up your search out there…the Universe will provide.
Good health to you!
I’m good with medical specialists, but I’m definitely a fellow healthcare maintenance procrastinator. Mammograms and bloodwork aren’t too bad, and a bone density test can be almost pleasurable. You get to lie down in sweatpants with a comfortable foam wedge under your knees! Who came up with this topic anyway?!
Finding the right doctor is the HARDEST part of healthcare maintenance. I have an issue that needs to be address and I have NO IDEA who to call. Anyway, I feel your pain and I hope you can take the first step.
Ooo. Finding a good doctor is a tough one! I, too, left a good doctor behind (in Holland, also . . . but different doctor), and it took me several years to find one I like here in Kalamazoo. So glad you’ve got a plan – because maintenance is KEY. I’ll be cheering you on, Kat! (And I’ve heard ALL about the Pittsburgh medical coverage wars from Erin. It seems a bit . . . extreme. Ugh.)
I actually haven’t seen the doctor since Al retired last January. I’m up to date on mammograms and colonoscopies and stuff but I haven’t had a physical. I’ve mostly been avoiding it because I don’t want to talk about my weight but I know I have to do it.
I HATE doctors too, didn’t go for over 10 years. My reward for going to an appointment is usually yarn!
Good for you !!!! Ask ask ask around. Ask nurses who they like. Just call them up and ask! Nurses usually know the best doctors!
I need to stop putting off RSVP ing to a shower I dont want to go to. Distant relative. WEdding shower. Far long drive. Barely anyone I know…..C’mon I say to myself….just send a gift…
I feel really lucky to have a great doctor, but finding her was really just a stroke of luck. The insurance issue is insanity here (but just another symptom of what’s wrong with our whole national health care system). All the docs in my OB/GYN practice left UPMC for AGN not long after my daughter was born, and that was really distressing. So I feel your pain and I hope you can address your concerns soon!
Geez, who comes up with these topics?!? 😉
But I’m glad you’re going to tackle yours. Good luck!
I love my doctors and it was not easy to ferret them out. I hope you are successful in your search. I have a fabulous RA doctor and my GP is also golden. Get your mammo, and your colonoscopy and all those other pesky tests and celebrate that you did do it!!!