Welcome to our medical mystery tour…
In February 2000, my husband suffered a massive heart attack, which permanently disabled him. Since that time he’s gone on to have other major medical events, many of which were difficult in diagnosis, and significant in scope. What we’ve learned as we’ve traveled on this medical odyssey is just how important it is to either be your own advocate, or have someone you trust with you to function as your advocate. Your life could literally depend on it.
The word advocate means to support or defend a person or cause. In the medical arena it can mean being there to hear what is told to a loved one by a doctor, or helping to ensure their wishes are followed. Too often, I’ve had to be a vocal presence in my husband’s ongoing healthcare. No one has a greater stake than I in making sure his medical needs are met.
Whether you or a loved one are just beginning your medical journey, or like us, have been on this path for awhile, it’s always good to learn how others are managing their journeys. There is tremendous value in knowing you are not alone, and that there are others out there who have been where you are now.
I welcome you to tag along as we continue our own medical mystery tour trying to get answers to questions we have where Terry’s health is concerned. You just may learn something that you didn’t know that makes your life a little easier…and can’t we all use a little more of that? Caren
