The last time you went into a bad flare, did you wait to go to the doctor? Wait until someone said, “Gee, you really don’t look all that good.” or, worse, “I’m taking you to the doctor NOW! you’ve waited too long!”

I know lots of people who don’t like going to the doctor. And, I know it’s becoming harder to get in immediately to see someone – anyone – in a physician’s busy office. But there’s having to wait and having to wait. There’s being prompt to note when your body is telling you, “We need help,” and being averse to seeing your doctor because…why?

I’ve heard some people say they don’t want to go to the doc because they “know what he or she will say,” and what the course of treatment will be. Of course, if this is the case, if someone already knows he or she needs to be seen and treated, then waiting seems like it could be potentially dangerous (putting off treatment might make the situation worse, not better). I’ve also known people who will hesitate to call the doctor because they don’t want to take the time and effort to get ready, go in, and, potentially, have to wait in a crowded waiting room. But, if we don’t take care of our health first, how will we have the quality energy and attention for the things we love to do, and the people we love to share them with?

Yes, there are lots of reasons we could come up with in order to delay calling our doctors. But truly, are any of them good reasons, given the circumstances and the potential worse effects that might come by putting off the inevitable?

One more thought: If your loved one has already said something to you, or if you know they’re on the verge of it, you can greatly ease their stress and help them feel better, too, if you seek the help you need.

Peace,

Maureen