I am not a fan of hospitals, as in, like, the smell of disinfectant, the sound of hospital machines, and the feeling of vulnerability; all this combines to just make me feel anxious. But sometimes life has other plans. In 2023, I found myself in a situation where I had no choice but to go visit the hospital.
Here's how it started; it started with my normal menstrual cycle routine, which quickly turned into a nightmare. I was bleeding so much that it wouldn't stop, and I was getting weaker by the day. I was completely pale, and soon it started becoming clear that I needed medical attention.
I remember I was feeling so many emotions coming in at the same time: fear, anxiety, and embarrassment. I didn't want to go to the hospital because of everything that it was, and I was scared of somehow Somehow I knew I had to; I took a deep breath, gathered my courage, and went to the health center.
When I got there, the whole waiting room was crowded. No place to sit; I had to wait for what seems like an eternity. Finally, Finally i was called and ushered into a small examination room. The female doctor was kind, and she was professional. She asked me several questions while trying to put me at ease about the whole thing, then se performed a physical examination and asked me to go do some tests at the lab area.
Well, it turned out the family planning I had put in a year before then was the issue, so she recommended I remove it, which I agreed to, and it was removed. This process almost took longer than necessary because the implant had my flesh around it; she said I had added weight since the time I had put it in; that was why it was difficult to remove. After that, she prescribed some medication to help me regulate my menstrual cycle.
Well, the experience was daunting, but I am grateful for the medical attention I received. The doctor and nurse were nice; despite my phobia for the hospital, they helped me put my mind at ease and helped me feel more confident. So looking back now, I realize that my reluctance to visit the hospital was rooted in fear and ignorance. I was kind of afraid of the unknown, and I didn't understand what was happening to my body. So i say this: take charge of your health by asking questions , seeking a second opinion and also advocating to ourself. So if you are like me I encourage you to face your fears, remember that the hospital is a place of healing, and that the medical staff are always there to help.
So this experience taught me to always seek medical help and to put fear aside; no matter what it may be, while hospitals can be scary, it is better to always seek medical help. Since then I have been taking my health more seriously; I always make sure my routine meds never run out and that I always visit the hospital at least once in three months, so I know what's happening to my body, and this way I have never been more than grateful about how my body feels.
