Weeding out the WEEDS.

Support, is one thing we all need.

If y'all remember a few posts ago, I recommended one of my friends to make an appointment at Aviva. I caught up with him over texts, and I'm super excited it went well! He's looking to lose weight, just like anyone else that seeks her services. 

I'm always curious to see what other people think about care providers. Some people put all their trust and faith into their doctors, without really getting a feel for what they're like. For years I've been going to my primary doctor, putting all my trust in the office. He's super busy and so began more and more visits with his FNP. Not that she isn't nice or anything, it wasn't until I started going to Dr. Cusimano when I realized she was the doctor for me. I had been going to my primary for a long time, probably over eight years trying to figure out why I had been gaining so much weight quickly. No answers, nada--zip. They just figured I was a young girl, who had weight issues just like every other girl. WRONG. 

I learned my lesson about four years ago, and it was a lesson that will scar me for the rest of my life. Literally. When you grow up, you just stick with going to the doctor your parents go to--right? Having worked directly with patients and doctors, I'll give you all some advice:

DON'T SETTLE.

Would you buy the first car you test drove on the lot, just because it smelled new? That's a negative Ghost Writer. It is a super difficult task finding a doctor that is right for you. A good doctor, will always be available to schedule a consultation. Find out about your doctor, after all this person is going to hold a certain amount of responsibility for your health hello! Feeling awkward leaving a practice is yes, uncomfortable--but is it worth you staying there getting shitty care when it can absolutely be better?

It wasn't until my second procedure I had done for cervical ca, when I started to question things. How is this possible? I went through about seven biopsies (before and after), and already had a surgical procedure--now you're telling me I have to have another one?! It probably helped, that I watched a 20/20 special specifically about gynecologists making mistakes. Young women were going in for hysterectomies, because they were told they had cervical cancer----when in all reality they had precancerous cells. Something that can be monitored. Now these women will never be able to bear children, they don't have any reproductive organs! WTF. Like hell was this going to happen to me. I talked to a friend from work, and she recommended me to my gyno I go to now. Dr. Lucci, is probably one of the nicest people I know. Before I made any decisions to switch to him, he sat with me two different times consulting my case and chart. He sat for 45mins listening and watching my cry my eyes out. He explained everything I needed to know, and he left the door open to not pressure me into becoming his patient.

Going to Aviva, has practically saved my life. Corny I know, but it's so true. Dr. Cusimano and her staff at Aviva are super thorough and take the time to get to know their patients. I asked my friend what he thought of the staff, and told him he could be honest. His reaction was the same as mine, super nice and caring. They didn't treat us like we were just another dollar sign. 

Don't be afraid to do your homework, find a doctor that you connect with. Because in all reality, you can't trust just anyone with your health.