Asking for help is a sign of strength.

Hello there,

I hope that your Summer season is well.

I'd like to share a story about my family. So I was noticing that my oldest was having some sleep concerns and behavior concerns. She hasn't really seen specialist doctors since she was younger. I was hesitant to seek out professional help for her and had discussed my concerns with her primary care physician, Dr. L., for about the past year. About 2 months ago, her doctor agreed to give my daughter a referral ( recommendation for a specialist doctor and or therapist) for a neurologist.

I called the recommended doctor's office to set up an appointment the same day I received the information. Anything regarding my girls, I like to address directly and quickly. Sometimes specialist doctors have weeks, months, even years waits to be seen. The need for specialist and therapist is so high and in demand, if anyone is considering going into the medical field for care of special needs individuals, please do!

Well she saw the neurologist in June and it was a consultation which lasted an hour and consisted of dialogues between the doctor and I, and my daughter and the doctor. For some reason he wasn't super concerned and asked for a follow up so that I could provide raw data about the concerns. Normally I'm pretty organized with things like that and will be keeping a running record of things that the neurologist shared with me to keep an eye on.

Passing time to see the doctors by drawing on the smart board. Teenagers!

Her follow up was this week and I felt nervous about what the information would be and reveal. This time I requested to see another provider but still in the same practice. Just didn't really feel heard at the first appointment and preferred a fresh perspective. I'm so thankful I advocated for my daughter and requested that because this time around, she was seen by two doctors, a resident neurologist and chief adolescent neurologist.

The pair, Dr. C and Dr. E, were a breathe of fresh air. They both heard my concerns for my daughter, treated her with respect, were both caring and knowledgeable, and even agreed to a holistic approach to her treatment. I expressed to them that I didn't want to jump to a new diagnosis if there wasn't one, and I wanted to get to the root issues and not just focus on symptoms. Basically I wanted a whole child, whole picture treatment plan. :)

She'll be having labs and tests this upcoming week. They provided their recommendations and she'll be seeing them again in August.

Thank you Jesus for them!

After leaving I felt at peace and even joy. My oldest was in a playful, joyful mindset as well. I knew that seeking professional assistance was needed and I was thankful that the medical service was given at a high standard.


I pray that my family's story is an example of how asking for help is a strength.

No matter what the necessary help may be, asking for it is one of the strongest and bravest things anyone can do.

If you, a family member, or friend ever need anything, reach out and ask for what you need. Seek spiritual, professional, or informal assistance.

XO

Minerva

P.S.: Feel free to send me a message if you need help and I will either help you if I can or direct you to someone who can. ❤

P.S.S.: You are incredibly strong and important! 💪💕