Doctors are trained to treat an ailment, a disease, an affliction, a broken this or that. Something I’ve learned in my decades of writing about health topics is that whatever it is that needs fixing, it’s not black or white. It depends.

I say, it depends, about a lot of things and it drives people crazy but I’m going to say it again. My inspiration for all this is I have a complete physical with my physician in two days and I’m writing a list of topics to discuss.

If something about me is broke and my doctor needs to fix it I’m going to tell him not just what it is, but how it happened, what I was doing and why was I doing it. I’m going to tell him my perception of why I feel like I do. For instance, I am having some sinus problems but on a scale of 1 to 10, my suffering is probably a 2 or 3. That’s because I live in Michigan and by October I usually encounter some signal that winter is coming. I give the entire process little attention because that’s just the way it is.

Another person on the other hand, born and raised in Texas may find the impact of sinus problems in Michigan a more serious event. She and I may have identical problems but her impact is going to be greater because that’s how she perceives it. Hers may be more psychological as well as physical because of her background.

For a little better understanding about what I’m saying, think about all those experienced situations we have where our own physical distress seemed tolerable, maybe even redemptive because it was experienced in the context of a higher purpose. A sleepless night caring for an elderly parent or young grandchild almost becomes an experience of gratitude for being allowed to be of service. However, a modest back injury when we bent over to make the bed can become an intolerable burden.

I want my physician to treat all of me, the whole person, not just the disease or what’s broken. I figure I can help him if I explain my aches and pains in the ‘it depends’ mode.

Hoping you have something to add to this notion. I realize it depends upon the doctor. Some physicians may not be receptive to this way of thinking. For me, that would be a signal to switch doctors!

Your thoughts please.

To your success at healthy aging.

Ruthan Brodsky

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Filed under: Mind and Body

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