By Kathy Pollard
Do you ever have a bad attitude about something and absolutely know it but can’t seem to help it? I’m the worst patient when it comes to all the labs, tests, and appointments the healthcare community insists we need. I kinda have the mantra of ‘if I’m sick, my body will let me know.’ (Don’t be like me.)
I’d been dealing with something for two and a half years that had me constantly clearing my throat, coughing, and losing my voice. I’d finally had enough and decided to make an appointment. But first, I had to find a doctor since I didn’t have one. My new doctor had lots of questions for me. When was your last mammogram? Never. Colonoscopy? Never. Bone density scan? Never. Flu shot? Ah ha, 2017!! I felt like I finally got an answer right on a test. As you might guess, I walked in for a throat problem and walked out with a bunch of upcoming appointments.
The day of the dreaded mammogram arrived, and I prayed as I pulled into the clinic parking lot. “Please don’t let this hurt. Please don’t let them find anything scary. Please don’t let me be a chicken-baby.” Money for Nothing by Dire Straights came on my XM radio. Since I was early, I sat there waiting for the best part of the song. The part I can’t listen to without rocking my head, which I did. It gave me the mojo to declare, “Let’s do this!,” as I stepped out of the car.
“I see this is your first mammogram. You know all of those horror stories you’ve heard? They’re true.”
Those were the first words out of the tech’s mouth as I walked into the imaging room wearing a cotton hospital gown. I laughed, as she knew I would.
The mammogram itself wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined. The worst part was the positioning. I thought I’d be the one doing that. It was only 14 minutes from the time I parked to the time I returned to my car. I’d been dreading it, worrying about it, building it up in my mind…and it was over in a flash. I felt a little silly when I left. But still felt like I deserved a donut.
And the throat problem? Turns out it was allergies. I was kicking myself for not having gone in much, much sooner. A Singulair prescription made all the difference. I could’ve saved myself years of embarrassing throat-clearing had I addressed it head on.
Some things are so easy to put off. We just don’t want to deal with them. It could be as minor as replacing a light bulb or replying to messages. It could be a health screening. Or it could be having a hard conversation with a loved one or confessing a sin problem. Ironically, the weight of NOT dealing with it ends up being more burdensome than actually taking the five minutes to take care of it.
Often it’s just a matter of inconvenience or discomfort. But even if whatever needs to be addressed is painful, the relief, peace, or clear conscience that follows is worth it!
James 4:17 Prov. 14:23 Psa. 90:12 Eph. 5:15-17
Life and Favor (Job 10:12) 