How to Help Save Your Own Life
I empower you to get empowered as a patient.
Hey Substackers,
I was reflecting on the moment in the photo above. What a scary time. I learned so much from all my terrifying experiences.
One thing I know, we can face our biggest nightmares and step into our power at the same time.
I was truly lucky to have the medical team I did, but even with the best of the best, challenges arise.
Here is what I have written about finding our voice amidst the chaos and how to be your own advocate when everything starts to crumble. There are so many ways we can support our medical team as well as push for the best quality of care in a system full of challenges.
First, here’s my Huffington Post piece if you haven’t already read it.
Data on medical bias is pretty bad
Dear Readers, Here is a part two regarding my thoughts on medical bias. I encourage folks to click on the links, but even if you don’t have time, know this bias is real and advocating for yourself is vitally important.
Hey Dr. Google - How to Avoid Misinformation
Hey Substack Family, I’m not a medical professional, but I tried to play one on TV a lot. Above is an old headshot. For those who only know me from my Substack, I’m also an actor. These days I’m playing the patient most. One thing patients typically do, we google. I google a ton about my diagnosis, my treatment, and to help me ask questions.
Tips on how to be heard in a hospital
Hi readers. First off, hi new subscribers. I’m so honored you’re here and grateful for all your stories. Thanks for connecting. The photo above is one of my favorites- me making July giggle. She was an early smiler- a true gift in a scary time. So, as I shared, I wrote an
Taking Charge of Sh*t
Hi Readers, This picture was taken a day after I woke up in the ICU. Those Dorothy braids were crafted by the nurse with the hat I wrote about. This was a good day. I finally slept… because comas, even medically induced ones, don’t feel like sleep. I was fortunate enough to get to see the baby twice. I’m sure they knew her presence was good for me. I wa…
What we can do to avoid "the patient is an idiot” narrative.
For those new here, I started writing this when I was on dialysis. It’s intended to be both memoir and a practical tool to help folks who might be going through something similar or those caregivers and family supporting someone with a challenging diagnosis. I hope to include excerpts here as I write. NOTE: This is not intended to replace actual medical…
Did you miss it?
If you’re curious to read more about the time my brain was poisoned by my own toxins, I wrote about the incredible nightmare starting here:
If you’re new here and wondering, “what happened to this lady?” read:
I started writing this when I was on dialysis. It’s intended to be both memoir and a practical tool to help folks who might be going through something similar or those caregivers and family supporting someone with a challenging diagnosis. NOTE: This is not intended to replace actual medical guidance. Please consult your doctors on your individual challenges and situations. Please talk to your clinicians before adjusting any of your care protocols. Also names have been changed for most of my medical staff.
Thank you to CC Couchois, Roy Lenn, and Dr. Richard Burwick for your founding level donation.