When I walked into the hospital, I wasn’t expecting anything more than simply easing my pain. Besides, the decision to visit the doctor was by no means voluntary. Pain gave me no choice.
I had envisioned a friendly session with the doctor. In my mind, all the doctor had to do was give me a chance to explain my situation then prescribe the right medication. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered that my assumptions were far from reality. I had overlooked the most important detail: Pain is never the problem, it is just a symptom.
Each time the doctor kept asking about my lifestyle, I felt he was just probing into my personal space. So, I wasn’t forthcoming. But on the other hand, a part of me felt guilty and responsible for my situation.
I didn’t really have a problem with the doctor, but I had grown weary of suggestions. I had been warned countless times to watch my weight, to exercise and watch my diet otherwise I would end up hypertensive or worse. Now this had become a reality and I knew arrogance was not the best solution.
Truth be told, the doctor did not need to ask me some of the questions he did, he just did so to confirm the obvious so that I could come to a point where I fully understood my situation. In any case, dealing with my pain was going to be easier if I understood its cause, and if I understood how to avoid it in the future.
What is the point of tomorrow if the hope is not to have a better tomorrow and correct yesterday’s mistakes?
It’s true that every pain has a cause and the pain will recur unless if the root cause is dealt with. If ever I needed help, I had to be comfortable with getting to the root of the pain and start form there.
I don’t regret the choice I made from that day to change my lifestyle. Up to this day, I am fighting my way from the obese lady I used to be to a healthy one. I will not rest until I get there. We barely scratch beyond the surface and pay attention when everything is OK, but when tables turn, we are ready to go out of our way. Instead of focusing on the pain, focus on the bigger picture and get your life in shape.
That pain is only there to grab your attention. Do not let it discourage you.
