thank you for sharing this, bailey! I remember having my first pap smear at age 23 and it was the worst experience ever. I thought there was something wrong with me. I feel like in the christian community, we don't talk about women's wellness very much. we should talk about it more!
I appreciated your honest sharing about this topic. Very thankful you found a compassionate doctor who cared so well, and a loving husband. Thank you for writing this article.
Bailey! Found your latest post after seeing your comment on my note. I really appreciated this! Last year, I had a stress fracture in my sacrum and as a result, had a cascade of pelvic health issues that came from that. Your second gynecologist sounds like my experience with my pelvic floor physical therapist. She was SO kind, funny, compassionate, and helpful and being that I’m a single and celibate Christian, so encouraging to me and empowering. I never realized how much I needed a health care provider like her; it was life changing! I am so glad I went, though initially I thought, “This is a provider for women with different issues than me.” But that was so not true. I’m glad you shared about your experience because I’ve found so many women feel shame around this topic. A lot of my married friends and I have been able to connect over my experience and they’ve been encouraged to see a pelvic floor health specialist for their own lingering issues, instead of accepting their pain or discomfort. So glad you shared your story!
Thank you, Grace. I too have heard amazing things about pelvic floor work. Although I’ve worked with many PTs for other issues (like a chronically tight psoas muscle), I’ve not done this kind of work. I’ll look into it more! So glad to hear about your positive experiences and those of your friends. We need more “redemption tales” from the medical industry these days. ☺️
Thank you for your vulnerability. As a woman with severe stage 4 endometriosis, among other health issues, I deeply related with this. It’s all very hard.
I always love your words Bailey. You speak with such a vulnerability that makes others feel less alone. Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry you went through that. I have myself experienced hurt from doctors that have made me run from healthcare in the other direction. I’m so glad you found a doctor who spoke healing over you and a husband who loves you for all of it 🤍
Thank you for sharing vulnerably. I have talked to some women who have never married, and are single in their 50s. It makes me wonder if this is part of their story, too. I had a friend who did natural treatment for cancer with a Christian place and they wouldn't do scans, tests, etc. Basically it came back worse and her cancer killed her before she turned 50. Her friend also found a tumor in her brain because she finally went to the eye dr. they grew up not believing in modern medicine or going to doctors for self care. it make me really angry that women are made to believe their bodies are not good enough to be taken care of well.
Oh, that makes me so sad (and angry) too. Also, as someone who opts for the more natural route whenever possible, I still value modern medicine and hospitals — there are things, like surgical procedures, that you absolutely can’t do at home. I would have died without thyroid meds and emergency blood tests when I was diagnosed with Graves’. This is why I’ve grown to respect functional medicine because it integrates both of these fields in order to find the root cause. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend. Thank you for reading. 💛
thank you for sharing this, bailey! I remember having my first pap smear at age 23 and it was the worst experience ever. I thought there was something wrong with me. I feel like in the christian community, we don't talk about women's wellness very much. we should talk about it more!
I appreciated your honest sharing about this topic. Very thankful you found a compassionate doctor who cared so well, and a loving husband. Thank you for writing this article.
Thank you for reading, Susan. <3
You’re welcome, Bailey. I appreciate you.
Bailey! Found your latest post after seeing your comment on my note. I really appreciated this! Last year, I had a stress fracture in my sacrum and as a result, had a cascade of pelvic health issues that came from that. Your second gynecologist sounds like my experience with my pelvic floor physical therapist. She was SO kind, funny, compassionate, and helpful and being that I’m a single and celibate Christian, so encouraging to me and empowering. I never realized how much I needed a health care provider like her; it was life changing! I am so glad I went, though initially I thought, “This is a provider for women with different issues than me.” But that was so not true. I’m glad you shared about your experience because I’ve found so many women feel shame around this topic. A lot of my married friends and I have been able to connect over my experience and they’ve been encouraged to see a pelvic floor health specialist for their own lingering issues, instead of accepting their pain or discomfort. So glad you shared your story!
Thank you, Grace. I too have heard amazing things about pelvic floor work. Although I’ve worked with many PTs for other issues (like a chronically tight psoas muscle), I’ve not done this kind of work. I’ll look into it more! So glad to hear about your positive experiences and those of your friends. We need more “redemption tales” from the medical industry these days. ☺️
Thank you for your vulnerability. As a woman with severe stage 4 endometriosis, among other health issues, I deeply related with this. It’s all very hard.
Thank you for reading, Kimberly. It means a lot. I’m sure you can relate in many ways. Peace to you. 💛
Well written. 🤍 I have to say, I really enjoy your writing.
Thank you, Jennifer!
I always love your words Bailey. You speak with such a vulnerability that makes others feel less alone. Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry you went through that. I have myself experienced hurt from doctors that have made me run from healthcare in the other direction. I’m so glad you found a doctor who spoke healing over you and a husband who loves you for all of it 🤍
Thank you, Hayley! I’m so grateful for that too.
Thank you for sharing vulnerably. I have talked to some women who have never married, and are single in their 50s. It makes me wonder if this is part of their story, too. I had a friend who did natural treatment for cancer with a Christian place and they wouldn't do scans, tests, etc. Basically it came back worse and her cancer killed her before she turned 50. Her friend also found a tumor in her brain because she finally went to the eye dr. they grew up not believing in modern medicine or going to doctors for self care. it make me really angry that women are made to believe their bodies are not good enough to be taken care of well.
Oh, that makes me so sad (and angry) too. Also, as someone who opts for the more natural route whenever possible, I still value modern medicine and hospitals — there are things, like surgical procedures, that you absolutely can’t do at home. I would have died without thyroid meds and emergency blood tests when I was diagnosed with Graves’. This is why I’ve grown to respect functional medicine because it integrates both of these fields in order to find the root cause. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend. Thank you for reading. 💛