Before my visit to the doctor last week, I hadn't seen one in THREE years. I am one of those people who NEVER goes to the doctor unless it's serious. I don't know what it is about hospitals and clinics, but I can't wait to get out of them as soon as I arrive.
I'm trying to change this. I have great medical insurance through my job as an ESL teacher. It covers both me and my husband. This is great, because he is self-employed through his yoga business and needs it.
He has really bad allergies in the spring. He never had allergies until he came to the USA in 2006. Now they are serious. He makes use of our medical plan and has seen both a naturopath and an acupuncturist for his allergies. He's gotten some relief from seeing different people.
I, on the other hand, have somehow equated visiting any health practitioner with catching the plague. It's an unpleasant, negative experience in my mind, so I NEVER go. (Well, not until recently)
But does it have to be unpleasant or even negative?
After seeing my husband get so much relief from his allergy symptoms, I've decided I'm not going to try and tough it out when I feel something is not quite right.
So a week ago, I went to the doctor. It was a pleasant experience. People were nice and personable and genuinely there to take care of me. I have to return today at 4pm to check on some lab results.
What's even better is that the new clinic I've decided to go to is right next to my favorite sushi shop and coffee shop, not to mention the movie theater. It's perfect.
Since I equate sushi, movies, and an occasional coffee with good things, perhaps the clinic can be added to the mix. After I stop in and get my lab results, I can stop off for a latte or crepe after. You see, I'm changing my mind about these doctor visits. They can actually be inspiring!
Do you like to go to the doctor? Do you go regularly or do you wait until something major is bothering you? What is your experience with visiting the doctor?
