34/365

Photo: Me and my boy.

Today I am reminded of why I choose to see naturopaths and chiropractors and midwives for my varying health needs rather than allopathic doctors (ie, run of the mill, Western medicine sort). Besides specialist visits (cardiologist when I was pregnant with Elyas, and the dermatologist in December for a spot on my face), I haven't seen an allopath for myself in about 7 years.

I had an appointment for an annual today, and to address the lingering ovarian pain I've had since November. I made an appointment at the family medicine clinic at the U, to kind of check them out (I can tell you now, I won't be taking the kids there). I don't know quite how to put this, but it was like a factory. Patients go in (eventually!), and then they are rushed out; maximum productive use of the doctor's time at the sacrifice of doctor-patient relationship and beside manner. It was a good 40 minutes (late) before I was taken out of the waiting room and into my exam room. The medical assistant was entirely lacking in warmth and bereft of personality (at least on this day). She took my vitals, entered some stats, and then left. I didn't actually have to wait in the room that long before the doctor came in, which was lucky I suppose. It soon became very obvious that she hadn't read my charts, not even to focus on the gynecological information which would have told her that I am monogamous and I have birthed two children. She did the exam likedy-split, ordered an ultrasound (to be performed on that ominous day, Friday the 13th!). And pretty much sent me on my way (after being throughly shocked that I am still breastfeeding my son. The look on her face when I told her Leila last nursed in September wasn't disgust, but it was very much surprise. She asked me if they nursed at the same time, like in the same month... it was all I could do not to say "nah, I gave the baby a bottle until his sister weaned when he was 19 months old, then started him on the tit").

Oh if only naturopathy wasn't illegal here in Iowa. How crazy is that!?! I think 7 years speaks strongly to the body's ability to heal/maintain with little help from Medicine (note the capital "m"). I must say, my interest in taking some courses on herbology have definitely increased since coming here, so I can at least treat myself and my children for minor and moderate illness.