-
Bodily autonomy and CF
In Lara Govendo’s column, she relays to us her experiences in hospitals regarding her body and the decisions, sometimes lacking consideration, made by medical professionals that concern the body and taking care of a CF patient. I know from my own experiences, these visits aren’t usually warranted and can cause great anxiety.
What does bodily autonomy mean to you? Does it bother you when you don’t have a clear say in your medical care or are you okay with trusting doctors?
-
2 Replies
-
To me, having bodily autonomy means being fully informed of the details of my medical state. It also means being fully informed about the medications I may need to take, procedures I may have to experience, and how I may feel during and after taking medications or experiencing procedures. These details and information allow a patient to have proper knowledge to make determinations and prepare themselves on what they may expect. I feel it is also important (if and when it is possible) to be able to have a caregiver or trusted loved one with you when enduring a hospital stay, appointment visit, or procedure as a soundboard, who can help you to make decisions and understand what is happening, as well as see you through the experience to health and/ or improvement. For me, trusting a doctor comes along with them taking the time to know me – REALLY KNOW me and my current medical state and medical history – so I can have peace of mind knowing that they are using this information to make the best decisions and determinations possible for me.
-
Comfort with a doctor is quite possibly the most important factor when it comes to decisions regarding bodily autonomy.
-
Log in to reply.