At the age of 31, I didn’t know anything about patient advocacy; I never thought about speaking out for my health care. Since then, I have learned that it is essential to incorporate the patient’s voice into the healthcare system.
When I prescribed preventive antibiotics for root canal treatment, I, like most Americans, did not expect anything. I am no stranger to antibiotics and think they are completely harmless. I didn’t realize that although antibiotics can save lives, they do have risks, and improper use can have consequences.
Within a few weeks after my root canal treatment, I contracted a disease called C. Difference. in most cases C. Difference The infection is related to the use of antibiotics.In fact, according to the CDC, you are 7 to 10 times more likely to get C. Difference Infection while taking antibiotics and one month later. I also learned that the use of antibiotics can also lead to antibiotic resistance, so it is important to use antibiotics only when needed.
I was in hospital isolation for most of the next seven months. As my condition got worse, my doctor decided that the best way was to remove my colon. I want to be better, but I am worried that it will affect my quality of life. I learned about another treatment option, but I cannot get it through my doctor. This is a treatment that is not widely used and comes with its own very serious risks. Nevertheless, in order to try this treatment, I am willing to take this risk. The fact that I don’t have this option to choose from makes me feel betrayed by the system built to stay healthy.
It was during this difficult process that I found my patient voice. I asked another doctor for a second opinion, and I expressed my concerns to him. They thought that another treatment option was appropriate and I made a full recovery. If I did not play an active role in my health care, my life would be very different.
Advocate as a patient or caregiver:
- ask questionsIf you are being diagnosed or treated for any disease, you have the right to be fully understood. Ask questions about treatment options, risks, and outcomes. Remember, this is your health.If I ever questioned whether I was taking “preventive” antibiotics due to infection, I might not get it C. Difference.
- Do your researchThere are a lot of error messages, so please stick to reliable sources. There may be other treatment options, or specialized clinics and care. Maybe there are different doctors who can handle your case better. The CDC, medical journals, and the Mayo Clinic are also good resources. If I did not complete my research, I would not know other treatment options that would eventually lead to a full recovery and allow me to live a normal life.
- Join others. Illness has an emotional side. Look for support, community and goals in relevant organizations. What did your experience teach you? What needs to be changed? Collect your voice with others and advocate for this change. Numbers do have power.
After recovering, I found myself back in the hospital, but this time I was the caregiver of my 22-month-old girl, her own condition was close to critical C. Difference Infect. Watching her endure the pain, I can hardly bear it.If i haven’t experienced it recently C. Difference Myself, I will get lost.
But this time, I became her voice.
I know what to do.
For more information C. Difference Infection and how to protect yourself and your family, please visit www.cdc.gov/cdiff/.
Christina Fuhrman is a full-time mother of two children.After both she and her daughter were infected with Clostridium difficile, Christina made it a priority to educate people on the importance of antibiotic management. She is a board member of the Peggy Lilith Foundation.
