• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Be Your Own Advocate

June 11, 2012 | family, health, tips, Uncategorized

 

Monday already?! I hope your weekend was a good one. Mine flew by as usual. We visited my parents because we went to a youth group reunion at my church. Our old youth pastor, who moved away my junior year, was coming into town and we had a reunion for all the youth that were in the church during his โ€œtimeโ€ as youth pastor. So many people are spread out all over the place so only a handful of people got to come, but it was still great to see everyone!

it rained all. weekend. No long run for us. Instead, we got flooded streets and yards. The dogs just LOVED going outside to potty in thisโ€ฆ

and I MAY have had two snowballs this weekendโ€ฆ

Wedding cake is the best flavor ever created. Except for wedding cake cream. Oh my.

Anyway todayโ€™s post does have a bit of a serious tone to it. I have been struggling with a series of health issues and I am not sure where they are coming from. Itโ€™s so frustrating to try and pin point something based on a set of symptoms just to have something else come into play that changes everything. So, I just wanted to give a quick PSA to be an advocate for your health. Just because a doctor says something does not mean itโ€™s true, and just because something wasnโ€™t a problem for you in the past doesnโ€™t mean it canโ€™t be now. People make mistakes, medicines get misdiagnosed, and our body chemistry changes. it is SO important to do our own research, ask questions, and not be afraid to say โ€œno! something still isnโ€™t right!โ€ Even when the doctor says everything seems fine.

Just a little something that has been on my mind. I used to always be the person who thought I could never disagree with my doctor and that they were always right and I would never go against what they saidโ€ฆbut sometimes you have to take your health into your own hands. You only get one body, so donโ€™t be afraid to stand up for yourself if something doesn’t seem right!

Ok that is all. I hope you have a SUPER fabulous Monday! Iโ€™ve got work to do.

QOTD: Have you ever had to be an advocate for your own health? What happened?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jen says

    June 11, 2012 at 5:43 am

    Completely agree! Always get a 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th opinion. A good Dr would encourage you to do so! My fertility specialist told me there was no way I could be pregnant when I was! Taking charge of yiur health is so important because no one else will do it for you.

    I hope you’re feeling better today!

  2. Miz says

    June 11, 2012 at 7:22 am

    Not my own but I’m currently the advocate for my niece.

    I sooo get this.

  3. Mindy Bobe says

    June 11, 2012 at 7:42 am

    I’ve never had to be an advocate for my own health but as a parent I have for my children. It’s the same concept…you know your children and know when something is wrong, regardless of what the doctor says. Stay strong girl! And I’ll be praying for you!

  4. Rebecca Jo says

    June 11, 2012 at 7:43 am

    Thank you for this… when I feel like no one understands how I’m feeling, I feel like no one gets ‘it’ … but that’s exactly how I feel. I know my body better then what a doctor’s book says… so frustrating sometimes.

    • Heather says

      June 11, 2012 at 6:40 pm

      very frustrating! I wish they could step inside my body sometimes!

  5. Heather @ Side of Sneakers says

    June 11, 2012 at 7:54 am

    Ugh sorry to hear you’re having health troubles. Unfortunately I’ve learned to advocate for myself all too well. It’s a tough thing to learn, but so so worth it. Now I’m advocating for my son too- glad I’d already learned those skills!

  6. Kierston says

    June 11, 2012 at 7:56 am

    I’m sorry to hear you are going through some health issues! Take good care of yourself!

  7. Jamie @ couchtoironwoman says

    June 11, 2012 at 8:15 am

    I hope you get everything figured out soon! I haven’t had to be an advocate for my own health yet, but I definitely would if the situation required it.

  8. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    June 11, 2012 at 8:19 am

    So so true! It’s so important to be your own advocate, especially with your health. Ask questions and listen to your gut if it tells you something is off. I hope that you are able to get some answers soon. Hope you’re feeling OK?

    • Heather says

      June 11, 2012 at 6:39 pm

      feeling better thank you!

  9. Missie says

    June 11, 2012 at 8:34 am

    I hope they figure out what is going on soon. I was going through a lot a few months ago and I wish I would have spoken up more and told the doctor that he was not listening well. I am glad you are speaking up for yourself!

  10. heather says

    June 11, 2012 at 8:38 am

    Great reminder on being your own advocate!! i hope you discover answers soon, my friend!!

  11. Terri R says

    June 11, 2012 at 9:10 am

    I’m so sorry you’re having health issues. I’m a Nurse Practitioner and I encourage my patients to get a second opinion. I don’t know everything nor do I pretend. In the end, it’s your body and you need to do what’s best for you.

    • Heather says

      June 11, 2012 at 9:12 am

      def hope I didn’t come across as saying dr.’s don’t know anything, they absolutely do, but sometimes it’s hard to explain symptoms or problems, I am sure you do an excellent job!

      • Terri R says

        June 11, 2012 at 9:40 pm

        Not at all! Sadly there are a lot of mediocre doctors out there, and many doctors aren’t very good at communication and listening to their patients. When I worked at the hospital, being the patient’s advocate was one of my biggest jobs.

  12. Amy Lauren says

    June 11, 2012 at 10:44 am

    I agree with being an advocate for your health! I’ve had to do that many times, it’s not that doctors don’t know what they’re doing, but we all know our bodies better than someone we see a few times a year- I think even doctors would say that, to be aware of our body and any changes. That’s so cool that you had a youth group reunion, I miss things like that from high school and college and wish we had one!

  13. Laura says

    June 11, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    I’ve learned that myself, with a running injury. One dr thought it was a stress fracture, and I panicked. Turned out it wasn’t… but I really had to fight for other opinions, to be seen, etc. Hope you get some answers and start feeling better soon!

    • Heather says

      June 11, 2012 at 6:39 pm

      glad it wasn’t, I hated my stress fracture!

  14. Jody - Fit at 54 says

    June 11, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    I sure hope you are better & you find the answers you need. I so understand this! I have had too many family members in the hospital & myself & my sisters were the advocates. I respect doctors BUT I respectfully also disagreed with them when I thought I wanted other things checked. It really made a difference!

  15. lindsay says

    June 11, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    yes, i have been there. After seeing 4 different doctors too! i had to make change, myself!

    • Heather says

      June 11, 2012 at 6:38 pm

      good for you!

  16. Carly says

    June 11, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    100% agree. So many people complain and sit back and don’t take charge of their own health. I too am in the process of being my own health advocate and it’s been a long journey so far!

  17. Amanda@RunToTheFinish says

    June 11, 2012 at 2:12 pm

    so true! If I hadn’t kept pushing for answers we wouldn’t have found out my health issues and thus I couldn’t be trying to fix them.

    it is hard because you want to trust them and expect them to know it all, but none of us know it all so they are going the best they can based on experience

    • Heather says

      June 11, 2012 at 6:38 pm

      exactly. You are always taught to trust them!

  18. sarahsmithstorm says

    June 11, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Sorry to hear you are having problems and I completely agree with being your own advocate. If you don’t think something is right, keep researching and get testing done, or get a couple of different oponions. Dr’s. make mistakes and common symptoms often get over looked when something serious could be going on. I went through a year of advocating till I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. I totally get what your going through.. Don’t give up!

  19. Elle says

    June 11, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    I have been watching this flooding news on tv – so scary! Glad you had a fun weekend.

    I agree with you about being your own health care advocate. I am experiencing difficulty in getting some answers right now too and am going to be vigilant about being persistent this time. Your post is timely and gives me more motivation to do it!

    Hope you get your ‘stuff’ worked out successfully and happily too.

  20. Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says

    June 11, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    Hi Girl! I completely agree with you! Doctors these days are so quick to just give medicine and not think about it. I mean obviously listen to the doctors, but follow your gut too. Good luck, I hope everything works out. Think positive and you will be ok ๐Ÿ™‚

  21. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    June 11, 2012 at 8:36 pm

    OH man that is a lot of rain. I agree, you gotta listen to your body and take the initiative sometimes to disagree with your doctor. They aren’t perfect and don’t always know what’s going on. I hope everything is ok!

  22. Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says

    June 11, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    Hope you are feeling better and get some answers soon! Doctors are human too and are bound to make a mistake. Got to trust your instincts! Way to be your own advocate!

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. ๐Ÿ™‚

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Convenient Ways to Increase your Fitness
  • A Quick and Easy Seasonal American Road Trip Guide
  • Why Quick Workouts Deliver Big Results
  • 4 Things That Stop People From Exercising (And What To Do About Them)
  • 6 Tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL TIME! ๐Ÿธ My friends at @themepa BLACK FRIDAY DEAL TIME! ๐Ÿธ 

My friends at @themeparkfrog JUST dropped their black Friday deals, and itโ€™s the perfect thing to unwrap for your family for the holidays! 

These are their best deals of the year. You can save a lot of money on Disney tickets, hotels, and even cruises! ๐Ÿšข They all have amazing deals happening RIGHT NOW!

Black Friday Exclusive! They are DOUBLING your Disney Bonus! Get a FREE $40 DiningDollars promo credit with every Disney ticket purchased. This is huge and a great way to stretch your dollars for your vacation. ๐Ÿฅณ

What are you waiting for?! Unwrap these incredible deals right now on undercovertourist.com. They wonโ€™t be around forever, so why not book now and give your family a surprise of a lifetime that they can unwrap this holiday season. ๐ŸŽ„ 

And just a reminder, Undercover Tourist Disney theme park tickets come with a best price guarantee and 365-day refund just in case your plans change!
Their tickets link to the Disney apps JUST like normal tickets, seriously the exact same tickets, for less money! 

#partner #SaveOnDisney #disneyholiday #disneydeals
Packing smarter for our mountain getaway ๐Ÿ”๏ธ I brou Packing smarter for our mountain getaway ๐Ÿ”๏ธ
I brought along the @bagsmart_official Adventure Seeker Kit: the 26โ€ check-in and the expandable 20โ€ carry-on, both in the prettiest steel blue ๐Ÿ’™
Use code HeatherG25 for 10% off

โœ… Built-in weighing indicator
โœ… Lightweight, durable PC shell
โœ… 360ยฐ shock-absorbing spinner wheels
โœ… TSA-approved combination lock
โœ… Aluminum handle with 4 height settings
โœ… Water-resistant, stain-proof interior with dry/wet separation

From packing to rolling over gravel at the cabin, these bags handled everything effortlessly โ€” and still looked beautiful doing it.

โœจ This holiday season, BAGSMART is offering extra discounts + free packing cubes when you grab a designated suitcase bundle!

#BagSmart #AdventureSeekerCollection #SmartDesignSmarterTravel #PackWithMe #TravelEssentials #familytravel #familytrip @bagsmart_official
Still not over getting to preview Zootopia: Better Still not over getting to preview Zootopia: Better Zoogether! at Animal Kingdom ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’™ (sponsored) 

From the merch to the attraction (and the treats!), itโ€™s everything Zootopia fans hoped for. ๐Ÿฆฅ 

Staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge made the experience even more magical. The amenities and the immersive atmosphere is next-level Disney โœจ 

And getting to see Judy and Clawhauserโ€™s voice actors in person? Unreal. ๐Ÿฅน

Zootopia: Better Zoogether is NOW OPEN at Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdom park! ๐Ÿฆ’ 

#zootopiabettertogether #disneysanimkingdom #animalkingdomlodge #disneycreators @waltdisneyworld  @disneyparks
#ad Who says gift cards canโ€™t be personal? ๐ŸŽโ˜•๏ธ T #ad Who says gift cards canโ€™t be personal? ๐ŸŽโ˜•๏ธ 

This year I wanted to do something special for my coffee-loving friend โ€” something simple but still thoughtful. I grabbed a Starbucks gift card from Walgreens (they seriously have every kind you can think of, and you can even Buy Online, or Pickup In Store ๐Ÿ™Œ). 

Then I added my own touch: a cute Christmas mug, a candy cane, and a little note. Because the best gifts donโ€™t have to be complicated, they just have to show you care. ๐Ÿ’› 

See gift card for terms, conditions, and applicable fees @incommpayments 

#GiftMadeEasy #HolidayGifting #StarbucksGiftCard #WalgreensPartner #GiftCardGlowUp #WalgreensGifts https://bit.ly/InCommWalgreens
#ad For too long, retirement has been painted as โ€œ #ad For too long, retirement has been painted as โ€œslowing down.โ€ But for me? Itโ€™s the opposite.

I see retirement as the start of bold adventures, family memories, and the freedom to keep moving and exploring โ€” whether thatโ€™s traveling, staying active, or saying yes to new experiences.

โœจIโ€™m protecting my passion 

Because the people I love, the life Iโ€™ve built, and the retirement I want โ€” itโ€™s all part of my lifeโ€™s work. And @Prudential can help protect it.

How will you #ProtectYourLifesWork and passions in retirement? 
๐Ÿ‘‰ Share & visit the link in my bio to start protecting your future.

*I am a non-customer and paid promoter of Prudential Financial. To learn more about the material terms of my relationship with Prudential, please go to shespeaks.com/PrudentialRetirementDisclosureHeatherMontgomery.
Who thought this was a good idea? ๐Ÿ˜ตโ€๐Ÿ’ซ๐Ÿซฃ๐Ÿซ  Send this Who thought this was a good idea? ๐Ÿ˜ตโ€๐Ÿ’ซ๐Ÿซฃ๐Ÿซ 

Send this to your emergency contact ๐Ÿ˜…๐Ÿ‘€

#marriedlife #loveandmarriage #emergencycontact
ITโ€™S TTTTTTIIIIIIMMMMMEEEEE!!! ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ โ„๏ธ Hand ra ITโ€™S TTTTTTIIIIIIMMMMMEEEEE!!! ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป ๐ŸŽ โ„๏ธ 

Hand raise if your decorations went up today! If not, when do you decorate? ๐ŸŽ„ 

My cutie dog sweater is from Walmart! Comment the word sweater and Iโ€™ll end you the link. Itโ€™s super affordable! 

#mariahcarey #itstime #christmasdecor #tennesseechristmas

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d