Yesterday I went to the Doctor for my yearly check-up, and I’m super proud of myself.
You see…I’m not all that great of keeping up with my own doctor appointments, or really even going to the doctor when I’m sick.
Two weeks ago I found myself in the Emergency Room after a week of back pain. I was finally dragged there by my husband after I started experiencing chest pain and I almost passed out.
Yep. That’s me. The Mom who pushes through.
You better bet my children will go to the doctor if they are sick. I won’t hesitate to make them an appointment.
But me? Nope, I’m good.
My children go to every single one of their medical check-ups…and they are scheduled months in advance.
But me? Nope, I’m good.
Um….I can’t remember the last time I went to the Dentist. It was before I had kids, so over 4 years now. I feel so embarrassed to share that.
The truth is that I’m embarrassed that I haven’t been and the more time that goes by the more ashamed that I am that I haven’t gone…which makes me want to go even less.
I made this confession to my best friend the other day, and she admitted that it’s been a long time since she’s made it to the dentist too. She struggles with finding someone to watch her two young children so that she can go.
Then my neighbor told me that she hasn’t been to the doctor since her son was born, and said she’ll probably go once her kids are in school. Um, her youngest is two.
So, I asked on Facebook…
Why is it that so many moms don’t take care of themselves? Is it just the role of the mother to put our needs last?
Our kids need us and they need us to be healthy.
We can not take the best care of them when we are sick or in pain. We just can’t.
So I challenge you to go to the doctor, the dentist, the specialist.
Go take care of yourself for you and for your children.
I’ll go make that dentist appointment…promise!
Something I’ve always said to my co-workers as a nurse: You have to take care of yourself in order to take care of your patients…which equates to: eat (ok, snack), hydrate, and get to the bathroom. The last thing a patient needs is a care giver who can’t function!
The same should go for parents: We won’t be able to take good care of our children if we don’t take the time to care for ourselves! I hope everything is ok and that you’re feeling better. Stay well!
Hi Amanda. I was wondering if any of your “followers” have children with disabilities? I have a two year old daughter and a seven year old son. My son has Down syndrome. We have the same issues I have been reading about on your website but with the addition of his disability. It would be really nice to hear about how other parents cope. Thank you for your fresh and inspiring words.