brittany nicole

Not too long ago, I wasn’t feeling like myself. That week I had my monthly cycle and genuinely thought that my body just needed a break to recuperate. That’s normal for me. I felt off for about 4 days straight (after my cycle) and kept trying to convince myself that I could push through and that it would pass. I mean I wasn’t in pain anymore. I was just having slight discomfort.

It was uncomfortable sitting down. It was uncomfortable laying down. It was uncomfortable sitting up.

Nothing helped. And I felt “silly” going to the ER for a feeling that I couldn’t really put into words. So I kept pushing through.

I went to work with a smile. I did an interview with a smile. I continued to blog and create content with a smile.

I low-key think that I’m so used to pushing through that I ignored the red flags. I also think that I’m immune to pain at times because I don’t take medicine for it. Haven’t since my junior year of college.

(But yes I did take what the doctor prescribed to me, shocking I know…)

I thought about how during the holiday season we literally run around and that its not uncommon for us to not listen to our body when it needs rest or when we need to seek medical care.

So here’s my story and a reminder for you to take care of yourself and listen to your body this holiday season.

By Friday afternoon, I still wasn’t at 100%. I don’t get sick. So it’s more obvious when something is off and we are in the middle of a global pandemic. So I get dressed and drive myself to urgent care. I totally forgot that the check-in process had probably changed.

So there I was walking up to the door like I knew the process, only to first notice that the lobby was empty and then that there’s a BIG stop sign on the front door instructing me to call and set up an “appointment”.

I waited patiently still feeling “silly” even after I spoke with the nurse over the phone about not being in pain but definitely feeling like something was off.

Finally, I’m allowed inside to see someone. I literally sat outside in my car watching a love story on Netflix about a girl being tied up in between two guys. It was juicy so I honestly lost track of time and can’t report how long I waited outside.

Well they run test and draw blood and ask more questions.

For some odd reason, they kept me asking me if I was in pain…

I think I finally told them I’d give it a 3 out of 10…

But even that sounded “silly” coming out of my mouth because in my mind I didn’t know at that point if I was wasting my time or theirs…

I even told the nurse practitioner that I felt crazy but just wanted to make sure it wasn’t anything serious.

And I will say that I love living in Birmingham being surrounded by medical professionals who look like me. It’s inspiring to see and also comforting.

She assured me that we’d figure it out and if more test had to be ran, I’d have to go the emergency room because there was only so much that could be done at the urgent care facility.

I begin praying that wouldn’t be the case. And honestly, I just started back doing that. I’ll blog about this soon.

And she came back in and said these words:

“It’s a good thing you came in today. Had you waited a few more days, you wouldn’t be able to function…”

Listen to your body. Listen to your body. Listen to your body.

My body was in more pain than I could actually feel. That’s crazy and a little scary but now I know and will not chance it next time or attempt to diagnose myself.

Self care is important. Keep your stress levels down. Make it a priority to rest when time permits. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Try not to over indulge. Let your loved ones know when your health is declining or if you need assistance. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed. Seek medical care early, don’t wait.

Let’s try not to avoid the doctor in 2021…

#BNspired2day

Here’s a survey about the top reasons for avoiding the doctor: