hospitalglam:

celebgil:

[Two photographs, one more zoomed out than the other, of a pale chubby young woman in glasses (me) with brown hair under a black headscarf, standing in front of a mobile MRI scanning truck which is labelled as such. She is wearing a black tulle skirt, red leggings and black canvas trainers, and a black and grey fleece jacket. She is leaning on a cane in her right hand]

So I had an MRI scan yesterday (the hospital is being refurbished so they were using a mobile scanner in a truck in the car park.) That did mean it was built for its ability to fit in a truck rather than for its ability to fit those of us of the chunkier persuasion though, so that was not a comfortable experience! I also managed to have the brilliant timing to start a migraine about three minutes in to a 30 minute scan, so that was… painful, given the volume of an MRI machine, even with earplugs in. 

This is basically for my pain specialist to take a look at my neck and see what did the damage back in 2013. He’s the first doctor to actually bother scanning it, so I feel a great sense of relief! 

Also this is the first photo I’ve posted anywhere of me with my cane. I’ve been using it since October but I have to hide it from my parents because it freaks them out. My Mum actually said today that she hopes that my temporary foot condition is treated soon, so I stop needing to use it in the house because “…old ladies use walking sticks, and you shouldn’t need one at your age!”   

I honestly don’t think she understands how much saying things like that upsets me; she seems to think that my conditions will all be magically cured now I’m getting the Botox  for the migraines and have the pain specialist for my neck. I keep trying to explain that no, it doesn’t work like that and I’ve been told that the nerve damage is probably permanent, and the migraines may never go away completely. She just doesn’t get it.

I’m making an exception to my posting rules this time because this is an exceptional post.
This project is about photographing yourself in a clinical environment, in order to better advocate for yourself. The act of posting these photos online bridges the gap between the rooms where we’re treated and our other communities. This enables us to advocate for our needs beyond the hospital, without starting from scratch every time we see our acquaintances. This post achieves that, though the images are technically outside of the clinic.

This post demonstrates the current state of the medical system, and the flexibility in what constitutes a clinical environment. The standard for care in the US varies greatly, and it helps us all to know what different treatments look like and where they’re taking place. This lets us, as patients, know what to expect and when we need to speak louder about what’s happening.

It is also cool and brave for @celebgil to post about her needs so candidly. Thank you for writing this and showing us your experience.