Beyond Abuse Radio: Empowerment, Part 9- Medical Empowerment

Medical issues can be a challenge in the best of circumstances.  For abuse survivors, dealing with health problems can present special challenges.  Triggers, low self esteem, fear of authority, body issues, and touch can all add to the mix when addressing medical problems and undergoing treatment.

Fear of doctors and dentists are not uncommon.  The question of how to put appropriate trust in medical personnel while taking responsibility for your own health is a skill that must be learned.  Becoming aware of all of your options and making wise treatment decisions is important.  How and when to disclose an abuse history to your medical care team is another consideration.

Misa Leonessa shares her thoughts and experience in living with several chronic health issues, including a genetic vascular disease, and the challenges she has faced.  Through many doctor visits, medical procedures and multiple surgeries, she knows the struggle with health issues from a survivor's perspective.  She has learned how and when to use western medicine (it has saved her life more than once), and when to find healthy alternatives.  Her journey has taught her how to own her body and the ultimate decisions for what will be done to it, by whom and when.  Through taking responsibility for her own health, she has been able to use nutrition, exercise, and other interventions to greatly minimize the need for more tests and surgeries.  She is learning how to thrive in the midst of great challenge.