Okay, before bitching me out because "Medical Dream Team" is not a category that should be under here...well I can veto that opinion. Want to know how? As an athlete...In order to train and workout successfully...a few things have to be done. This includes having a medical dream team. Yes, in some minds...being healthy means you have less appointments? I would call that straight out bullshit, all this means is someone with chronic illnesses/diseases will have to do is give more description of what they have, what they are going through, as well as being open to try out new things.
Every doctor has their own opinion. A lot of them think the others are wrong, and only they are right...well that could be another opinion? But as one who suffers a lot and sees a lot of doctors while training, I can say yes I might be at appointments a lot more (but I also waited until everything got bad), and yes, everything becomes repetitive BUT my goal is if the medical professional does not trust you or what you are going through or how you feel, find someone who does.
Here is my list that I have and why:
Family Doctor: Doctor who gets all the results and prescribes all the tests as well as can refer you to other specialist.
Rheumatologist: I have one for the Fibro. However, the fibro was diagnosed before seeing one (I still have not made this appointment yet) but when I do, it will be to further examine the Fibro.
Gynecologist: This one is for the endometriosis. He is also my surgeon. Must need especially with the pain.
Clinic Emergency: Any emergency? Make sure to have your available clinic so you can fix things right away. Longer you wait the more issues it can cause. (I have 2 that I alternate between).
Nutritionist/Dietician: In my case I have a nutritionist. One of the first to believe me when I said something was wrong and she helped right away. This is needed especially for an athlete to find a proper plan in keeping the athlete healthy while training and competing. Even more so if the athlete needs a refined diet like Lactose Free, Gluten Free, Sugar free etc.
Physiotherapy: My favorite! With all my injuries I have been in and out of physiotherapy for over 5 years now. Stomach injury, back injury, neck injury, knee injuries, shoulder injury. It's insane but always a must.
------Physiotherapy sense you can also add a masseuse and acupuncture. I tried acupuncture and it helps (when not injured).
Chiropractor: For any sports (especially contact and falling) (and many illnesses) this is also a must!! I put it off for tooooooooo long. I cannot even emphasize on that enough. And it was almost at the time of it feeling like I was paralyzed. Chiro helped me a lot!!!!
Urologist: I had this doctor to diagnose my Over Active Bladder. This may not be a specialist for everyone, but there are other specialists that people will have to see that I do not or no longer see (this should be added to your list when you make your own).
Cardiologist: I had open heart surgery for two holes in my heart when I was 4 years old. I follow a specialized cardiologist every 2-3 years to make sure everything is still under control.
Psychologist: With everything a body goes through. Psychologists are needed. Does not mean there are problems. But does mean you might need someone to talk to about everything you have been through. Especially if you've become a lab rat.
Dermatologist: I have a bit of a hormone imbalance. It caused acne when I was younger and also some rashes while working out. I no longer see one but I have used this doctor.
Gastro-Intestinal Doctor: Also used in the past when the pains started coming. No longer use one now but I needed one to go through all the testing.
Anyways, different issues will cause MANY different doctors. Before training, make sure the important ones are notified and that you have at least had your checkups. Having a medical team is important (even if it feels like a pain in the ass). But once you've seen them all you only need to keep going back for updates so it does not stay this crazy.
Health = Priority especially if you want to be strong, stay active and train. This goes for any sport and any motivation level whether it is to lose 10 pounds or be a competitive athlete. As well it will help to tell the coach/trainer that way if you feel off, have to miss a practice they will understand.
And finally: Make sure you know where your nearest Lab Clinic is (blood and urine tests) ALONG with your nearest Radiology place. With all the tests doctors will put you through, you will be on first name basis in no time!
Every doctor has their own opinion. A lot of them think the others are wrong, and only they are right...well that could be another opinion? But as one who suffers a lot and sees a lot of doctors while training, I can say yes I might be at appointments a lot more (but I also waited until everything got bad), and yes, everything becomes repetitive BUT my goal is if the medical professional does not trust you or what you are going through or how you feel, find someone who does.
Here is my list that I have and why:
Family Doctor: Doctor who gets all the results and prescribes all the tests as well as can refer you to other specialist.
Rheumatologist: I have one for the Fibro. However, the fibro was diagnosed before seeing one (I still have not made this appointment yet) but when I do, it will be to further examine the Fibro.
Gynecologist: This one is for the endometriosis. He is also my surgeon. Must need especially with the pain.
Clinic Emergency: Any emergency? Make sure to have your available clinic so you can fix things right away. Longer you wait the more issues it can cause. (I have 2 that I alternate between).
Nutritionist/Dietician: In my case I have a nutritionist. One of the first to believe me when I said something was wrong and she helped right away. This is needed especially for an athlete to find a proper plan in keeping the athlete healthy while training and competing. Even more so if the athlete needs a refined diet like Lactose Free, Gluten Free, Sugar free etc.
Physiotherapy: My favorite! With all my injuries I have been in and out of physiotherapy for over 5 years now. Stomach injury, back injury, neck injury, knee injuries, shoulder injury. It's insane but always a must.
------Physiotherapy sense you can also add a masseuse and acupuncture. I tried acupuncture and it helps (when not injured).
Chiropractor: For any sports (especially contact and falling) (and many illnesses) this is also a must!! I put it off for tooooooooo long. I cannot even emphasize on that enough. And it was almost at the time of it feeling like I was paralyzed. Chiro helped me a lot!!!!
Urologist: I had this doctor to diagnose my Over Active Bladder. This may not be a specialist for everyone, but there are other specialists that people will have to see that I do not or no longer see (this should be added to your list when you make your own).
Cardiologist: I had open heart surgery for two holes in my heart when I was 4 years old. I follow a specialized cardiologist every 2-3 years to make sure everything is still under control.
Psychologist: With everything a body goes through. Psychologists are needed. Does not mean there are problems. But does mean you might need someone to talk to about everything you have been through. Especially if you've become a lab rat.
Dermatologist: I have a bit of a hormone imbalance. It caused acne when I was younger and also some rashes while working out. I no longer see one but I have used this doctor.
Gastro-Intestinal Doctor: Also used in the past when the pains started coming. No longer use one now but I needed one to go through all the testing.
Anyways, different issues will cause MANY different doctors. Before training, make sure the important ones are notified and that you have at least had your checkups. Having a medical team is important (even if it feels like a pain in the ass). But once you've seen them all you only need to keep going back for updates so it does not stay this crazy.
Health = Priority especially if you want to be strong, stay active and train. This goes for any sport and any motivation level whether it is to lose 10 pounds or be a competitive athlete. As well it will help to tell the coach/trainer that way if you feel off, have to miss a practice they will understand.
And finally: Make sure you know where your nearest Lab Clinic is (blood and urine tests) ALONG with your nearest Radiology place. With all the tests doctors will put you through, you will be on first name basis in no time!