Hi ,
On the one hand, the past few months have provided more than enough fodder for email stories... But if I'm being honest, I'm ready for a break!
Last week, I sent a very calm email about a dental procedure that quickly spiraled into a major emergency. The short story is:
- I went in for nerve pain to the dentist.
- The dentist opened up a pocket in my tooth that created a severe infection.
- They neglected to give me antibiotics and adequate pain meds, but definitely had me sign ALL the payment papers - that was a priority.
- They pushed me off to later in the week after me repeatedly messaging "Something is wrong. The pain is getting worse. I went to urgent care. I think this is an emergency." Total failure of care.
- The night after I sent my last email to you, my blood pressure spiked, the pain worsened and I ended up sitting in my closet, propped up by the corner of the wall desperately searching for emergency help.
Moaning in pain in the closet, I googled "Emergency Dental Care" in Chicago. A message popped up on my phone screen. Through tears, I read:
"Dental Pain Is An Emergency.
Don't Wait To Come In."
It was exactly what I needed to read and was able to make an appointment for the next morning at the emergency center, walked in moaning in pain and was immediately met with calm, empathetic care. They numbed me, they spoke about my options (they were minimal at this point) and we proceeded with an emergency extraction, antibiotics, pain management, and finally, after 7 days of pain without sleep, relief.
It's hard enough to navigate the medical landscape when you have your full facilities. But add in major pain and sleep deprivation and it's easy to question yourself. My body was sounding the alarm bells and I questioned her. I'm so sorry I questioned her.
In a world where women's health symptoms are severely under researched and attended to, this situation was a punch to the gut. And yet, as I continue to feel better, I become more activated than ever in my role as a health advocate and supporter of wellness professionals.
If I hadn't seen that message urging me to come in, I don't know that I would've received the help I needed in the time when I needed it. If I hadn't understood the systemic effects of pain (blood pressure) I might not have been activated to make a move to leave my dentist and seek better care. In these moments, I had to play the dual roles of "Jenna the Human" and "Jenna the Health & Wellness Expert," but I'm glad I had my expertise to call on.
Whether it's teaching movement, providing nutrition support or supporting someone through a health episode, good care matters. I tend to try not to focus on the negative that exist in the health & wellness industry. The grifters, one-size-fits-all solutions that blame the patient/client when something goes awry. I try to avoid it, instead putting my energy into supporting the quality care providers that are out there, ready and willing to help. But I can't stay silent anymore.
There are amazing providers that are being missed because they lack a strong messaging plan to reach their clients. There are people looking to get off of the hamster wheel of care and invest their hard-earned money with someone who can actually help them. For those of us who have taken the nicer, quieter, submissive route: there is a need now more than ever to speak up louder.
Real Talk: Every time I share about my health, a number of people unsubscribe to my emails. This tells me that they are either sick of hearing about it, which to that I say "Imagine how I feel!" Or, they just aren't interested, which is fine and also somewhat convenient for them.
Because when we look away from someone else's pain, are we not also avoiding our ability to deal with our own? And if we can't deal with our own, are we truly equipped to deal with our clients? If you can't sit in the discomfort of another's life are you truly in a place to help someone else with comfort? After this recent experience, my answer is no. You cannot block out the dark and expect to be part of the light. So if this is the end for your readership, I wish you well.
If you're still here, I want you to know that going through the fires as of late only makes my convictions stronger. That my support for those of you who are ready to refine your business for more impact is unwavering. The advocacy for your health and wellbeing is made from dragonfire. (I'm definitely feeling Danerys vibes, but tis the season of rewriting the narrative.)
I'm pissed. I'm sad. I'm healing. And I'm empowered. If you've been sick of subpar care, representation or surface level encouragement, me too. If you've been rolling with a health cascade and are ready to get off the ride, press reply to this email and use this moment to express what you're frustrated with in Health & Wellness - as a client/patient or as a professional. Use this opportunity to vent. I'm here to listen and stand with you.
Personally, I'll be activated with you. Professionally, I'm booking fall and winter Health Coaching & Business Consulting clients as we speak. See links below to book a free chat.
I hope you have a wonderful week ahead & here's to brighter days!
✌️ Coach JZ
PS. Don't forget to register for Focus & Scale with your discount before 8/28/24 using the code EARLYBIRDFC. This group is going to be fire and I can't wait to get started with you.
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