Advocating for Your Medical and Dental Needs by Julie Bjelland, LMFT
I went to a new dentist and needed to discuss my sensitivity with them. I thought I would share how I did that in hopes that it helps you feel empowered to advocate for your needs medically. I’m also providing you with a free letter about sensitivity to give to your medical and mental health providers to help you advocate, get the best care possible, and avoid misdiagnosis.
My advocacy started at the time I was making the appointment. I said, "I am sensitive, and I appreciate working with someone who has a gentle approach and can explain things thoroughly to me." I got matched with the dental assistant, who was so gentle and explained everything to me! I told him I appreciated that he was so gentle and that I would like to work with him whenever I come in.
Then, when I met the dentist, I took the time to explain the following...
I said, "I have the trait of high sensitivity that about 20-30% of the population has. It's an innate trait called Sensory Processing Sensitivity. You've probably noticed that several of your patients are more sensitive. We tend to be more sensitive to procedures, pain, and medications." He went on to say that they were talking about how some patients can have huge abscesses and barely feel anything, and other patients have something small and feel a lot of pain.
That was a good sign that he had that awareness, and he took the time to listen to what I was saying.
It helps to know that you are not the only one who is sensitive. 20-30% of their patients are. The thing to keep in mind about advocating for your needs is that you are also advocating for the needs of sensitive people who come after you. You aren't alone in how you experience things. So it's helpful to think about that and know you are not being "too sensitive" or a "problem" or a "burden" when you advocate for your needs.
I have been having tooth pain and found out I have an infection and need to get a tooth extracted and lots of dental work ahead for me. When prescribed antibiotics today, I said I was sensitive to medications and asked what he usually advises for his sensitive patients, and he lowered the dose and took that into account. Notice how I am also holding him accountable for knowing that sensitive people likely need lower dosages.
I was matter-of-fact in my approach. No guilt. No feelings that I was being a burden to him. It's on him as the practitioner to know how to manage my needs, too, because I am not his only sensitive patient.
If he had not considered that and didn't seem open to the discussion, I would have found another practitioner who was. But he was very aware of the needs of his sensitive patients-that's a good sign!
It took me time to reach this place to be so confident in my advocacy. I used to think I was being a burden and not say anything. But that benefits no one.
I now stand confident that other sensitive patients will benefit from my advocacy. It's also why I created different letters to give medical and mental health practitioners so it makes it easier for sensitive people to advocate. I recommend bringing them with you, going over them with your providers, and asking them to keep the letter in their files.
Advocacy means we get the kinds of care we need, and it will be different than 70-80% of the population, so it is up to us to do that advocacy. Make sure you are working with a provider willing to support your needs; if they don't, find one that will.
Know you are not alone and that advocating for our needs is an empowering thing to do! ❤️
LETTER TO GIVE YOUR MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
I would encourage you to share this free downloadable letter with your medical and mental health providers. It gives you a good entry into discussing important aspects of this trait that your practitioner should know to offer you the best care and prevent misdiagnosis. It can also help you advocate for your unique needs.
LETTER TO GIVE HOSPITAL AND FOR PROCEDURES
If you are going to spend time in the hospital or have any procedures done, I also encourage you to share this other free letter with the medical team. It gives you a good entry into discussing essential aspects of the trait of high sensitivity that your medical team should be aware of to offer you the best care.