Beyond Abuse Radio: 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. Dealing with medical problems after abuse can stir all sorts of things. 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 your options and making wise treatment decisions are important. How and when to disclose an abuse history to your medical care team is another issue that must be considered. Misa Leonessa shares her thoughts and experience in living with several chronic health issues, including a genetic bleeding disease, and the challenges she has faced through many doctor visits, medical procedures, and many surgeries. 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. Misa knows the struggle with health issues from a survivor's perspective and is learning how to thrive in the midst of many challenges.

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