The Forgotton North

[Joanne Swain]

When I look at Northern Health Care and our ability to access specialist, etc, I cant help but to feel, when I compare Health Care to Major centers, that we are Canadas Forgotton...Why because of the expense involved in assisting individuals to specialist in major centers...Lab test, etc..and so many things have to be sent away..effecting timely diagnosies..and other aspects of health care, there are no such opportunities or choices to avail of private health care services...I wonder if the Canaidan government ever looks at the overall picture of Northern Canadians and Health Care. there is no such thing as second opinions, of which I learned the hard way, is a dangerous thing to look for...when you have limited health care providers, to disagree with one of them means you face the risk of being branded..after years of stuggling with mental health issues, morbid obesity, and infertility...and so many time investigations indicating there could be hormonal involvement, in which everyone choose to ignore rather then send me to the specialist, who could do something about it..I find myself sitting sad at knowing, I am most likely not the only northern canadian, many of whom will go on and most likely die from complications of untreated co morbidities of morbid obesity, or illnesses that cause obesity..after testing postive, over, 9 times for cushings syndrome, I have yet again been on hold for treatment..I believe, cushings syndrome..and other hormonal illness are under diagnosied in rural canada..and urge people to learn about these conditions if they are suffering from obesity...and strongly advocate for testing if you feel you believe you have the symptoms of any of these disorders..I have found that nurse practitioners, are more open to this then doctors..doctors will want to tell you..oh this is to rare for you to have it..it is to rare because it is underdiagnosied..and you will have to become a very strong advocate for yourself, but be strong..your life could depend on it..I believe ever person,stuggling with obesity should be checked for these illness..Take Care and if you wish to learn more about these types of illnesses, just research the cushing help and support board, there is a wealth of information, there..and a lovely support group that will help you through the many aspects of illnesses that cause obesity..thank you for reading..peace be with you all