“I came here for a physical. Nor for treatment,” said Bella, sliding off the examination table.
The doctor was obviously concerned. “You’re still young. If we treat this now--” “No, thank you,” Bella interrupted. She walked to the chair where her backpack was perched, and hung the strap over one shoulder. “Isabella, if this goes untreated, it won’t remain as mild as it is now.” Bella sighed. “Look… you said yourself that my condition is rather mild. I’m not losing weight, I have no double vision, no muscle weakness, my hair is far from brittle, and I’m only irritable because you keep insisting that I start a new drug regimen. I don’t want to to ‘experiment’ with medications that might not even work. I’ve been like this since I was a teenager, and I’ve had various treatments. What makes anything you’ll try will work any differently?” “Medicine has evolved,” the doctor replied. “And I’ll make sure that anything I give you won’t counteract the Depakote. But honestly speaking here, that drug can also make your menstrual cycles irregular, which doesn't help that symptom. You'll go into early menopause at this rate. Your symptoms may all be mild now, but sooner or later, your body will prove to you that things are not okay. It goes beyond infertility and weight loss. You can develop an arrhythmia or even osteoporosis. And I’m sure the last thing you want in Africa is to break your leg again. Or an arm. Or a hip.” Bella hesitated for a moment. She didn’t know what else to say. The doctor had good points, but she hadn’t been there when Bella had to change medications. When she had to deal with side effects and put her life on hold. “No,” she said, shaking her head. “I don’t need treatment. I’ll be fine.” She opened the door and stepped out before turning back and saying, “But thank you.” She returned to the parking lot where Nathan was waiting for her. "How'd it go?" he asked. Bella sighed. "I hate doctors."
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Isabella Kaylee DwyerWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
December 2017
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