This week I had to fight with a doctor to order me a cup to shit in. A literal cup. FOR ME TO SHIT IN. The number of stories I’ve heard about people going untreated and undiagnosed because their doctors brushed them off and didn’t listen has to easily be in the hundreds now. Including many stories of my own. Growing up, my mom always told me that when asked, to always say my pain was a 10. I never understood why my mom would tell me to lie but I get it now. That’s how you actually get listened to. Self-advocacy in the doctor’s office sounds unnecessary but it could save your life!