Listening to Your Body: The Importance of Self-Advocacy in Women's Health

In today's episode, I dive into life's unpredictable journeys. I opened up about the rollercoaster of health scares and emotional upheavals that have recently dominated my world. From confronting the fear of a potential cancer diagnosis to navigating the complex web of medical opinions and tests, this period has been a testament to the power of vulnerability, faith, and the relentless pursuit of answers. Amidst the uncertainty, I've been reminded of the importance of listening to my body, advocating for my health, and leaning on the strength of community and divine guidance. As I continue to seek clarity and healing, this chapter is a profound reminder that our battles, though deeply personal, are shared by many. It's in these moments of openness that we find our collective strength, comfort, and the courage to face whatever lies ahead.
Here are the key moments from the episode:
4:30 Reflecting on life's twists and turns
11:30 Getting closer to God
17:00 The moment I found a lump on my breast
28:45 Breast implant complications?
35:00 The neck ultrasound that changed my life
40:30 Initial diagnosis from the doctor
44:45 Breast implant illness signs to look out for
51:15 5 takeaways from my recent health scare
Connect with Heidi!
Website: heidipowell.net/
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: @realheidipowell
Facebook: Heidi Powell
KZbin: @HeidiPowellNet
Train with Heidi on her Show Up App! www.showupfit....

[@estherachermann]

Dear Heidi maybe you don't feel how strong you are in this moment but let me tell you, you are a true warrior! I pray for you. The world needs women like you. Your honesty, the value you share, your open heart and mind, thank you for beeing you and reminding us to be there for us and others. I hope you get answers soon and you get well! God bless you and your family

[@RealHeidiPowell]

Oh my goodness, you are too dang kind my friend 🫶🏼❤️ I appreciate the kind words even more than you know!

[@christylutz2946]

You cannot worry yourself to death in 35 days. Even Elderly and chronically ill people who literally pray and beg for death often linger. Please don’t spread stories like that, this is people telling stories and it’s not factually supported and makes no sense at all. Is stress a problem for health, yes, but no “misdiagnosed person” can cause a body to die in 35 days.

[@npatriciacastillo6671]

Trusting your gut is HUGE! Our youngest had an issue with being cross-eyed when he was born. The Dr kept telling me it was normal and that babies tend to look like that. But one nurse finally told me, "this may be normal but de learned that a mother's intuition is rarely wrong. Get him seen by a specialist if you're really sure this isn't right." He has surgery 9 months later after months of patching and working with the specialist. Trust your gut!

[@RealHeidiPowell]

Wow, good for you mama!! Glad he's doing well ❤️

[@PropheticCoachTheresa]

When I started this video I had a feeling you should take out your implants. I didn't even know what you are going to talk about. I didn't even think about your implants. I don't actually really follow you too often, only a few times/year. But I had the thought "implants." I've had a few clients have severe problems with them, one had a stroke. I don't need to share my view on implants. Just supporting you to do what you feel is right for you. It makes me really angry how many influencers deny the science and MILLIONS of anecdotal stories of women with health problems from them that improve when they are removed because they want to justify their vanity. I'm sorry, but is there any other reason to have implants? As a health care professional it just is maddening. Bless you Heidi!

[@parisbrice389]

Our muscles have to break down first in order to rebuild stronger 😊 Keep your chin up heidi and that beautiful smile. Ur positivity has gotten me thru sum hard times in the past and i know it will continue to. Xx

[@RealHeidiPowell]

You're absolutely right! Thank you for the encouragement ❤️

[@JulieBlanchard-x5u]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope they figure out what is going on soon.

[@RealHeidiPowell]

You are so dang welcome! Thank you for allowing me to share ❤️

[@erin.sea3326]

I have dense tissue as well. Dec 2022 I had a terrible pain toward my armpit. Went to a new Dr and they had me get an ultrasound and diagnostic. My tech said where it was it could be a swollen node as well and then Dr review and said all if well. They think I tore something at the gym. Ok since then but I definitely keep up on my mam and pap. Perimenopausal issues are a thing and I'm in it.

[@lesleyoxtoby9589]

We are waiting weeks and weeks for GP Appointments here in the UK let alone being referred to consultants here in the UK under our NHS. People are dying here as cancers are progressing beyond treatment in this time it’s awful. This is because our NHS is being dismantled to be privatised and resources are pitiful for the numbers of our population now a lot of whom are NOT contributing to the nations money but taking out A whole lot. I have private health on top of my national insurance contributions it’s about 200 dollars a month

[@JennDuraan]

Best of luck Heidi. I also have dense breast tissue but was told it’s nothing to worry about

[@RealHeidiPowell]

Thank you! ❤️

[@p47rr]

My wife is a fan of yours. And will be praying for you.

[@RealHeidiPowell]

I really appreciate that! Thank you! ❤️

[@蔡偉隆-b9s]

Would you make a video about ,how you and your mom keep looking young ?Plz tell us some tips

[@RealHeidiPowell]

You are too sweet! 😘 And we have actually done one! Here you go!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZDXoGWuoquZirs

[@kristinearmstrong]

P R O M O S M

[@debbiekeltz-wolk7691]

I am in remission from having ovarian cancer. The doctor scheduled me for an ultrasound but it was going to take a month. I said to my husband I'm not going to wait a month something doesn't feel right. Please just take me to the ER and leave me off there an we'll get this taken care of. At first they "thought" that I had passed a small kidney stone. Awesome we can deal with that. But the resident said that he wanted to make sure that there were no more of them and did a CT Scan. They did the scan and took me back to the waiting room. The resident called me back into an exam room and he looked like he was about to cry. I thought ok something more serious is wrong here. He tells me that I have ovarian cancer and that he can offer me palliative care. I was in shock. He said do you understand what I'm telling you. I said with all due respect you've missed a step. He said what did I miss, the part where I fight this with everything I've got. I asked him to call in his attending. I'm a doctor's kid so I know how this goes. As my luck would have it, his attending is someone who I know and who knows me and my Dad. She got him on the phone and we discussed this on a conference call. Long story short, I was transferred to another hospital with a cancer unit. I've had my cancer surgery, chemo and now I'm on targeted chemo pills. I'm in remission. If I had not advocated for myself I may not be here today to talk about my experiences. I will never fully be out of the woods but I am alive today because I advocated for myself. Heidi do not ever put your health off for anyone else. If you feel that something isn't right then get it checked out. You matter more than anything else. Your health comes first.

[@RealHeidiPowell]

Wow, that is unbelievable!! I'm so sorry that you had to experience all of that ❤️❤️ But SO glad you stood up for yourself and fought... you're incredible and an inspiration!