‘I should have said a solid, ‘No,’ but I didn’t.’: Woman shares lesson in finding your voice

“I’ve come a long way, but I’ll never stop learning and trying to find the right voice at the right time.

‘It’s not a good idea. I wouldn’t try there.’

I gently tried to persuade the pre-op nurse not to try to start an IV in my forearm.

‘My wrist is really a great option. Otherwise, put it in my elbow. I promise you that’s a better option.’

Since 2016, I’ve had countless procedures with sedation or general anesthesia.

I know what works and what does not.

I rely on my medical professionals for advice, direction, and support.

I RARELY know best.

Except when it comes to starting an IV.

For a quick upper GI procedure, always go for the wrist or elbow.

In this case, I do know best.

It’s simple.

Right?

Well, not always.

My right forearm tells a different story.

It’s okay and I’m fine—my arm is healing—but I can’t shake the idea of needing to be more assertive.

I should have said a solid, ‘No,’ but I didn’t.

If she didn’t feel comfortable starting an IV in my wrist, then let’s find someone who does.

Nothing I would have requested would have been beyond the norm.

But I didn’t.

I was uncomfortable.

But I didn’t.

I knew it would rupture.

But I *still* didn’t say what I needed and wanted to say.

As often as I remind my kids of the importance of speaking your truth and saying the words you need to say—even if they make other people uncomfortable—I still struggle with it.

According to my right arm, I have a lot of work to do.

But don’t we all.

Hang in there, y’all. xo”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Melanie Forstall of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. You can follow her journey on Instagram here and Facebook here. Do you have a similar experience? We’d like to hear your important journey. Submit your own story here. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

Read more stories from Melanie here:

‘You’re on an island, Melanie; an island alone!’ She yelled at me. Her words were an attempt at shaming me.’: Woman claims that being an ‘island’ allows us to grow in ways we never could before

Don’t Let Constant Worry Sacrifice Your True Peace—Here’s Why

‘You’re JUST getting here?’ We took the long way.’: Mom urges families to enjoy the journey

‘The only good picture I had was from Halloween. Did I mention we all dressed as zombies?’: Mom shares origin of new family tradition, urges ‘it’s okay to be different’

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