Why Some Women Recover Differently To Men

In this enlightened and liberated age of gender equality, there are those who will be offended by the inclusion of this gender-specific page. 

But, the reality, according to world-wide market research and academic study, is that women are still the primary shoppers/ housekeepers/ child carers and domestic decision-makers. We organise children's transport, their birthday parties, and we attend their sporting functions/ medical appointments and dental examinations more regularly than our partners.We choose the product brands in our homes, set the chores and homework rosters, take the dog to the vet, and generally oil the wheels of daily life. In many instances we are solitary parents following the break-up of a relationship. As well many of us are employed in the workforce, either full time, or on a part time basis.

And , we are a seething hormonal creature from puberty to menopause and beyond. It seems that we are always ovulating, menstruating, incubating , lactating and during PMT and menopause, remonstrating.

 Understanding The Gender Differences

An abridged academic study  undertaken in the late nineties, entitled " Patients Complaints About Medical Practice", by Ann E. Daniel, Raymond J. Burn and Stefan Horarik, has been published by the Medical Journal of Australia .

This study by Danial et al, shows that 70% of the complainants surveyed were women. Does this mean that women are more likely to suffer Medical Error, or merely that we are more likely to complain of it?

We know that women consult their doctors far more frequently than their male counterparts. And that women also have far more gender-related and cosmetic surgery.

We're aware that there is an entire branch of medical speciality in Obstetrics and Gynaecology that is devoted exclusively to women.

And we know that women seek diagnostic and preventative medicine more frequently than men, and that they undergo minor invasive procedures more frequently.

Obviously it is this frequency, this regularity of responsible health management, that does indeed place us at greater risk.

Because of this increased risk it is crucial for all women to maintain a calm watchfulness when seeking all forms of health care. Follow the "Gems of Wisdom" from  NeverNeverLand  and always establish the risks and contra-indications of any test, medication or procedure, before making a decision to proceed.

 The ' Domestic Chaos ' Factor

So, what happens to our well ordered lives when the unexpected happens and Medical Error intervenes ?

If you are the family member of a victim, your emotional strengths will be tested. As your loved one struggles to come to terms with their adverse event, you will be called upon to support the many aspects of daily life that your family member can no longer manage. Even a large family can have difficulty in finding the individual resources to share the load. If the victim is largely incapacitated there will also be logistical problems such as mobility and personal hygiene.

Providing continuing moral support can be emotionally exhausting and psychologically depressing.

Don't feel guilty if there are moments, hours , or even days , when you just want to let someone else , in the victim's support network , share a larger portion of the load. Go ahead and share the care-load. You will be of no constructive use to anyone if you become brooding and resentful. It's far better for the victim if you take time-out and return feeling re-energised and cheerful. 

  Why Is It So?

It is well proven that women in crisis react differently to men . A recent address by the American Psychological Society in defining depression in women , cited the following :-" Life stress and trauma : more than 80% of major depression cases occur after a serious adverse life event such as childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual assault, male partner violence, and physical illness ."

 One book which deals specifically with this issue is Neurologic Disorders in Women . And a brilliant study entitled " Needs of Women Patients with Mental Illness " by Ramsay , Welch and Youard , gives an extremely comprehensive view of the feminine gender profile under psychological , socio-economic , psychiatric and physical circumstances. There are some worthwhile links from this article . A further study entitled " Gender Differences in Depression " by Piccinelli PhD and Wilkinson FRCPsych from the British Journal of Psychiatry also reveals the specific vulnerability of women to depression during or following major life stressors.As well there are hormonal and environmental factors to be considered. The usual roles of daughter , wife , mother , lover , nurse , counsellor , domestic engineer , chef , employee etc., are merged into the single role of recovering patient . A patient whose body has been abused , whose trust has been betrayed , and whose emotional and psychological future is challenging and unknown.

 Abdicating And Delegating - The Secret of Healing

Even if your medical injury was relatively minor , you will have been further weakened by the additional treatments , medications and procedures required to correct the error. If there was a significant medical error , your recovery may well extend for some time into the future. This is the time to abdicate daily responsibilities and allow others to assist. It's also a time for delegation . Worrying that your laundry may not be done the way you " usually" do it , or that the person shopping for you might not get your " usual "  product brand , or that the children might not have their " usual " homework helper , is unecessary fuss . Delegate your former chores and responsibilities to those you feel will accomplish them best , for these are not " usual " times  , and you will need all of your inner resources for your recovery. 

Choose your most trusted friend , and have them co-ordinate the tasks and schedules of family and helpers. Have this friend arrange to bring supplies of your familiar intimate items for you. Body lotions , menstrual supplies , shampoo , make-up , toiletries etc. Not only whilst you are in hospital , but also for a while when you have returned home. Small tasks , like shopping for these minor items , can gain momentous proportions when you are emotionally fragile. Even the prospect of a mini-task like shaving your legs can be physically difficult depending upon the area of your injury. And predictably , depression , anxiety , and other psychological factors residual to medical error , can make a mountain out of any chore. So metaphorically , on those difficult days , just wear a long skirt and forget about superfluous leg hair. It's the little things that squeeze us into an emotional corner. Just do what you can . Minute by minute , hour by hour , day by day.

And being feminine , when all else fails , we women know from the depths of our PMT pasts , that we can always improve our energy and our outlook with a piece of chocolate....... 

     

                     

 

 

  

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