Someone’s Been Reading

A Woman’s Wellness Journey, Anti-Inflammatory Living, and Navigating Healthcare

It’s a hot summer day in June and, instead of enjoying nature, I’m in a hospital room, reflecting on my personal wellness journey. The IV in my right arm throbs with pain—a reminder of last night’s allergic reaction to an antibiotic injection. The damage to my vein is physically painful, but it doesn’t compare to the fear I felt during the allergic reaction itself.

A masked Pulmonologist enters, introducing himself as the hospital’s on-call specialist. I was admitted two days ago after a sudden asthma attack at 43—something I’d never experienced before. Seeing my oxygen saturation dip into the low 90s terrified both me and my partner. Now, we’re searching for answers: why did my numbers plummet, and what’s the path to recovery?

The Pulmonologist reviews my case, explaining that my lungs look mostly clear. The team prescribed antibiotics for mild pneumonia indications, but the infection likely wasn’t the root cause of my asthma attack.

By day, I’m a program manager for a global tech company—someone who thrives on understanding root causes and critical paths. I share details of my eight-month health decline, marked by steadily increasing ESR sedimentation rates and C-Reactive Protein levels—classic signs of chronic inflammation in women and possible autoimmune dysfunction. As I ask, “Doctor, did you see any evidence of sarcoid or sarcoidosis on the lung CT?” 

He replies, “Sarcoid? Wow, someone’s been reading.”

His tone drips with condescension, the kind I’ve encountered too often in healthcare—especially as a woman. Many specialists seem frustrated when patients, particularly women, come prepared with questions. 

I’ve even been told, “Kara, you do not have a medical background.” 

But I’ve learned that patient advocacy in healthcare is essential, especially for women navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

Back to the pulmonologist—let’s call him Dr. Disregard. I explained, “Yes, Doctor. You caught me. I have been reading. Sarcoidosis was also one of the first tests my eye specialists recommended. It was negative last winter. Should we retest? Is there a chance it’s evolving?”

I reminded myself: stay calm, stay candid, and focus on evidence-based questions.

This experience was a turning point. It made me ask: When did we stop listening to women in healthcare? Why are doctors insulted when patients come armed with research? Most importantly, how do we empower women and caregivers to understand their well-being, advocate for anti-inflammatory lifestyles, and confidently navigate the U.S. healthcare system in a digital age?

This is my origin story. I was discharged from the hospital on June 26. Today, on Independence Day, I’m launching The Soothe Edit—a vibrant wellness community for women, both in-person and digital, where anti-inflammatory lifestyle tips and support for women in healthcare are prioritized. 

Our mission is to demystify health, champion anti-inflammation, and harness healthcare technology for wellness in the age of AI.

I invite you to join me in building a movement that could truly transform healthcare in America—empowering women’s health, supporting anti-inflammatory living, and promoting patient advocacy and wellness for a healthier future.

Start Your Wellness Journey

Become the boss of your wellness journey! Join The Soothe Edit online community or the #CaughtReading book club today!