How A Routine Physical Changed My Life

Last fall, I wasn’t feeling like myself. I chalked it up to turning 49, but something felt off. Even though I was sleeping well, I was constantly tired. I could still work and get through my day, but focusing sometimes felt like pushing through fog. My legs ached as if I had gone on a long hike the day before—except I hadn’t.

Then I did go on a hike, one that wasn’t particularly challenging, and found myself unusually short of breath for most of it. By the time I got back to my car, I had to sit and take several deep breaths before I felt steady enough to drive. That was my signal: something wasn’t right.

I had my annual physical coming up, so I made a point to share these symptoms with my doctor. As I spoke, I couldn’t help but think, “This must be the start of menopause,” and I could tell she was considering the same. She ordered routine bloodwork, and the next day I had four vials drawn.

The results surprised both of us. Everything came back normal—except my calcium, which was just below range. I was diagnosed with hypocalcemia, or low blood calcium, likely related to a parathyroid issue. The parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the body, pulling calcium from the bones when needed for essential functions like muscle contraction. For whatever reason, mine wasn’t doing that efficiently.

The good news? The solution was refreshingly simple: increase my calcium intake through supplements and diet (and yes, I now have a very legitimate reason to enjoy cheese a little more often!).

Since making that change, I feel like myself again—actually, better than I have in a while. The achiness in my legs is gone, my breathing feels normal during activity, and my focus has returned. A few weekends ago, I went on my first hike in six months, and it felt easier than I ever expected.

Here’s the part that gives me pause: had I ignored those symptoms and simply assumed they were due to menopause, over time my risk for serious complications—like seizures or even a cardiac event—could have increased.

So why share this? Because over the years, I’ve heard so many patients say, in one way or another, that they avoid going to the doctor. Sometimes it’s skepticism about Western medicine, sometimes fear, sometimes frustration from past experiences—feeling unheard, long wait times, or a desire to avoid medication. I truly understand those hesitations.

But the reality is, we have access to some of the best diagnostic tools in the world. The information we gain from testing can be life-saving—and sometimes, the fix is surprisingly simple.

I’ve seen this firsthand in my own practice. One patient had a suspicious mole on his shoulder. After months of gentle encouragement to see a dermatologist, he was diagnosed with melanoma. Thankfully, he underwent Mohs surgery and was cleared. His doctor told him that waiting longer could have led to a very different outcome.

Another patient, who hadn’t seen a primary care provider in years, finally went after some urging. Her A1C levels were elevated, which prompted her to make meaningful lifestyle changes—reducing alcohol, improving her diet, and exercising regularly. Today, her health is better than ever.

We are incredibly fortunate to live in a time where we can benefit from both Eastern and Western medicine. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. In fact, the best outcomes often come when we allow them to work together—supporting, informing, and strengthening each other.