The Post-Game Analysis: What Comes Next?

EPISODE 5 — You did the thing. You saw your doctor, asked your questions, and maybe got some answers. But as you walk out to your car, that familiar cloud of confusion and anxiety starts to set in. What did they say the next step was? Was I supposed to get a blood test or an X-ray first? Did I actually get the answer I needed? Even a good visit requires follow-up action, and a bad visit often requires a total strategy reset. In this episode, Dr. Charlsie Celestine, a board-certified OB-GYN and host of the For Vaginas Only podcast, acts as our post-game coach. She walks us through how to utilize the “After-Visit Summary,” the crucial difference between a Patient Navigator and an RN, and exactly what to do—and say—if you realize you’ve just been medically gaslit. In this episode, we walk you through these key topics: The “After-Visit Summary” (AVS): What it is, why it’s crucial for reducing anxiety, and how to get one if your doctor doesn’t offer it. Your Follow-Up “To-Do” List: Common action items, including medication trials, imaging studies, lab work, and symptom diaries. Relationship Building Beyond the Doctor: Understanding the vital roles of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Patient Navigators on your care team. When the Vibe is Off: How to determine if a doctor just had a bad day or if it’s time to find a new provider. The Medical Gaslighting Response: Recognizing minimization and a creative “what if” tactic to force a dismissive doctor to take your symptoms seriously. The Power of the Post-Visit Debrief: Why you should always sit down and review the appointment details with your support person immediately afterward. Explore more episodes and get the full breakdown including show notes, tactics, resources, and complete transcript at womenshealthplaybook.com.