Comments on: How to Overcome Stigmas and Biases in Saudi Arabia

By: Abaya fashion show « Clouddragon

Abaya fashion show « Clouddragon — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:18:16 +0000

[...] Abaya fashion show 23 03 2009 I love Bill Maher, you must know that by now. He is wrong however in that Saudi woimen can and do lay their lives, (and breasts) in the hands of male doctors. However illnesses are treated with extreme, too extreme secrecy and many women over 40 have never even been examined. ”Such topics are not discussed” the result being that breast cancer is still amongst the highest killer of women in the Kingdom. American Bedu has written a post on the cultural bias towards breast cancer in Saudia Arabia, read it here. [...]

By: delhi4cats

delhi4cats — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:49:42 +0000

Thanks for the comments! I do not want to veer from the general topic of stigma and biases and talk about my illness per se but if my experience and willingness to address my own recent challenges will even help 1 person, then I am happy!

Umm Safeer, are you and your brother in Saudi? Yes, thank goodness he recognized the need to speak up and seek treatment.

I will have posts forthcoming now that I am home convalescing about recent observations and experiences vis-a-vis as an extended in-patient in a government run hospital but I’ll need a few days just to get acclimatized to being back at home (think visions of Dorothy from Wizard of Oz clicking this ruby red slippers whispering there’s no place like home.) I am so very happy to be HOME!

By: Marahm

Marahm — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:38:24 +0000

Re: The Giving of Bad News

I used to be a firm believer in knowing all the facts, ASAP. Since taking care of my father during the last two years of his life, I’ve come to appreciate the “ignorance is bliss” school of thought, which runs contrary to my Western medical orientation. I’m not so sure, now, of what I’d want to know– or tell.

Re: Stigmas and Biases

The medical professionals I worked with (granted, some years ago) were usullay excited– professionally speaking, that is– when they began to work in the Kingdom. There, they saw advanced cases of diseases they would pick up almost routinely, in the early stages, here in the States.

Many dramatic developments are seen only in medical textbooks, until one works in the Kingdom. Sounds like some things haven’t changed much since I’ve been gone.

By: ummsafeer

ummsafeer — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 19:23:32 +0000

Dear Carol,
I hope your treatment is going well and i am glad to keep up with your posts. I often find them informative and thought provoking. On this topic i have a personal note to add. My brother, who is 19, noticed a small lump growing on his testicle last year. He went to the doctor and it was removed immediately. It was found to be cancerous and he underwent 2 rounds of chemo and is now healthy Alhamdolillah.
He is young boy with a keen interest in sports. He leads a normal healthy life. The doctors assured him that if he had not gone so soon the cancer may well have spread. I am sure it was excruciatingly difficult for him to go to the doctor at his young age but he did it immediately and recieved the benefit of his quick actions.
Insha’Allah i hope that these cultural barriers can be overcome and men and women feel confident checking themselves and quickly consulting doctors.
I am sure you’re talking so publicly about your illness will help in this endevour. Best of luck.