The importance of trust in life with hypoparathyroidism

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.” — George MacDonald

Building trust takes years, yet it can shatter in moments. This fragility can be a heavy burden.

As Brian Keigley, president of Bionews (the publisher of this site), recently wrote on LinkedIn, “Trust isn’t a nice to have — it’s everything.” His words inspired me to consider trustworthiness and the effort needed to cultivate it. This is especially true when living with a chronic condition like hypoparathyroidism, as I do, yet we all place our trust in someone or something, and can face negative consequences if that trust is broken.

For example, children rely on their parents for provision, nurturing, teaching, support, and love. Sadly, there are times when parents falter, leaving emotional scars.

Parents build trust with their children from birth; it’s a gradual process, not inherited. Recently, my child said, “I trust you,” which felt more significant than even “I love you.” I emphasize accountability, which enhances our bond, as blood ties surpass superficial connections, and actions speak louder than words.

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In addition, students rely on teachers for education in a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive without fear of bullying or threats. Schools should be havens. However, as preventable tragedies occur, parents understandably question whether children are safe at school.

From birth, we rely on doctors. Sadly, some take advantage of their roles as trusted professionals, resulting in inappropriate conduct. We should be able to trust that doctors have our best interests at heart.

We marry, believing our partner will stand by us in sickness and in health. However, occurrences of infidelity, dishonesty, abuse, or lack of support can undermine that trust.

While we often rely on the internet as an essential resource and source of information, it has its downsides. People encounter false identities online, becoming targets for predators hiding behind a screen. This anonymity can lead to negative behaviors, such as bullying, harassment, and spreading misinformation.

I always encourage my children by reminding them that when someone treats them poorly or breaks their trust, it’s a reflection of the other person’s struggles, rather than any shortcomings of my children’s character.

Why trust matters in life with hypoparathyroidism

Building trust is crucial for those of us living with hypoparathyroidism. I depend on doctors, fellow patients, pharmacies, and advocacy groups to care about my health, treat others kindly, and offer valuable support through shared experiences.

What makes trust relevant? Even on medication, stress severely affects my calcium levels. While stress is harmful, for me, hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) presents a larger threat. I seek methods to shield myself from stress to safeguard against a calcium crash. My lab reports, which I trust, prove that stress harms my health.

While social media can offer insights into healthcare, it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not be as effective for another. Use caution when social media strangers offer advice, as their intentions might not prioritize your best interests. We should trust ourselves and our medical team to make informed decisions about our care. Knowing that we are responsible for our health and our choices can be empowering.

Any groups we join should create a warm, welcoming space for everyone. Moderators aren’t law enforcement and face challenges in thoroughly vetting every member, sometimes resulting in untruths spreading. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s voice is valuable, and creating such spaces makes us all feel included and appreciated.

Trust has a profound impact on mental health. After a delay in my medication, Yorvipath (palopegteriparatide), I missed three doses, resulting in a calcium crash. This experience triggered my post-traumatic stress disorder, as it was reminiscent of the life-altering calcium crash I experienced when I abruptly discontinued Natpara (recombinant human parathyroid hormone), thrusting me into a fight-or-flight response. The anxiety and fear that come with trust issues can significantly affect mental well-being.

Trust is a cornerstone of healthcare. We trust that our medications will work and arrive promptly. We depend on doctors to submit the necessary paperwork so that we receive our medicine. We rely on insurance companies to approve these medications, not deny them, saying they’re “not medically necessary.” This reliance is a common concern for many, and addressing it in discussions about trust isn’t just essential, but also a reassurance that we are not alone on this journey.

I’ve been burned by people I believed I could trust, publicly and privately. I now withhold my trust until others prove it’s deserved. Whom or what can I trust? I trust my gut. If something doesn’t feel right, if there’s a nagging doubt or a sense of unease, something probably isn’t right. This instinct is a powerful tool.

Bionews is a valuable resource for those affected by hypoparathyroidism. It offers fact-checked, accurate, and engaging information and perspectives. I’m grateful for this platform, where I can share my journey and truth as a brave butterfly. I hope to lend a helping hand to others by spreading my wings of hope, in good times and bad.

Note: Hypoparathyroidism News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hypoparathyroidism News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hypoparathyroidism.