It can be overly frustrating when you've experienced uncomfortable and life-changing symptoms, yet your doctor has no idea what's going on.

Unfortunately, in some cases, doctors might dismiss what you're going through and not schedule further testing because you don't fit the right age, height, gender or weight for a particular diagnosis.

Simply put, you aren't a textbook case.

Sadly, as a practitioner, Dr. Holly has seen this happen to many people. One case in particular that Dr. Holly remembers is a 26-year-old male who came to her after visiting his primary care doctor with unexplainable symptoms. He unfortunately died of colon cancer. He is a prime example of not fitting the textbook definition of a colon cancer patient.

In this day and age NOTHING is textbook and you have to continue to fight as consumers and practitioners to listen to your own body and ask as many questions as you can.

You know your body better than anyone else, so you know when something isn't feeling right or that you're not getting properly treated. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and your health.

What else can you do to ensure you're being properly cared for?

Dr. Holly explains why it's crucial to always listen to your body, ask your doctor as many questions as possible and to always be your own primary caregiver first.