Sometimes all it takes to save a life is one simple question. Here, Zohrain shares her Women’s College Hospital story.
After being diagnosed with a severe thyroid disorder and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and being unsuccessfully treated by three separate endocrinologists, I was referred to Dr. Sheila Laredo at Women’s College Hospital. The moment I met her, I knew I was in good hands. She was patient and kind but also direct. After years of failed tries and fertility treatments, she helped me finally get pregnant.
But most importantly, she saved my life.
After I had my second son, at my eight-week postpartum visit, Dr. Laredo asked me the one question that changed everything. She asked simply: “How are you doing?”
The truth was, I wasn’t doing well. I was completely destroyed internally. I was struggling with severe postpartum depression but didn’t know what was wrong at the time. When Dr. Laredo asked me that question, I broke down. Everything I had been hiding came out. She immediately jumped to action and referred me to Dr. Simone Vigod, chief of WCH’s department of psychiatry and founder of the hospital’s Reproductive Life Stages mental health program, and my recovery started that day.
Meeting Dr. Vigod changed my life. She just knew. And it felt so good to finally feel like I wasn’t alone, or pathetic or dramatic. We came up with a plan and I’ve been seeing her ever since. I’m nowhere near 100% but I’m better and that’s a huge victory.
Dr. Vigod has always been there for me. Whenever I’m in a really dark place, she’s there with calming words and a plan to see me through that darkness.
I don’t think both Dr. Laredo and Dr. Vigod will ever actually know just how much they’ve impacted my life for the better. I’m still here, fighting every day thanks to them. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it over and over again but those two phenomenal, compassionate, amazing women have literally saved my life. I’m so thankful to have a healthcare team that’s always on my side. I will forever be indebted to them.
To learn more about Women’s College Hospital’s Women’s Mental Health Program, please click here. If you would like to make a donation to help advance the work that saved Zohrain’s life, click here.
