Hi I would just like to share with you guys a situation today which encouraged me to be more assertive! I have problems being assertive and standing up to other people.

I have a long-term autoimmune illness which requires me to have a lot of blood tests. Well, I hadn't heard for a long long time about some blood tests arranged by my own doctor but ones my autoimmune consultant offered to post to me.

Two weeks go by and I hear nothing and whenever the postman came there was no letter regarding the consultation, the blood test results or the referral she had me forward for. So it came to a head today, especially since the healthcare complaints commission informed me that they would contact me in 2 or so days to let me know about the blood test results.

That was it. My feelings were "I want these results now, not 2 days' time, now. I thought I could see my results at any time, this is my body, not theirs and I'm entitled to see these results!" And with that I walked up to my doctor's practice and said very politely yet firmly, clearly and directly, "Hi, may I have a copy of my latest blood test results, please?" And the receptionist went ahead and did them.

Funny how frustration can sometimes make a situation into a positive thing and give you that bit of a...what can I call it...kick up the backside? Haha.