“In 45 Years of Medical Practice, I Have Learned One Thing: The Most Important Step Is to Listen to Your Body in Time”

Gastroenterologist Sanoat Maksudalievna Mamurova reflects on her patients, our tendency to endure pain, and why taking care of our health begins with paying attention to ourselves.

Throughout my 45 years in medicine, I have come to realize one simple truth: people often find time for everything except their own health.

We rush to work, take care of our families, and deal with everyday responsibilities. Sometimes we skip breakfast, grab a quick lunch, and have dinner late in the evening. And when we experience heaviness after eating, heartburn, or abdominal discomfort, we reassure ourselves: “I probably ate something that didn’t agree with me. It will pass.”

And indeed, sometimes the discomfort goes away on its own. But at other times, what seems like an ordinary symptom may be a sign of a condition that requires medical attention.

Throughout my career, I have met people with different personalities, backgrounds, and life stories. And each time, I am reminded that the person sitting in front of me is not simply a patient with a particular diagnosis, but a human being who may need both physical and emotional support.

“Doctor, I Didn’t Think It Was Anything Serious…”

I believe this is a phrase that almost every experienced physician knows well.

Imagine a familiar situation. A person experiences discomfort after meals for a long time. At first, they ignore it. Later, they try changing their diet, taking familiar medications, or following advice from family and friends.

For a while, they feel better. But then the symptoms return.

Only then do they decide to seek professional medical advice.

Situations like this are familiar to gastroenterologists. The causes of digestive discomfort can vary greatly, ranging from functional disorders to conditions that require medical examinations and treatment.

That is why I always try to explain one important thing to my patients: do not diagnose yourself.

Not every abdominal pain means gastritis. Heartburn is not always caused by what we eat. And the absence of severe pain does not necessarily mean that everything is fine.

For me, it is important that patients understand what is happening in their bodies, why certain examinations are necessary, and what purpose each prescribed treatment serves.

After all, successful care begins with mutual trust between a doctor and a patient.

Our Bodies Know How to Warn Us. We Just Need to Learn to Listen

The digestive system is a complex mechanism in which every organ plays an important role. The stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are closely interconnected.

Their functioning can be influenced by diet, lifestyle, medications, emotional well-being, and many other factors.

Over the years, I have become increasingly convinced of how important it is to explain even the simplest medical concepts to patients.

For example, frequent heartburn is not always a harmless consequence of a heavy meal. Recurring abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or persistent discomfort after eating are reasons to consult a physician and investigate the underlying cause.

Difficulty swallowing, blood in the stool, persistent vomiting, and other concerning symptoms require particular attention. Sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or passing black, tarry stools require emergency medical care.

At the same time, I do not believe that people should live in constant fear of every sensation in their bodies.

My role as a physician is not to frighten patients, but to help them understand when lifestyle adjustments may be sufficient and when professional medical care is necessary.

Five Simple Habits Your Body Will Thank You For

Many people believe that taking care of their digestive health means following strict diets, accepting numerous restrictions, and giving up their favorite foods.

But developing healthy habits does not always require dramatic changes.

First — try to maintain regular eating habits. There is no single ideal meal schedule that suits everyone. However, frequently skipping meals and then overeating can contribute to discomfort. The key is to find a routine that meets your body’s individual needs.

Second — pay attention not only to what you eat, but also to how you eat. Eating calmly, choosing moderate portions, and avoiding habitual overeating may help reduce digestive discomfort.

Third — avoid self-medicating. Even familiar medications for heartburn or abdominal pain should not become a permanent way of suppressing symptoms without identifying their underlying cause.

Fourth — never ignore recurring symptoms. If discomfort keeps returning, interferes with your daily activities, or is accompanied by other changes in your well-being, it is important to seek medical advice.

Fifth — remember that digestive health is closely connected to your overall lifestyle. Adequate sleep, physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management all play important roles in maintaining well-being.

Most importantly, do not follow restrictive diets simply because they have worked for someone you know. Every person is different, and therapeutic diets for specific medical conditions should be tailored to the individual diagnosis.

45 Years in Medicine: What My Patients Have Taught Me

With time comes the understanding that being a doctor is about much more than medical knowledge, diagnosis, and prescribing medications.

Behind every consultation is a personal story.

Some patients arrive feeling anxious because they fear a serious diagnosis. Others are exhausted by symptoms that interfere with their ability to work, rest, and enjoy everyday life. And some simply want to understand why they have been feeling unwell for so long.

Every one of them deserves attention.

I believe that every patient should have the opportunity to speak openly about their concerns, ask questions, and receive clear, understandable explanations.

Sometimes, knowing the name of a disease is not enough. People want to understand how to manage their condition, which habits they should change, and what can genuinely help improve their well-being.

Medicine is constantly evolving. New diagnostic technologies are emerging, treatment methods are improving, and clinical guidelines continue to develop.

Yet one thing remains unchanged — the importance of human trust.

Even after 45 years of professional practice, I remain convinced that a good doctor must not only possess knowledge and experience but also know how to listen.

Do Not Put Your Health on Hold

We often tell our loved ones: “Take care of yourself,” “Don’t overwork,” or “Please make sure you see a doctor.”

But how often do we say these same words to ourselves?

Taking care of our health does not have to begin with a serious diagnosis or complicated treatment. Sometimes the first step is simply noticing a recurring symptom, reconsidering everyday habits, or seeking professional advice at the right time.

I wish more people would stop accepting pain and persistent discomfort as an unavoidable part of life.

Do not wait until familiar symptoms begin to limit your opportunities, interfere with your work, disturb your rest, or affect the time you spend with loved ones.

After 45 years in medicine, I have learned that health is not something we should remember only when we become ill. It is something we need to value and care for every single day.

Take care of yourself. Listen to your body. And remember that seeking medical attention in time is an act of responsibility toward yourself and those you love.