Our dear moler friends: This information is so very important to help
you to know what you or your love one needs to do when they visit doctors
offices. I will post it every so often, not only as a reminder; but for
new members to use. Your friend, lillian
HOW TO TALK (BACK) TO YOUR DOCTOR
BY LYDIA O. CUNNINGHAM
You know the problem: Either because your
doctor is rushed, or you're scared or intimidated -
or all of the above - you often come out of the
doctor's office with your questions still
unanswered. Maybe you even wonder if you've
received good care.
Here's a solution:
Anticipate in advance
the conversation
stoppers that
physicians often use as well as how you might
reply to them. Such planning will give you more
control over your session with the doctor, thus
increasing the chances that you'll receive the
information you need. A few examples:
"Yes, yes, I see . . ." the doctor says,
interrupting you.
If this has ever happened to you, you're not alone.
In a recent study, Dr. Howard Beckman of
Wayne State University in Detroit found that
doctors interrupt patients quickly, most often after
only the first symptom is described.
To prevent misdiagnosis from this lack of
information, Dr. Beckman recommends that
patients prepare a written list of symptoms
arranged in order of importance. At the beginning
of an office visit you can say, "I have three
symptoms. The first is . . ." Then, if interrupted, it
will be easier to remind the doctor later,
"Remember, I have two other symptoms I haven't
told you about yet."
"I'm sorry, but you can't come in with the
patient."
If you're feeling nervous or ill, it's easy to forget
key questions or to misunderstand what the
doctor says. So bringing a relative or good friend
along - and not just to the waiting room - can be
a good idea. But many physicians object to
having anyone in the examining room. A good
response is, "I'm really not up to par today and
would like my husband to stay with me. I think he
can help me understand and remember what you
say better than if I were alone." Or "I'm a little
frightened and really need the support of my
friend."
"You have spellosis, complicated by
epicilla."
That's a nonsense diagnosis, but it probably
makes as much sense as some real ones do when
couched in medical dictionary language. Do not
feel inadequate for not understanding - just ask
the doctor to start all over again, this time in plain
English.
"It's nothing to worry about," or "No, it
can't be that."
Without an adequate medical explanation - one
you can easily understand - you probably will
worry. So when the doctor doesn't give you
reasons for the conclusion, you might say: "Would
you please explain exactly why I shouldn't worry
about this?" Or "I'd feel more comfortable if you
would tell me why you think it's not that." If the
response is "Well, that's just not likely to occur,"
insist on a better answer. "I really want to know
the medical basis for your opinion."
"Here - I think this should take
care
of it," as you are handed a
prescription.
The following questions should
help you
get the necessary facts: "What is
this
called? Why do I need it? Is
there a less
expensive generic version that's
safe to
take? What do you expect the drug
to do
and how long before it takes
effect?
When should I call you if I'm not
better?
Are there any special
instructions about
when and how I should take this
drug?
Could it interact with other
drugs that I
take?" Your pharmacist can also
answer
many of these questions.
"I wouldn't worry about the side
effects of this medicine."
On the contrary, there are two
good
reasons to be aware of them. If a
minor
side effect occurs, it's
comforting to know
the cause. And because a major
one
might warrant a change in the
medication,
you need to know what to look out
for.
Try this response: "Even so, I'd
really like
to know any possible side
effects. How
likely are they? Which ones do
you want
to know about?" You can also get
information on side effects in
prescription
medicine guides located in the
reference
department of most public
libraries.
"I'll order some tests."
Sometimes physicians order a
medical
test without telling the patient
much about
it or realizing the needless
worry this can
cause. Getting a few details will
help
lower your anxiety level. "What
is this test
going to tell you? How accurate
is it? Will
it change my treatment? What will
be
done - is it risky or painful? Is
there
anything special I need to do
beforehand?"
"I think you should have this
treatment."
Depending on your medical
problem,
choosing the right treatment can
be very
difficult. First, if you don't
have a clear
understanding of the condition
being
treated and its prognosis, speak
up now.
"Please tell me again exactly
what I have
and what's likely to happen."
Then ask,
"Are there other treatments for
this?" If
so, the following questions for
each
therapy, including the
recommended one,
will help you reach a decision:
"What are
the benefits and risks, and how
likely is it
to work? What can I expect? Are
there
any common side effects? How much
time does the treatment take, and
will I
have to be in the hospital?" If
you're not
satisfied with the responses, get
a second
opinion.
"I don't think a second opinion
will be
necessary."
Most doctors have no objections
to
another opinion and will often
make a
referral. If yours feels
otherwise, simply
say, "I understand how you feel,
but I
need a second opinion for my
peace of
mind as well as my family's." Or
if this is
the case, "My insurance company
requires a second opinion."
"Call me if you're not feeling
better,"
as the doctor is leaving the
room.
Before your doctor walks out the
door,
make sure you understand exactly
what
he or she means. "When should I
call you
if I keep feeling the same? If I
get worse,
should I let you know sooner? Are
there
any new things I should watch for
and tell
you about right away?"
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