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How to Talk to Your Doctor

By HERWriter
 
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Doctor's appointments have been known to provoke some anxiety on occasion. Sometimes people are a little intimidated by encounters with their physicians. But remember, you are a key player in your own recovery.

Your doctor can be vitally important to the healing process. Still, you are the one who can give them the information they need to make a proper diagnosis and offer the appropriate treatment.

So take heart when you're faced with the prospect of spending some quality time with your doctor. You are an essential part of the healing process. It is an all too common experience to walk in and sit down in an examination room and forget every question you had planned to ask.

Before you doctor’s appointment, here’s a few things you’ll want to do:

• Start taking notes about the symptoms you’re having and when you have them. If necessary, develop a rating system on the symptoms – was your pain mild, medium or severe? Did your newly prescribed drug lead to a dry mouth? If so, how dry?

Keep a calendar or journal handy at all times and be sure to share the information with your doctor.

• Take a list of the prescriptions you’re taking to your doctor’s appointment. Include details on how long you’ve been taking each, the dosage amounts and any side effects you’ve experienced. Ask your doctor about possible interactions.

• Take copies of all of your recent medical test results. You’ll need to contact your doctors for this information.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you're under special care for chronic conditions. For example, do you self-administer insulin shots or are you a kidney dialysis patient? Your doctor needs to know.

• Do all of your paperwork in advance. Many doctors’ Web sites now provide forms and questionnaires. Take advantage of the technology and show that you’re a patient in charge.

• Research your doctor: The American Medical Association’s Web site is a great place to start. Also, be sure to check with your state’s medical board Web site to learn about any potential complaints against your doctor and possible action taken on those complaints.

Some states offer similar medical boards for naturopathic and osteopathic doctors as well. Also, look for specialty organizations that may be able to provide information on your physician.

Finally, talk to your friends and ask for referrals, ask what they like about their doctor or what they didn’t like.

Learn to manage your expectations of a visit early on for the best care. And if you’re seeing a new doctor, take the time to interview the doctor. He or she is applying for the job of taking care of you. Use the same scrutiny for yourself as you would for a family member.

Writing questions down ahead of time can also take some of the pressure off, and give you a better chance of getting the answers you need to those questions of yours.

Here are some possible questions you might like to ask your doctor.

1. What do you think is causing my symptoms?

2. Could there be other possible causes?

3. What, if any, tests will you be running on me and what are the potential risks?

4. What are the possible outcomes of my condition?

5. What are the conventional and alternative treatments for this condition?

6. If I don't take these treatments, what can I expect to happen?

7. If I get worse, what warning signs should I be looking for?

8. What can I do for myself? How will I know whether I need to contact you for help?

9. Can you guarantee that you won't prescribe medications that could cause adverse reactions to my other medications or supplements?

10. What should I watch for in terms of adverse reactions to medications?

For proper treatment of any ailment, it's crucial to have the right diagnosis from your doctor. You can help this process along by sharing all the details of your condition.

Tell the doctor what type of symptoms you've been experiencing, when you first noticed them, and how long you've had them.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, as well as any supplements such as herbs or vitamins.

Ask about possible side effects from any medication they are recommending, and about possible interactions with other medications or supplements you are taking.

If you have reservations about anything you hear from your doctor, don't be afraid to ask about alternative treatments. Don't hesitate to opt for a second opinion.

This is your life and your health, and you have a right to seek out any and every avenue for healing.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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