by Meredith Troy
4. August 2009 21:09
As we all know it can be difficult to talk to your doctor during a scheduled appointment. Oftentimes, the doctor appears so rushed we neglect to ask questions that are important to us. This time with your physician is important to give him/her an understanding of what you may be experiencing health wise. So we have compiled some tips to help better communicate with your doctor.
Before you go…
• Write down your symptoms – describe it, when it started, when is it worse, how long does it last, what relieves it and does it keep you from doing any of your activities.
• Write down all of your prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines,
herbal supplements and vitamins that you take – if only sometimes OR put them all in bag and bring them along.
• What equipment are you using at home and why?
• Any important life changes that make you feel sad or stressed?
What to Bring with You:
• Glasses or hearing aid(s)
• Your list of symptoms – prioritized – what is most important
• Your medicine list or bag
• A family member or friend to remind you what you wanted to talk about and what the doctor said
• An interpreter, if you need one
Don’t Forget to Talk about the Sensitive Things – They affect your Health
• Alcohol – how much, how often and when
• Falls or fear of falling
• Driving: are you or your family worried
• Grief, mourning, depression
• Sex life and risk for sexually transmitted disease
• Bowel or bladder problems
• Memory problems
• Problems with your family or those caring for you
Be honest; don’t say what you think your doctor wants to hear. If you are feeling unhappy with your doctor or their staff, tell them. Your relationship with your doctor is important to getting the best health care — at the next visit, start talking!
From your friends at Interim HealthCare enjoy! If you have an idea for a Here’s to Your Health topic let us know, be sure to leave your comments and suggestions below. If we use one of your suggestions we will give you credit in our next post.
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