Who is the most important member of your health care team? There may be a doctor, a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistance, a dietitian, a physical therapist, and a pharmacist involved, but there is one other very important person. A VIP, so to speak, and that person is you.
You want to be independent, you want to live life to its fullest, you want to feel good, and you want to be healthy. In order for this to happen, you have to be an active participant in your care. This does not happen nearly as often as it should. People tend to think that doctors are mind readers, and then they wonder why they don’t feel satisfied after a consultation.
We are ultimately responsible for making observations and asking questions about our own health and well-being. Still, we often find our doctors appointments disturbing and unsatisfying. The reason we don’t get proper treatment may be that we have failed to take our medications properly or we have not asked pertinent questions. We often sabotage the whole process by directly or indirectly withholding important information from our doctors. A doctor can tell a lot just by looking at you, but they are not mind readers. You don’t have to be a pest, but you shouldn’t feel that your questions are burdensome either. You deserve to be heard and you deserve to have your questions answered.
A lot of people do not go in for annual check-ups at all, and the rest of them do nothing to prepare for their appointments. Shocking isn’t it? Our very independence depends on our health but it is our fault if we don’t take advantage of the best resources. What can we do to prepare for our doctors appointment?
- Do a little homework. Research your medical conditions and any concerns. Make notes and take them with you. It is not your job to diagnose your symptoms but your doctor cannot do an adequate job without your help.
- Make a list of your questions. Start with the most important ones and prioritize. Do not be afraid to give him/her your list, you are not being a nuisance. You are a part of his team and he/she will be delighted to help you.
- If it makes you feel better, rehearse what you are going to say. Even the best keynote speakers will practice their lines before making a speech.
- If you are afraid that you can’t take everything in, take a family member or friend with you. They can take notes or help you express yourself.
- If you are afraid that you will forget anything, it is okay to take to take a tape recorder (just let the doctor know that you are recording and why).
- Take all of your medications in with you so that the doctor knows everything you are taking (yes, even over the counter stuff).
- Even if you are healthy it is important to get an annual check-up, and to be screened for everything that your doctor recommends.
- Yes, you should bring up feelings of anxiety and depression. These symptoms are as important to your well-being as your blood sugar or your blood pressure.
You can be healthy and happy as you get older. Take care of problems as they come up and be a member of your own health care team.
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