How to Get What You Want from the Doctor – Patient, Know Thyself

Ironically, it has been found that 70% of correct diagnoses have been because the patient spoke up, and told the doctor what was going on their lives.  In the previous parts on doctors we were told to be agreeable and quiet.  Let’s see what is going on.

Here are some of the reasons patients don’t want to speak up about their problems and/or  lifestyle:

1.   I don’t want to waste the doctor’s time.

Remember, it’s your time, as well.  Get to the doctor’s office prepared.  Have a straightforward list of your concerns.  The doctor will appreciate you not rambling on and wasting both of your time.

2.   I don’t want to seem weak.

Now what religion preaches this reason?  It’s the “grin and bear it” routine, and it does nothing for you or for your doctor diagnosing you.  No one cares that you be unduly brave.  Playing down your symptoms could result in an incorrect diagnosis.

3.   I am afraid of what the doctor might find

Talk to a friend.  Tell your friend what is worrying you.  Practice what you will say.  When you get to the doctor’s office you will be more confident about the outcome.

4.   I am afraid the doctor will tell me to change my lifestyle

If your doctor does ask you to make some significant changes in your life, ask him if he can help break the changes up so that the leap into another lifestyle won’t be as shocking.

5.   I am intimidated by my doctor

People often fear their doctor enough to just tell him/her what they think the doctor wants to hear.  This fear includes guilt because you might not have followed his/her orders and not taken the medicine or not do the exercising.

6.   I don’t understand my doctor

This is just a case of another culture.  Bring a friend with you to translate.

7.   I don’t fully understand what information is important.

Regardless of whether or not you think you have unrelated pain, tell the doctor.  Often pain does and bait and switch and puts the pain far from the cause.

8.   I don’t want the doctor to know everything

Some people find it necessary to protect others.  If a woman has been abused by her husband, she might not want to reveal that.  It is not your job to protect an abusive person.  What about you?

9.   Will the Doctor Think I’m Dumb?

Well, doctors do seem to enjoy throwing around medical terms when explaining issues to their patients.  It’s just who they are.  Often patients really are not aware of body parts and how they work so the explanations float away on their lack of information about themselves.  Ask if your doctor might draw analogies for you so you can understand what he/she is saying about your condition. Some things you might do to resolve the problem:

-Bring a small tape recorder or a pad and pencil

-When the doctor starts using language you don’t understand, ask him to give you layman’s language so you can fully understand.

-So you still don’t understand.  That’s where the tape recorder or notes come in.  You can take the information home and study it there, then call your doctor and consult with him/her after you have some information you can understand.

-Ask your doctor where you might find further information on your condition.  There are magazines and website and the doctor may be familiar with them.

And there is always ParentsElite.

Related posts:

1. How to Get What You Want from the Doctor – Good Patient, Bad Patient
2. How to Get What You Want from the Doctor – Getting Prepped
3. How to Get What You Want from the Doctor – Getting Prepped
4. How to Get What You Want from the Doctor – No-No’s
5. How to Get What You Want from the Doctor – Stoicism is for Wimps
6. How to Get What You Want from the Doctor
7. Women’s Health: Your Doctor’s Examination – Part 4
8. Women’s Health Screening – Part 1
9. Regular Chekups for Moms
10. Regular Chekups for Moms – Part 2