Posted by emme on November 18, 2006, at 9:14:09
In reply to Doctors underestimate our intelligence/knowledge ?, posted by ronaldo on November 18, 2006, at 7:58:00
> What I would like to know is how to get the best out of the appointment with my doctor.
Thoughts:
People may get short-changed time-wise. I have half-hour appointments with my doctor. I can't imagine doing 15 minute appointments.
I try to use the time as efficiently as I can by jotting down notes ahead of time about symptoms, med side effects, questions, etc. The more succinctly we get caught up on what's been going on between appointments, the more time we have to discuss options and answer questions.
If I have a pressing question after I leave - something about dosages, serious side effects, or bloodwork for example, I call. If it's not urgent, I either look online or wait until the next appointment. I sometimes have to pick and choose which questions are the most important for planning treatment vs. things that are interesting but not immediately useful. My doctor would happily answer a billion questions - but there's not enough time.
I'm not a passive patient and my doctor accepts and respects that. I do try to be considerate of her and honest with her. She treats me like an intelligent being, answers my questions, and takes my ideas into account in planning treatment. It's really been pretty good. :)
I think both the doctor and patient have to look at treatment as a team effort, a partnership. Can you let your doc know that you think your communication could be improved? A responsible practitioner will want you to be comfortable working with them. If it ends up not working out with your current doc, know that there are good ones out there.
> Boards like this would not exist if we had better communication with our doctors.
Well, it's always nice to have other sources of support even if it works out well with your doc.
> I wish I knew more about agonists and antagoists and receptors and neurotransmitters etc...etc...etc...
You can always study up. I've chosen to not put a lot of time into it. I know less than many people on this board, but enough to grasp the big picture, know the classes of drugs, and know what it is I'm taking.
Good luck,
emme
poster:emme
thread:704811
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061117/msgs/704818.html