| Prepare For Your Doctor Visits - CEBV Perspective |
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| Written by lyssandes | |
| 10 April 2008 | |
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I rarely went to the Doctor for anything in the past. Except for the four visits in seven years to find out why I was feeling so run down, with no results until the last Doctor, I never went. I approached this last visit very differently than the first three. I went in determined and demanding to be tested with a list of symptoms, dates and general information in hand – my copy and the Doctor’s copy. I was very frustrated when I left because I didn’t feel as if this Doctor was taking me any more seriously than the previous three. I actually got the feeling that perhaps, he was humoring me during my visit. He would listen to me then pace the small room making noises to show that he was thinking. I was there in the exam room for more than an hour. He drew blood per my request, asked lots of questions and had me fill out questionnaires to determine if I was Depressed, Bi-polar or had Adult Attention Deficit Disorder. At this point in the visit, I was beginning to wonder if I might be just imagining it all. Besides, this was the forth Doctor who seemed baffled by my symptoms. It was concluded that I’m pretty normal except for the occasional quip, which he blamed on my artistic personality. Eight days went by before I heard anything back about my blood tests. The Doctor, nor I, expected any positive results. I was being tested for Diabetes, HIV, Hormone levels and all the "normal" blood tests, which I had been tested for each time I would get up the nerve to drag myself to the Doctor’s office about this. He was very thorough about letting me know what blood work that he was sending off for during the visit. He never mentioned testing me for EBV. I received a strong impression that the decision to test for EBV was made after I left. When the Doctor contacted me about the results, he informed me that I was tested positive for EBV, then gave me a brief overview of what it was. I tell you all of this to show how my being prepared and not fumbling through that visit because I’m trying to remember everything that I wanted to tell him had an impact. I won results through being persistent and being prepared. It’s confirmed that I’m not imagining all of this and need psychotherapy treatment. I’ve had only one follow-up visit that I was not prepared for, nor did I have the energy for that day. The next – watch out Doctor, I’m coming with a list of questions! Below is some research with some of my own comments and suggestions on how to prepare for your first couple of appointments no matter what illness you may have. Please note that there are many tests and treatments of symptoms that I am not aware of at this point. I encourage you to research and ask questions of those who have been dealing with this for some time and of medical professionals. This is in no way to substitute for medical advice or advisement. For medical advice and advisement, please contact a medical professional. Before Your First Visit Make a list of symptoms o Be as detailed as you can. Doctors seem to draw conclusions from the picture that you set for them. The more details that you have for them, the clearer the picture they will get. List or bring any medications that you are taking o List or bring both prescription and non-prescription medications List any dietary supplements that you may be taking o Anything that we consume will have some effect on us in some way. Giving the Doctor as much information, such as a simple thing like supplements, can help a Doctor become better informed about what might be causing the issues you’re having. List dates of when symptoms began o Nothing needs to be said about how important this information is. Be prepared to inform your Doctor about your lifestyle o Lifestyle can mean many things and most likely the Doctor will ask you questions that may seem unrelated to your visit or (to some) seem personal. They are trying to get a better picture of what might be impacting your life and ultimately, your health. o Lifestyle can mean your exercise habits, eating habits, working habits, home life, how much stress you are under and much more. o Inform your Doctor if you have experienced any drastic changes to your lifestyle before your symptoms began or if they worsened after a change. List any questions that you may already have and put them in order starting with the most important first o Ask questions. Knowledge is power! Bring something to take notes with o Doctor’s take notes and so should we. I have great intentions of remembering everything that the Doctor said when I’m sitting in front of him. Then, somewhere between the exam table and my front door, it slips into an abyss. Besides, he may have not written down everything and forget what he told you between visits. Tip: While in the waiting room, go over your notes, questions and lists so it’s fresh in your mind. Also, jot down any last minute questions or concerns. During A Visit Be honest Ask questions Understand what you are getting tested for Understand your condition after diagnosis Fully discuss your treatment options and Health Insurance coverage for treatments Take notes Ask when and how is the best way to contact the Doctor if you should have a question between long-term follow up visits. Follow Up Visits Be prepared to update your Doctor o Log your progress, whether positive or negative o Make a list of any new symptoms o Inform your Doctor if any previously discussed symptoms have become worse Let them know if you have experienced any lifestyle changes, new medications or any additional stress List questions that you may have Take more notes…
Doing research between visits will help educate you and assist you in knowing how and what questions to ask your Medical Professional. Disclaimer: This article’s author has had no medical training, medical education nor is licensed in the medical field. The content contained here-in is completely of opinion and suggestion and is not meant to take the place of medical advice from a trained, educated or licensed professional. |
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Important: Articles published in MDJunction are written by MDJunction's community members and not by medical professionals (unless stated directly). They are not a replacement for medical diagnosis. If the article does not contain direct reference to the source of the data, please treat it as personal opinion of the writer.
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