Talking With Your Doctor

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Jul 19, 1999

The thing I would like to emphasize this week is the importance of communication with your Dr.

I have spoken with several women suffering from PTC who complain that their Doctors don't take them seriously. Sometimes, what happens is, this condition isn't all that widely known, or understood. Your Dr. may be working with limited information, and doing the best he can to diagnose and treat you. The best way to handle this is to educate yourself. Find out as much information as you can, and take it with you to your appointments. Write down any questions you would like to discuss before hand.

Another problem that occurs is that there is often an adjustment period for new medications. You may have to change the dosage a few times before it works for you, and that is common. Let your Dr. know immediatly if you feel uncomfortable or experience any side effects from your medication. The same goes for all other treatment options for this condition. Spinal taps may or may not be succesful in your particular case. If you still have a bad pressure headache after a tap, tell your Dr.

The best advice I can give you, I stated above. Educate yourself as much as possible. Get to know your body, keep track of your headaches, when they occur, their intensity, and how your medication is working. Write it all down, and bring the information with you to your appointments. Remember that it is your right to seek a second opinion, if you feel you are't being taken seriously. But also keep in mind that a lot of people with PTC feel the same way, due to the nature of the treatment of this condition.

Hang in there, and all the best, Freedom

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