Taking Charge of Your Health© Ang. S.
Aug 18, 2000
Take charge of your health and manage it by asking your doctor about your condition, recommended treatment, etc. By learnings as much as you can about your illness you will be able to manage it, instead of it managing you.
Prepare for Your Next Doctor's Visit
Ask Questions: Between visits to the doctor, you will have questions about your illness come to mind. Write all of your questions down before going to the doctor's office. This will assure that if you feel rushed (and most of us do at the doctor's office) you won't forget potentially important questons while you are with your doctor.
- What is involved with this illness?
- Is the procedure you are proposing medically necessary?
- Are there alternatives available, and what are they?
- Is the recommended procedure the most effective solution?
- What are the medication names (make sure you know the correct spelling and both the brand and generic names) and dosage instructions?
- Is generic medication okay?
Describing Your Problem
Do not withhold information from your doctor. Patient-doctor confidentiality ensures that your doctor will not discuss your conerns with anyone else, unless you give permission. Do not be afraid to tell your doctor anything. The doctor is not there to judge, so any information you have about your problem with help her or her to treat you. Write it Down
Take a pad and pen with you to your doctor appointments. Write down any advice he/she gives you, as well as instructions for medications and diet. It is easy to be overwhelmed (and rushed) at the doctor's office, so writing everything down should help you remember what was said once you return home. If possible, take a friend or family members with you to your doctor appointment. He/she can also help you remember the doctor's instructions.
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