In no way do I consider myself a pro when visiting the doctors but I have gotten quite use to advocating for myself/my health.
This post is mostly directed to seeing primary care and GI doctors, but I hope these tips can give you at least a little bit of guidance to any appointment you go to.
Go prepared. What is the reason for this appointment? What are you hoping to learn? Is this appointment necessary? Go prepared having those questions already answered.
Gather all medical records/information you may need. Also, gather up or take pictures of any medications, supplements, herbs, vitamins, etc., that you are currently taking or have taken recently. I know I used to struggle a couple years ago to remember what medications, etc. I was currently on when the doctor would ask me.
Have a clear memory of what you currently eat in a day, what you do day to day activity wise/ a rough idea of how often you exercise in a week. These are typical questions that may arise in conversation at the beginning of the appointment. It is better to know these ahead of time so you're not wasting their time trying to think about or do the math in your head.
Show up with questions. What have you been wondering about health wise? What has been bugging you? Do you have any concerns regarding your health?
Physically write down a list of questions you have on a piece of paper. I just keep the list in my purse or pocket and many times I remember all my questions so I don't even have to bring the list out...but if my mind suddenly draws a blank, then I have it there as backup. (There are many articles that will tell you to not bring a list, and I honestly think that is absurd. Now, do you need to bring a list with 20 questions? No, but definitely go prepared and get the most important questions you have, answered.) Your doctor will enjoy the fact that you came prepared with questions. Unless you're seeing a doctor in a private practice (though not always), or a Naturopathic doctor, then chances are you only have between 15 and 30 minutes before they're onto the next appointment and patient. Don't waste that time. If you aren't going to your appointment with questions, then why are you going?
Don't be afraid to ask follow up questions. Why should I take this medication? What will this medication potentially do to my gut health? What are common side effects of this medication? Are there natural remedies I can try? What is the success rate with this medication? and so on.
This is where you start taking control of your health. It's easy to just sit in the chair and accept everything the doctor tells you but it's another to ask follow up questions and show your doctor that your health and wellbeing is very important to you.
Don't be afraid to say no, to disagree OR to get a new doctor! Don't want to be put on medication? Then say so! If you don't like your doctors outlook or personality, then get a new doctor! It really is as simple as that.
This is where advocating for yourself comes in. Example: Your doctor just told you that you have gastroparesis and there is nothing anyone can do about it, you're just stuck with this disease for the rest of your life. What you say or do to then? Many of you have just left that appointment and gone home accepting that there is nothing to be done. I didn't do that and is a huge reason so my people become I really depressed. For me, during that appointment I asked questions regarding what I could do for myself, and I researched what resources were out there for me, like natural remedies. If the doctor couldn't answer my question, I went home and researched it. you have to be willing to also do your own research. You know your body best.
I am interested in your thoughts on this topic and would love any feedback you may have. I hope this will help some of you out there who are struggling to find answers and struggle communicating with your healthcare professional. Don't be afraid to ask questions, don't be afraid to disagree, and don't be shy researching! Be nice to your healthcare professional and help them understand exactly what you want to get out of your appointments.
Stay healthy,
Loreal
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