Huskymom prompts question about dealing with doctors

[travel bug]

In a recent post huskymom said: "Saw my Neurologist yesterday. I guess I am satisfied, although sometimes I leave there feeling like I didn't get my point across." (I don't know how to do quoty-thing between threads:dontknow

I often feel that way even though I try to be prepared with questions etc. I had a follow-up with my oncologist today, but it was one of his colleagues, not my regular Dr. who has spoiled me; he listens patiently and always makes sure that he has answered my questions to my satisfaction. This doctor was ok, but I felt like we were talking past each other. Today's frustrating encounter reminded me of my appointments with my neuro. My neuro is basically a very nice person, but I feel like he has one foot out the door as soon as he comes in, and I get flustered and all my preparation goes out the window and I end up feeling, like huskymom, like I didn't get my point across.

So finally the question: Besides preparing questions in advance (or just hoping that you have a really caring doctor) how do you make sure you leave the doctor's office 100%(or there-abouts) satisfied that at least your doctor took your questions/concerns fully into consideration and answered them to the best of his/her ability? Is that even possible if the doctor's not inclined that way???

 

[RobinN]

I think the best anyone can do is speak from the heart. Sometimes we don't realize that we actually are being heard. Hard to tell, since the doctors are on automatic. But it helps me to work at creating a personal connection with the doctor. If I feel really BAD after an appointment, I realize that I need to begin looking for a second opinion.

Other times, I am so excited, because it seems like the particular doctor really "gets it".
I thank them for helping .....

 

[huskymom]

I am glad that I am not alone in feeling this way:bjump: I do believe that he is a nice person in general, but I have a better connection with his nurse. She is fantastic! Maybe that is one of the reasons why I haven't looked around for someone else. That and South Bend isn't that big, so the options are limited :|

 

[Cint]

In a recent post huskymom said: "Saw my Neurologist yesterday. I guess I am satisfied, although sometimes I leave there feeling like I didn't get my point across." (I don't know how to do quoty-thing between threads:dontknow

To quote, first highlight what you want to quote, then just press the quote button next to reply.

So finally the question: Besides preparing questions in advance (or just hoping that you have a really caring doctor) how do you make sure you leave the doctor's office 100%(or there-abouts) satisfied that at least your doctor took your questions/concerns fully into consideration and answered them to the best of his/her ability? Is that even possible if the doctor's not inclined that way???

I was in to see my endocrinologist yesterday and I feel he's a great dr. because before the end of the visit he always ask if he has answered all of my questions or if there is anything else I want/need to discuss. My epileptologist is the same and this is at the University Hospital where they are both professors as well. But it wasn't always this way with my epileptologist. The one I used to see wasn't at all helpful so that is why I changed. Remember, you are paying them to help and part of their job is to listen, so if at all possible, start looking for someone else.

 

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

Here are my general rules for seeing a doc:

Be prepared

Make sure you keep a daily seizure diary. Each time a seizure occurs, write down the time, the type of seizure it was and how long it lasted. Write down any major stresses or recent life changes that could trigger seizure activity. All of this can help your doc get a better idea of what’s going on with you. Also, seek input from people who may observe your seizures — including family, friends and co-workers — so that you can record information you may not know.

Bring along a family member or friend to help describe your seizures or to take notes during visits to your doctor. They can offer support and a second pair of ears. Sometimes it can be difficult to soak up all the information provided during your appointment. Plus, they may remember something that you missed or forgot. And a second set of ears along with someone else there taking notes, can be invaluable after your visit.

Let your doc know how you’re responding to your current medications. Be sure to share your concerns about any side effects, drug reactions, behavior changes, physical changes, trouble sleeping, loss of memory, or even brain fog. Accurate reporting will help you and your doctor make decisions together about a treatment plan that works for you.

Come armed with questions

Preparing a list of questions in advance will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. List your questions and the doctor’s answers from most important to least important in case time runs out.

During your appointment, you may feel overwhelmed by the information or the doctor may be using medical mumbo jumbo terminology you don’t understand. He may even be going too fast. If this happens, you need to let the doctor know so that he can slow down, rephrase or even write notes.

Be persistent in asking your questions until you fully understand the explanation. If you don’t understand a diagnosis or treatment, ask more questions — take more notes.

Make sure you understand the script and whether name brand or generic will make a difference to your condition. And make sure you know exactly what the doctor wants you to do before you leave the office.

Ask about follow-up and get a contact number so if you happen to think of more questions, or forgot something the doctor told you, you can call the office immediately and request the information.

And if the doctor gives you the bum’s rush, or doesn’t respond to your questions, don’t hesitate to ask for a second opinion or else find another doctor who will work with you and care.

 

[Nakamova]

When I met with a shoulder surgeon, I had a pad of paper with my questions written on it and I wrote down the answers that doctor gave me. He was actually really psyched that I was doing that, and I think it helped me get the most out of the meeting. So in addition to having questions prepared, I recommend actually writing down the responses (or having someone with you who can write them down). I found that it keeps the doc on his toes, and makes him engage with you a bit differently.

 

[Endless]

You not alone.

My epi is supposed to be one of the best in the region. He is a very nice person, extremely smart, and truly cares about his patients. Though I often feel like he doesn't understand what I'm saying. He makes assumptions and goes from there. If I talk about a seizure type or a side effect he hasn't heard about, he thinks it doesn't exist. I mention it in here and there are at least a dozen people who have experienced the same things. There is rarely enough time for me to ask questions. There is barely enough time to address just one issue I'm having with seizures or my meds, then he's out the door.

I often don't get calls back when I have a concern or question. Yesterday was a prime example - I was so dizzy that I lost my balance and hit my head on the wall - called in, no call back. I feel like I'm on my own. So I read, research, and make my own decisions about my own care. After all, it's my body and I'm the one who has to live with it. Sometimes it doesn't match the advice he finally gives later (if he does at all), but it usually works out pretty well for me. He's usually a little frustrated with me when he finds out what I did or decided, especially if I changed the dosage of my meds. My standard line is that I did the best I could with the information I had at the time. When I read how you some people's docs treat them, as in really well, it makes me think that my doc's office doesn't have the best possible care.

I guess it's affected me in a way that's not very healthy. I've quit trying to tell him stuff or ask any questions and I rarely call in with a problem. Even if I'm having a cluster of seizures or one that lasts far too long, I keep it to myself. I still show him a peice of paper with a count/date of my seizures. I used to go in with a written list of questions and some info on how I am feeling. I quit doing it because it was useless. Now I just see him as a pez dispenser for my meds. If he read this or heard me say it I think he'd be really surprised. I think that he thinks he's listening and giving me really good care.

Update: A day after my call, my epi's office called me back. This morning I had reduced my lamictal dose by 50mg. I'm happy to report that this was his advice, too, and his nurse said to stay at that does for awhile. Excellent.

 

[epileric]

I just use him as a pez dispenser for my meds.

Look what I found!

 

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

You rock. Lol!

 

[Cint]

Eric,
:roflmao::roflmao::hi5:

 

[epileric]

Eric,
:roflmao::roflmao::hi5:

:hi5:

 

[Endless]

lolololololol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

The last one, "little blue pill," looks almost EXACTLY like a Lamictal 200mg.

Where do I get one of these? Not only is the doctor cheaper, if I use the pez lamictal I'll save about $10,000 per year!

 

[travel bug]

Thanks everyone for your input. It’s kinda sad that this seems to be such a common problem. It’s not so bad if the doctor is clearly a jerk and you have other doctors in the area to choose from - you just say hasta la vista, baby! 8)and go elsewhere. But it’s frustrating if your choices are limited or, strangely enough, if you actually like your doctor and know he/she means well, but just can’t get them to really listen.

I know part of the problem is that many medical practices pressure the doctors to spend ten minutes or less with each patient; it’s hard to thoughtfully address a patient’s concerns in that time. I guess that’s why they end up becoming, as Endless put it, Pez dispensers. (That’s so funny and sad at the same time! And the visuals were hilarious!:clap :doctor:“We don’t have time to actually think about what’s really going on, let’s just throw more meds at it.” But Cint is right, we pay them and it’s their job to do what is best, not what is easiest.:tup: I also agree with Robin about thanking your doctor when he/she has done a good job. Not only do good doctors deserve appreciation, but maybe it acts as positive reinforcement as well

Endless, I’m glad your doctor (finally) got back to you to tell you to do what you had already figured out for yourself. Hope it works for you, it sounds like you’ve been through a lot.:rose: