I feel like I’m developing magnetic qualities that attract me to all things autoimmune no matter where I go. Here’s an example.
It started at a meeting. I had to apologize that I was having trouble hearing her because I am hard of hearing and she apologized for speaking quietly because she had a paralyzed vocal cord from thyroid cancer. The original purpose of this business meeting no longer seemed to matter. We talked autoimmune, specialists, undiagnosed conditions, and remedies. One thing really stuck with me – her approach to dealing with doctors.
She said, “I’ve stopped going into appointments with my health history ready. I now tell the bare minimum, ask the doctor to examine me and tell me something before I tell them more.”
Brilliant.
I’ve read so many articles about the patient-doctor relationship and self-advocacy. And while most of them have been very helpful in terms of patient empowerment, I feel like they’re not always representative of my experiences.
For me, most of my doctors have not been partners in my care. They talk down to me, dismiss what I have to say and seem annoyed by my lengthy health history. Some lessons I have learned is that most docs prefer the confident me over the nervous me. Dr. F. did express that my frustration with my current situation may be coming through and may be misinterpreted. I’m surprised that more docs wouldn’t be more used to nervous patients. Sheesh, I go to nearly every appointment alone. I sit there in an empty room alone and alone I take in everything they have to say.
But maybe, just maybe, there’s something to be said for my new friend’s approach. Let the doctor do what they do best before tarnishing their approach with my lengthy confusing history.
I start tomorrow – going to the ophthalmologist and general surgeon. We’ll see how this works.
For excellent articles on taking a more active role in your health care visit these sites
US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | autoimmune, doctor patient relationship
I do that same thing. I’m going to try to use that advice also. Thanks!