EXPLAINING ENDOMETRIOSIS: CONSULTING WITH DOCTOR
Improving consultations
Start by writing down any information you need prior to the appointment. Your questions should also be written down and added to during the consultation.
Repeat information back to the doctor to make sure that you have heard and understood everything correctly. Ask for diagrams and illustrations to help you understand the information the doctor provides.
Take a friend or partner or relative along for moral support; it is important that family and friends be informed about your disease.
During the appointment take notes if necessary and ask the doctor to write down any instructions.
Although difficult at times, try to control your emotions when talking to your doctor as this will make it easier to understand the information and take notes.
Realistic expectations
It is reasonable to expect your doctor to ask if you understand vital aspects of your proposed treatment regime and for that information to be expressed in terms that you understand. To achieve this, your doctor first needs to establish your level of knowledge on both the technical and medical aspects of the disease.
It is not reasonable to put doctors on a pedestal and to accept all their advice without question. Let your doctor know what your expectations are – different women will have different needs and expectations.
It is not reasonable to have unrealistic expectations of what your doctor can achieve. For instance, the disease may not always respond to the best treatment available so it would be unfair to get angry with your doctor. Remember, doctors do not have all the answers to endometriosis – or anything else for that matter. They, too, can get frustrated with the lack of ‘cures’.
Making the right decision
Start by evaluating your doctor’s recommendations in the light of your own needs. If you want advice and guidance but also want to make your own decisions about treatment, then let your doctor know.
Trust
No doctor wants to feel that her or his credibility is being challenged but, equally, no woman should ever feel intimidated.
Let your doctor know that you respect her or his opinion but expect open and mutual communication and trust. You should trust your doctor’s level of knowledge just as the doctor should have respect for your judgements.
Confidentiality is also important and you must feel that information is confidential to both you and your doctor.
Your doctor needs to be able to trust that you have followed the treatment plan you both have agreed upon.
*92/41/5*
Related Posts:
Tagged as: Women’s Health
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.