Most everyone I know hates to go to the doctor. It's just the idea of changing our daily routine to go sit in an office with other anxious people waiting to see a doctor for their ailments.
No matter how prepared we feel we are, somehow when the doctor breezes in and begins an exam, our thoughts, questions and other ideas fall right out of our heads! Then, on the way home, we recall, "Oh yeah! I wanted to ask the doctor about this, but I forgot!." How many times has this happened to you? What about when you are asked what medicine you are taking? Does it suddenly slip your mind?
Organization is the key to getting the most out of your appointments and to getting the information you need from your doctor. Here are some great tips to get started:
Make a List
- Write down all medications you take including over-the-counter drugs. Be sure to note the dosages and times of day you must take your meds. Some pharmacies will print off this information for you.
- Make a list of your known medication allergies.
- Make a detailed list of your symptoms and questions. Record new symptoms like dizziness, how long ago the symptoms began, and when the symptoms occur.
- Make sure you note unusual, troublesome symptoms by jotting down the date and time when they occur, especially if they happen frequently. This helps the doctor determine if there is a pattern and a possible cause for the symptom.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions about new medications or treatments. Use questions like:
- Why are you prescribing this medicine for me?
- Are there any special instructions for this medication?
- Should I avoid certain foods or fluids?
- Do you think surgery is absolutely necessary?
- Can you recommend another doctor for a second opinion?
For Caregivers
If your mate, parent, or loved one suffers from Parkinson’s disease, you may want to volunteer to accompany them to their next doctor visit. As you may know, sometimes people with Parkinson’s disease have trouble remembering information. They also have trouble writing notes due to tremors.
Listening to the doctor with your family member ensures that more than one person will understand the information that the doctor is giving you. Asking questions is integral to understanding your health issues.
The Day of Your Visit
Be sure to bring your list of questions, medications, and symptoms to your appointment and do not be afraid to ask questions and make notes. If your doctor appears to be short on time or is aggravated by your questions, then it is time to shop for another physician. Your health care is vitally important and all your questions should be addressed and explained to your satisfaction.
Being organized also helps your doctor in expediting your exam. So take the time to jot down notes in between visits and log any changes in your health. Your doctor will thank you for it!
Taryn Simpson is an accomplished musician, freelance writer, and novelist living with Parkinson's disease. She has just completed her latest fiction novel entitled The Mango Tree Café, Loi Kroh Road with co-writer, Alan Solomon. The book is garnering rave reviews from readers all over the world, was shown at the Beijing, China International Book Fair, and is competing for a Pulitzer Prize in the Best Fiction category.
Simpson has contributed as an author or ghostwriter to two screenplays and 10 books. Her fictional thriller, Glittering Secrets is about to be converted to an independent film with Fast Track Productions. Her screenplay, Conversations with Pearl garnered attention from the Project Greenlight critics and was featured at the Southern Festival of Books in 2002.
