Doctor's Visit Tomorrow

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Sun, March 22, 2009

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I have an appointment with my headache specialist tomorrow... probably the last for another 6 months.

I am really worried that I won't be able to tell her everything I'd like to. I tend to freeze in front of doctors and simply answer yes or no questions. Even with these questions, I tend to minimize the magnitude of symptoms.

Result: I always leave dissapointed, mad at myself, and get little or no relief.

Does anyone else have this "fear" of doctors? Does anybody have any suggestions on avoiding this happening again?

Thanks a ton!

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Pigeon

3/22/09 3:28pm

Hi Angst,

I definitely understand where you are coming from. I would suggest writing down ALL of your questions and comments that you want to mention to your doctor. You can even make a copy of your questions for the doctor so they have a list of everything you want to cover. This way, you won't leave beating yourself up for not asking a question or saying something you wanted to cover during your visit.

Good Luck during your visit tomorrow!!

Angst

3/22/09 5:48pm

Reading your reply reminded me of the assurance it gives me to be prepared. When I take times to write things down, to re-write them, to learn them by heart - as if I were preparing a speech, then instinct tends to kick in. So I will try that, and I will also bring the list with me just in case. The idea of taking out a list and presenting it to her is scary though, it's not something I feel comfortable doing.

Thanks for your suggestion! I'll make sure I show up prepared tomorrow :)

Denise Garrett

3/22/09 4:47pm

Well, I would say, I don't "fear" them. I detest them more. Doctors are suppose to help us. They can't always be right, but they need to try and have good bedside manners. But, that is not the case. They sometimes think they are superior to us, and I think the way they look at us at times makes us feel timid. But.......I would make a list and explain what you want to discuss. If he doesn't want to listen, then you may want to find another doctor. My family doctor is the greatest. He listens to me. He asks me questions. He's not rushing me to get to his next patient. I've cried and he hands me a box of tissues. He's just awesome. But........my neurologist, who I see next month, is one of those who just give me "the look." Like he's not really listening. So.......I've decided to take my husband with me next visit, so he can be there, and support me.

I hope this helps.

Angst

3/22/09 5:43pm

I'm very happy with my neurologist. She is very open; she is ready to listen; she always closes the blinds and neons in her office so it's nice and dim; she is very calm, soft-spoken; she takes the time to explain things; she tells me about stuff she's learnt in recent seminars; she's open to alternative therapies; etc.

Sadly, even though she's wonderful, I still freeze. I'm not sure what I'm scared of because I've got everything to gain and nothing to lose. Doctors are in a way a form of authority and I get very intimidated when facing authority. I guess listing her qualities just now might help me feel reassured that there is no danger. I don't know. We'll see tomorrow I guess.

Thank you for taking the time to read and answer... I really appreciate it!

Nancy Harris Bonk

3/24/09 3:48pm

How did your visit go?

Angst

3/24/09 6:08pm

I flopped... I just couldn't do it. I managed to inquire about 1 side-effect.

Someone suggested that I email the questions to her, like that I have time to formulate the questions and she can answer them when she has time.It would be easier for me to simply hit the send button than facing her. I think that would be a good idea, but unfortunately, doctors here don't usually communicate with their patients via the internet.

Well, I have 6 months to figure it out :(

Nancy Harris Bonk

3/27/09 8:57am

Hi there,
I'm sorry I didn't see your post sooner, my apologies. I have a very good relationship with most of my doctors, but when I get in the exam room, something happens and if I don't have all my questions and concerns written down, they just don't get asked.

Migraineur's Guide To a Successful Doctor's Appointment is an excellent article full of usefull information, questions and tips for your doctors appointment. And if you really want to blow your doctor away, try keeping a Migraine diary for six months and see what she says!! Your Migraine and Headache Diary

Ann

11/ 1/09 12:22pm

When your in front of that doctor, see it as a fight for your life. Fight for your life back. I have chronic migraines and at times i have let them control my life. Which are you going to choose?

Doctor's Visit Tomorrow

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