It is probably obvious to you that your doctor is very busy and often does not have the time to spend explaining every disease and its implications to you. This might leave you disenchanted with the state of healthcare in the year 2006; however it also should be obvious that we now have advantages, such as the internet, that allows you to have access to a wealth of pertinent information that will make you an educated consumer (my apologies to Sy Syms). This information will help you ask direct and relevant questions to your doctor, so you can feel more at ease with what is going on. Doctors appreciate a knowledgeable patient, because they demonstrate awareness of their health issues and can also help in taking care of themselves. Too often I find patients who are passive and fail to get everything they can out of the healthcare system. Always find out what each medication is for and why each test is being performed. Stay educated and informed and you can be an active participant in your overall health.
My hope is that in future installments of this weblog, I will be able to get you educated on certain topics and help you remain on top of your healthcare needs. I also look forward to hearing questions and comments from you. I would be glad to be assistance in giving you insight to a problem that you can then address further with your doctor. Obviously, since this is an open forum and I am not privy to all your other health issues, please keep your questions more general, dealing with a recent news item or a specific disease and/or complex symptoms. This forum is designed to give you a better idea of how to help yourself, but it can not take the place of a private doctor. In this way we stand to gain from one another, as students of sleep medicine.
