You’ve Been Diagnosed with….

johnwsmith — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:31:43 +0000

One of the most difficult tasks that I face as a doctor, is to look a patient in the eyes and tell them that they face a life altering, life threatening, or even terminal condition. In the span of a few seconds a person can go through surprise, fear, anger, disbelief, confusion, despair, and denial. In a moment dreams seem to whither and die, hopes and expectations vanish. You’ve been diagnosed with… now what?

Take some time to digest what you’ve heard. If necessary schedule another appointment to discuss options and proposed courses of action.
Find out from your physician your prognosis and suggested course of treatment.
Turn to reputable sources for information. Learn as much as you can about your condition.
Learn when a second opinion is the right way to go. This will be discussed in greater detail in another entry.
Identify leading specialists and healthcare facilities that specialize in the treatment of this condition.
Turn to your spouse, close and trusted friend or relative, or house of faith for support. Contact support groups. Don’t go it alone.

Have you had an experience with a serious diagnosis? Feel free to share below. Also go to the medical resources page of this site for links to medical resources and groups.

How to Make the Most of Your Doctor’s Appointment

johnwsmith — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:54:25 +0000

The current medical system is one that often requires doctors to see several patients in a short period of time. Patients may feel rushed or intimidated. Nodding politely as a condition is described but not necessarily explained, one may leave the appointment only to realize that there are more questions than answers. How do you make the most of each doctor’s appointment?

With a little planning before hand, you can make sure that you are a well informed participant in your healthcare management plan.

Make the most of you doctor’s appointment as follows:

Make a list of any symptoms you are experiencing, major life changes that may be affecting your health or emotional well being, and any questions that you have concerning your health. Keep this information in a notebook dedicated to this purpose and date each entry.
Bring this journal to each appointment. This allows you to have your questions ready which will save time for both you and your doctor.
Use this journal to take notes during the appointment. Write down the names of any medical terms that need further clarification, suggested courses of action, recommended over the counter products, and your overall impression of the appointment. This process not only creates a memory aid, but also a personally recorded medical history that may provide insight in later.
If you do not understand, ask for clarification. You and your doctor are partners in your care. Doctors need informed patients who can make informed decisions. It’s your right to understand.
When faced with a possibly life changing diagnosis, it is often helpful to have a trusted friend or relative present to help you gather and process information. While you are dealing with the initial shock, they can listen and ask the questions that you may not be able to deal with at the time, take notes, and gather any printed material offered by the doctor.

Let me know what you are thinking. Do you have any successful strategies that you would like to share or questions about the process? Please feel free to comment below.

Ask Dr. John

You’ve Been Diagnosed with….

How to Make the Most of Your Doctor’s Appointment