It amazes me how many people are afraid or nervous to talk to their doctor about health issues and things they have on their mind! Remember, doctors are human just like us and put their pants on the same way we do in the morning.
Some doctors forget this, but I am the type of person to remind them of this! They are no better than you so if you remember this it may be easier for you! You are paying them for a service so they work for you! Sometimes they have to be reminded of that too! I also find that when I go to the doctor it is easy to forget things, questions I may have, they fly right out the window.
I do not understand this principal and there has got to be a name for it, like white coat syndrome when someone's blood pressure raises the minute they go in the examination room.
So how does one handle this mental block at the doctor's office? No matter how sure you are going to remember your questions, they bury themselves deep into your brain not to be found again until you are gone from the office and back home and comfortable in your recliner in front of the television! There is a very simple answer to handling this, write down your questions and take them with you.
Now some of you will say you think of things when you are out and about and doing things and you forget to write them down because you are busy.
Remember now that we are talking about your health and important questions and concerns you may have.
Keep a note pad in your purse, or for the gentlemen a piece of paper in your wallet or pad in your car, so you can write them down immediately when your think of them or as close to that as possible, before they leak from your brain.
Now you are armed and ready for your visit with your doctor and I suggest the minute you get in the office you take your questions out as there is nothing worse than forgetting the list at the doctor once you took all that trouble to compose it.
When the doctor comes in the room immediately let him/her know you have some questions for them and place your questions next to you so you have them right there.
Some doctors may scowl but as a patient it is your right to ask.
Even if your doctor seems hurried and in a rush, this is your time and he will just have to address your questions if they have not been answered during the examination.
Sometimes once you let the doctor know what you expect their attitude will be different next visit.
So take the time to write your questions and concerns down before you go to the doctor and be ready to ask them when you have the doctors attention.
Relax and let them know what you want answered.
Do not let the doctor put themselves on a pedestal and intimidate you.
They are human just as you are and you need to be proactive in your own health care!