When you book in for a doctor’s appointment, how do you feel about it? Because many people can have a lot of trouble trying to address their true health needs to a medical professional! And yet, whether you’re living with a long term health condition already or you’ve developed some ‘embarrassing’ symptoms, being honest with your doctor is the best way to access treatment. And you don’t have to be nervous about doing so!
Here are our tips for beating those doctor’s room blues and getting the care you deserve.
Prepare What You’re Going to Say
If you find yourself stammering over your words or losing your train of thought easily in the doctor’s office, write down what you want to say ahead of time. This will give you plenty of time to think it all over without feeling the time pressure of a 10 minute appointment, and you can literally prepare a script to follow!
If you want to ask about new treatments for issues like chronic pain or an autoimmune disorder, do your research now. If you want to go over the benefits of hearing aids if you’re someone with a lower level of hearing, or a condition that may one day require you to wear them, prepare your questions when you’ve got the headspace for it.
Mention How You’re Feeling
A doctor is a medical professional who wants to help you. If you’re feeling nervous about seeing them, to a point where it impacts your ability to look after yourself, mention this to them outright. Tell them how you’re feeling and how hard it’s been to even come into the office – you might feel some great relief from this one action alone!
Once your doctor knows, they’ll be able to put certain accommodations in place. They might arrange a chaperone to come into the appointment to be with you, or allow you a slightly longer time to ensure you can take a moment to calm yourself if need be. They may simply arrange a telemedicine call instead, to ensure you can receive care in a place where you feel comfortable, a.k.a., your own home.
Remember, You’re the One in Charge
Seeing a doctor is up to you. You’re the one who books the appointment, and even then you’re not obligated to attend. It’s imperative you remember that when you’re in the room with them. Be polite and respectful, act as you usually would, but remember that you’re in charge.
A doctor is here to help you, and if you’re not receiving the standard of care you think you deserve, you’re perfectly allowed to get on the patient list at another practice. If you’re nervous about the doctor because of a bad experience before, this is certainly an option to keep in mind. You don’t have to go back to the same place!
If you find yourself nervous at the thought of seeing a doctor, remember that you can beat the butterflies!
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