Doctor appt. anxiety

[Mike88]

I have a major problem when I go to the doctor. I always feel rushed and never say or ask all I need, but It's just my mind making me rush myself not the doctors themselves. I have an appt. with my GI tomorrow and have a lot of questions and information to discuss but I'm worried im going to skim over things and rush in and out. Anyone got any relaxation tips for doc visits? I know its silly of me but I just cannot help it sometimes!

 

[Jennifer]

Two great things to have with you at your appointment are a pen with paper and another person by your side. With the pen and paper you write down questions and concerns before your appointment and ask the doctor each question by going down the list (usually listed from most important to not as much in case the doctor is in a rush, but they should answer all of them). Its also good for writing down the doctor's responses. Having another person there with you will help calm you down and will remind you to crack out your list and may even have other thoughts and questions that you didn't think to ask. If you can't have another person there with you then at least the pen and pad of paper will help.

It almost sounds similar to test anxiety. Just remember that this test is open note and open book and cheating/working in teams is allowed.

 

[Mike88]

Good ideas! Thank your Crabby! I will bring pen and paper for sure, and I think ill go ahead and start writing down my questions now just to have it all ready. Ill see if I can get someone to come with me as well, I think I know a few people that will be open! If not ill just have to get on with it on my own.
Haha its very much like test anxiety...which I also had. Very strange stuff indeed.

 

[Jennifer]

No problem! Let us know how your appointment goes.

 

[Mike88]

It went well today, he is a very compassionate man and I felt at ease within seconds! Thats a first! So happy I finally found a great doctor who really listens!

 

[Jennifer]

So what did your doctor say? Any treatment plan or testing on the way? Glad it went well.

 

[Mike88]

I posted more about the details in the my story section if you would like to take a peek , but the short of it is yes to both. gonna have some tests with a rhumetologist actually and we discussed medication options for once I get lower on my prednisone dosage. Thanks for helpin me. Writing everything out and bringing pen and paper made everything much easier!