How do you approach appointments?

[nogutsnoglory]

In the past I would wait till the doctor went through his motions checking me and asking me the series of questions ie: how many stools? Blood? Pain level? Etc. For the last few years I just pepper them with my concerns or questions immediately.

I know this sounds rushed but that's how I feel in a doctors office. I feel like I have a very limited window to tell them my symptoms and hence I feel like I come off a bit aggressive in my approach. I don't want my doctors to get pissed off that I took the lead in how the appointment goes but at the same time, I know what I need to discuss and don't want to miss anything.

Do you guys think I'm being a little aggressive about it? Do you wait for them to steer your appointment or do you just throw out what's going on with you?

 

[Mehita]

Our situation is a little different since I'm the parent, but I usually print off my questions and concerns and as the GI is asking my son the usual questions, I hand him my list. This approach has worked quite well because 1) I get all my questions and concerns addressed, 2) it comes off as being prepared as opposed to aggressive, and 3) we can't end the appt until he's gone through everything on the list no matter what kind of time is allotted for the appt. Yes, sometimes it does still feel a little rushed... but I got my questions and concerns addressed.

 

[SarahBear]

I let the doctor lead the appointment. As issues come up, I ask any relating questions I might have. If I have more questions when they're done discussing things (they always ask), I ask them. My doctors actually don't make me feel rushed - they're all very careful to go over all of their concerns and anything I bring up as well.

I have taken a similar approach to Mehita - but instead of listing questions and concerns, I listed unexplained symptoms. This went over very well with both the nurse and the doctor, and it definitely played a big part in getting them to really listen (I got a referral to a rheumatologist out of it). If you do this, I suggest bringing two copies - one for the doctor to read and one for you to go over as well. It helped me to stay more on top of the conversation.

The list idea seems like an all-around effective approach and runs much less of a risk of seeming rude or aggressive.

 

[PsychoJane]

You may have already notice from my post that I tend to talk/write a lot. I am pretty much the same way regarding my specialists. I'm not a selfish person in general but when it comes to my health were I'm the only one that have to bare with the consequences, then, I'm essentially pro-active regarding it.

Essentially, I have a "to do" list in my cellphone and I don't go out of the office until these things are clarified. I don't over do it, I make sure I don't have 20 questions when I walk in but I keep the few ones I have a make sure to get some answer or actions taken regarding them. I know the wait time are long here, it's true for me when I do good, it's true for me when I'm in a poor condition. I'm therefore quite critical regarding issues I encounter and make sure I'm not overdoing it. 15-20min is generally the time they offer you, sometime less.

That being said, I don't pair well with every specialist. Those that like to be the only one leading... don't like me or should I say, I don't like them. I never had major issues but I once decided to change GI based on the fact there was no room for discussion.

I don't think you are "aggressive" about it. I think it's a story of collaboration. They have protocol to follow but every individual is not a protocol and this is where you have to stand for yourself and lead otherwise you stay somewhere in the shade.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Its definitely a balancing act but I also don't leave till all my questions are answered. I'm strategic in what I'm asking. I prefer to ask my questions in the context of conversation. I don't think any doctor is offended, they see my paper with advance questions. I just wonder if they don't like me being too proactive. I need to be my own advocate and have to question to ensure I'm receiving the best care possible.

 

[ronroush7]

Sounds good, Sarahbear.

2

 

[Essieluv]

I don't think your plan of action is bad, NGNG. I do the exact same thing at my appointments. I've learned that I am my only true advocate, and doctors don't always ask me the right questions regarding my symptoms. I think you are right on track!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Thanks Essieluv, I think it also depends on your extent of knowledge. I'm not tooting my horn but I know a lot about IBD and have inundated myself in the subject. Doctors are always impressed by my questions and how much I know. I think if they see you come with understanding, they are less likely to be concerned with asking the generic questions knowing full well you know what you need to discuss.

I also don't want a doctor who expects me to just follow blindly. They are the experts but I am the one who needs to deal with the consequences and have a right to inquire and challenge if necessary.

 

[Essieluv]

I also don't want a doctor who expects me to just follow blindly. They are the experts but I am the one who needs to deal with the consequences and have a right to inquire and challenge if necessary.

Exactly!!!

 

[highlandsrock]

Hi nogutsnoglory

For many years I would turn up at appointments, listen to what the consultant said, ask a few questions and go away again. That was fine when I was feeling OK and only having the occasional flare-up, but as my condition got more serious I realised I needed to be far more pro-active to avoid wasted GI visits. A few months back I decided to write down how this approach works for me in the hope that others might be able to adapt it for their own circumstances.

If you fancy a read then have a look here - http://goo.gl/BKKeR2

If you have any thoughts then please feed them back or PM me

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Highlandsrock, I'd love to read your post but the link went to an error page.

 

[rygon]

I think a proactive approach is neccesary. A doctor should ask open questions to get the most out of the session (ie how are you feeling?, Do you think this is working? etc rather than are you feeling good or bad?). That way you can voice your concerns whilst answering the questions, allowing both to steer it in the way which is mutual

I found at the start I was woefully under prepared to the usual questioning (how many times do you go to the toilet).
Now a week before seeing him I will make a not of all the things I want to ask, or bowel habits I have had in recent weeks, as I know once in there my mind will go blank.

I feel this way I am giving him as much info as possible, and also my concerns, and with that he can make a better judgement on where to go from there.

As long as you are open to all ideas the Doc gives you, I feel this is the best approach

 

[hbrekkaas]

My doc lets me lead. He walks in, says him and asks what's going on. Then after I'm done he asks what he needs to ask. But he's just my family doc and has been for years, we're very comfortable with each other. I imagine once I finally see a GI things will go a bit differently, and I'll follow his/her lead and ask my questions at the end....but they will get asked.

 

[highlandsrock]

Link now working. Don't know what went wrong!

http://goo.gl/BKKeR2