How to Prepare for a 15-minute Doctor Appointment
~ Reduce Stress at Your Next Doctor Appointment!'The human body is not a thing or substance, given, but a continuous creation. The human body is an energy system which is never a complete structure; never static; is in perpetual inner self-construction and self-destruction; we destroy in order to make it new.' ~ Norman O. Brown Before you go to your next doctor appointment, make sure you write down everything that you want to say. I would suggest writing out a list of all your symptoms, and make sure the doctor addresses each one. Especially make sure that if your symptoms are really side effects from your medication, that these are addressed. When you first start a new medication, listen carefully to your body within the first 24-48 hours, to see if the medication has caused any undesirable symptoms. The dose of your medication may need to be adjusted. Always weigh the benefits versus the risks of all medications. Always ask when you can expect to discontinue the medication, and what are the long-term side effects. Ask your doctor what conditions are required to discontinue any medication. Before allowing the doctor to put you on blood pressure medication or cholesterol medication, ask if you can try diet, exercise, meditation (See
The Benefits of Meditation or Centered Prayer
and
Body Window
practices first. (Since the Body Window is my invention, prepare to explain what you mean, if you use this term!) Usually they are very willing to do this. If not, walk away and find another doctor. Ask for health education, or sources where you can find more information on what consists of a healthy diet and how to start exercising. Read the rest of this website and learn what your
Body Window
is saying to you about your health. There are so many websites that offer health information. A good physician’s office should have references available for you. A better physician’s office will have someone to do this counseling with you. Also write down any and all questions you have. Research the issue(s) yourself on the Internet before you go to the doctor appointment, if you find your question list is long. Nothing replaces a well-educated healthcare consumer. Make sure you get all your questions answered. If you need to make a second doctor appointment to cover all your issues, do so. The doctor will appreciate it and will be less hurried. Don’t forget to take your own advocate, (See
Healthcare Nirvana - Integrative Healthcare
) if you are shy, timid or just learning how to be your own self-advocate. Good luck on your next doctor appointment and see what happens if you even try to discuss any emotional or spiritual issues surrounding your illness with your doctor! I’d love to hear how it goes for you!
Search this website:
Top of Page: How to Prepare for a 15-minute Doctor Appointment
Return to the Home Page My Definition of Holistic Health Integrative Healthcare When Pain is a Medical Emergency Integrative Medicine and the Doctor Patient Relationship, Post-Procedure Incision Care ~ Tips for Great Wound Healing without a Prominent Surgical Scar
|