What Patients Can Do To Be Good Patients
With RSD being so individualize it is important that we do our best as patients to communicate with our doctors. A person should be prepared for their doctor visit.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your doctor vist.
1) Never go to a doctor visit with out a list that is prepared before your visit. This list should contain your most important concern listed first.
For example, you may have your worse pain in your leg and also have sleep problems, nail changes, blurry vision and etc. The pain with your leg should be listed first with information on where it is and the severeity. The next problems should be listed in the order of their severeity.
The doctor usually starts thinking about what treatment to use with what you first mention. The patient usually starts off with their least problem first and puts their biggest problem at the end. The doctor may already have his mind set on how to treat you before you mention what your worse problem is.
2) To help you make your list you may need to keep a journel or a diary. Make note of any small changes that may occur after a treatment or with any medication.
Also make note of any changes of your pain or how your pain may affect you. Keeping track of how your pain changes with the weather or any activities is helpful too. It's also good to write down your feelings and emotions. Out of your diary you can make your list of problems and it can help you remember questions that you may have for your doctor.
3) Take someone with you to the doctor. Sometimes when our pain level is high we have a hard time communicating to the doctor and we may not remember what the doctor communicates to us. Discuss in advance with whoever is going with you, your concerns you want to discuss with your doctor. Go over your list with them also before the visit.
4) Take notes! If you have problems writing use a tape recorder.
5) Know what you want when you come to visit the doctor.
6) Direct your problems and questions to 1 or 2 areas.
7) Ask your questions or tell your problem with as few words as possible. Keep it simple and to the point.
8) Have your questions prepared in advance.
9) Know the effects of past visits and treatments, including effects of medications.
10) New Patients: Bring old test results, X-Rays, etc. or at least know what, where & when they were done.
Some doctors may not like you coming in with a list. Don't let this deter you from making a list. This is a "tool" for you to use. Check off each item on your list after mentioning them to your doctor. This will help you to know that all your concerns
were discussed.
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