Doctor appt, what to ask.

[ericaj]

Hi all,

Have been away from the computer for a few days so havent gotten to keep up on how everyone is doing and slowly working my way through the threads now. Hope everyone is doing well and that those who had surgeries last week are recovering.

I see my own doctor tomorrow and my cardiologist on friday to go over meds and revamp what is being taken. Would anyone have any suggestions as to things I should ask my doctors about? Tests? Meds? I know my family doctor talked about completely changing what I am on to see about something else.

Just suggestions I know that it is up to my doctors but my fam. doctor seems
to like it when I participate or bring up ideas.

Erica

 

[Bryan B]

Erica,

Since I don't know much about your medical situation I can't really help you there. But here's how I prepare a list of questions before going into this type of appointment. I sit in a quiet area and start writing down anything that comes to my head. I might go back and think about previous appointments where I forgot to ask something (or need to follow up on a question). After getting a rough draft I decide which questions are the most important and which don't even belong on the list. Usually I end up with about a dozen questions to ask, many of which might get answered during the exam. I'm a firm believer in asking too many questions rather than not enough. Not sure my doctors always like that, but they do appreciate the fact that I have my thoughts written down which saves them time. I actually give them a copy so they can read along, and my PCP actually writes down his answers to my questions on his copy and gives it back to me.

 

[Glenda]

Bryan this is such a great idea. My appointment with my surgeon is tomorrow and because of all the advice on this forum I know the questions to ask. I have decided because of my age being such a high risk to go with the pigs valve. I'm going to type up my questions in the morning.