Get More from Your Doctor's Appointments
I'd like to say that a lot of us with fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) have a love/hate relationship with doctors, but all too often there's no "love" at all!
Since you and I can't do a lot to change the healthcare system, we've got to make the most of what we've got. Here are some ways you can get more out of your doctor's appointments:
- Educate yourself. The better you understand your condition the better you'll be able to talk about it. Print out information from the Internet and highlight relevant passages for easy reference. One caution - stick to credible sites! All health content here at About.com is medically reviewed for accuracy, and articles always have sources at the end. Other credible sources include research universities, major advocacy groups (National Fibromyalgia Association, IACFS/ME), and government organizations (CDC, NIH). (Some CDC and NIH information may be controversial among advocates and researchers, but your doctor is likely to see it as credible.)
- Make lists. Take 3 lists to every appointment, one with everything you're taking (including herbs and supplements); one with a concise list of symptoms, starting with the most severe (don't take detailed symptom logs! Boil it down.); and one with the things you'd like to discuss so you don't forget.
- Think about how you speak. You want to appear credible, so don't whine and get emotional. Try to explain things in a calm, rational voice. Also, don't let past negative experiences make you defensive. That will put your doctor on the defense and make it impossible for the two of you to communicate effectively. It's back to the Golden Rule - treat your doctor as you'd like to be treated.
- Don't expect miracles! These conditions are frustrating for doctors just like they are for us, because there are no easy answers. It takes experimentation to find out what works for each of us, so be willing to work with your doctor and consider multiple types of treatment.
If you've done your part to improve things but still aren't satisfied with your doctor, find a new doctor! It's not always easy, and you may need to argue with your insurance company, but do what you can to find someone willing to work with you to find effective treaments.
For more on this topic, see Improving Patient-Doctor Communication and 10 Signs it's Time to Find a New Doctor.
For help finding a new doctor, see the articles here: Find a Doctor for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Coming soon: are primary care providers set to become a thing of the past?
Comments
Don’t expect miracles! Truer words were never spoken. At least we now have a way to diagnosis fibro…hopefully, this will lead to a better way to treat it also. I think anything dealing with a ‘damaged’ CNS is going to be frustrating for most. Same with CFS/MS/RA and many others that fall into that category. Still awaiting that “cure”…and praying.