How-To Talk To Your Doctor

Talking to the doctor or any health care professional is not an easy one-on-one conversation. As a patient, we are coming into the conversation at a disadvantage. We are in a position of weakness; they are in a position of power. 

 

We are sick, or injured or worried about this disease or that ailment; they, on the other hand, look strong, well dressed, clean and it is understood that they are highly educated. 

 

But we need to remember it’s our body, our health is our life, literally. We know what hurts, how we deal with pain, we know our family history. We live it. 

 

Don’t underestimate your power. That said, it is not as easy as it sounds.

 

It takes practice, determination, and chutzpah to have a good one-on-one; give and take the conversation with your doctor. 

 

I’m Gloria Moraga,

 

Here is one of the first hurdles, many doctors are not great communicators. They are science nerds. They spent most of their time in school in the biology labs. If they took a communications class, it was way back when they were undergraduates. Medical School is long and difficult, and it is filled with older, smarter, demanding jerks, who are horrible communicators. Back in the old days, nobody would Ever recommend that a doctor or an intern take communication classes or a Comms. Seminar To learn how to carry on a conversation with a patient. 

 

It just isn’t Done. Doctors heal! They are like living Gods on earth. We are just lucky to get a few minutes of their time! And the time we spend without doctors is getting shorter and shorter. So the time we spend with them is precious. So some of us are afraid to ask questions, challenge, ask for a second opinion. Say no, I do not want to take that drug or have that surgery or what are my other options or why are we doing it this way. 

 

This is wrong! 

 

They work for us. We are their clients, their customers, we pay their salaries! We are not Nothing! 

 

I believe in my heart that doctors are basically good and caring. But I know in my mind that like any profession, there are bad doctors. 

 

I wanted to quote the Hippocratic Oath at this point.  One of the oldest binding documents in history, the Oath was written by Hippocrates is still held sacred by physicians: to treat the ill to the best of one's ability, to preserve a patient's privacy, to teach the secrets of medicine to the next generation, and so on.

 

I thought the Oath included the phrase, “above all, do no harm." It does not. 

 

Hippocrates also said that it’s just not in the Oath. Hippocrates was a Greek physician born in 460 BC." Hippocrates is known as "The Father of Medicine." In the ancient western world, Hippocrates was regarded as the greatest physician of his day.

 

My point, above all, do no harm. Medical professionals are not there to hurt us, but it’s up to us to speak up and help them help us with our medical care. 

 

So how do we do this, Gloria Moraga? We must speak up. Please try. Because sometimes you must be the squeaky wheel if you need oil. Make eye contact, ask questions. If you are confused, ask them to explain. Here’s a tip, tell them you are confused. You need a better explanation, 

 

Don’t just agree to have a procedure if you are unclear that it will help you feel better, 

 

When I had my recent hospital say, I repeatedly asked if I could have different pain medication. They were giving me OxyContin. I did not want it. I was in pain, but I wanted another pain pill. I repeatedly said I have a family history of drug addiction, I researched the fact that a person can become addicted to Oxy in about 10 days of continual use. All the research shows that addiction varies from person to person. 

 

The nurses and others ignored me and kept pushing the oxy. Finally, I told the doctor I didn’t want it and she increased my other less addictive pain meds. When I got home, I stopped taking everything entirely. Yes. I was still in pain. 

 

Pain is our body’s way of talking to us. Why do I want to drug out my body? I don’t. I want to get well, heal, some pain is not fatal. Drug addiction is another form of death for me, 

 

My point is: I took control of the meds I want to consume. I’m not just going to pound down whatever they give me, how the hell did we get into this drug addiction mess that we are in. Too many prescriptions. Let’s wake up people. 

 

So please, know what you want to say, have a communications plan. When you are getting ready to go to the doctor practice what you want to say. Write it down. Take your notes with you. If they don’t have time for you ask to speak to the nurse or physician's assistant. Make sure they note in your chart that you need, additional, information. You want someone to call you with more facts. 

 

If you don’t like the way you are being treated or if they are not listening to you. Ask for another doctor. It is your right. 

 

I get two or three guys to give me estimates to paint my hours. Why would I NOT get a second opinion to gave surgery on my leg? I want to walk! Walking is more important than a paint job. 

 

I’m Gloria Moraga one-on-one Communications in the Digital Age. How to talk to your doctor or any health care professional. Don’t be afraid. Good luck!