Working With Your Therapist/Doctor

Even after finding a doctor that they feel comfortable with, some people are intimidated by the thought of talking to their doctor. Office visits are short and some people feel they do not want to "bother" the doctor with their questions. However, a person 's recovery to health is a joint effort between patient and doctor. Doctors rely on information from patients to monitor and adjust treatment. Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of working with your doctor. Open and honest communication between you and your doctor is critical to getting better. You should be comfortable being honest with your doctor and be able to expect a genuine and open approach from your doctor. Make a top five problem list of things that give you the most trouble. Developing your priorities in treatment helps the doctor focus your treatment and guides your recovery. You might make different lists for symptoms that give you the most problems or side effects you might have to medication. Keep track of your progress with the things you choose for your lists. Write down any questions you have for your doctor. Sometimes people remember important questions after they have left the doctor 's office. Keep a running list of issues and questions that might occur to you in-between visits. Feel free to check your notes while you are talking to your doctor. Let your doctor know about your symptoms.A doctor will not be able to modify your treatment unless he or she knows what you are experiencing. Sometimes symptoms can be much improved, but still annoy you. Discussing them with your doctor does not mean "treatment has failed," but is an important way to deal with an illness. Decreasing the severity of some symptoms, but not totally getting rid them can still be a very positive goal. Let your doctor know about any medication side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects, and many side effects may disappear once your body adjusts to the medication. But if any side effect is troubling you, your doctor may be able to give you another medication to counteract it. He or she may also have some practical advice on how to manage the side effect with diet or daily activity changes. If for any reason you feel that you cannot continue to take your medication, talk to your doctor immediately, but don’t stop taking them until he or she has directed you otherwise.