|
Table of Contents, Click
One
Taking
Control of Your Medical History
Documenting
Your History
Questions
You Should Ask Your Doctor
Web Resources
Taking Control of Your
Medical History
People with lupus often see several
specialists as well as their family physician. While good
communication is essential to choosing your
doctors, remember:
You are the one most interested in your
health!
The patient is often the most important
source of communication between doctors. Here are some tips:
-
Always request a copy of your test
results
-
Keep track of your medical history and
take it with you to every office visit
-
Take copies of your most recent test
results with you as well
-
Make a list of items you want to cover
with the doctor, including current symptoms
-
Don't depend on your memory, make
notes
-
Update your doctor on recent visits
with other doctors
One patient's suggestions
for documenting your medical history (she does this on the computer!)
-
list of each condition she has and the
date diagnosed
-
list of each test she takes, date of
test, result
-
list of every surgery she had, the
surgeon, and the date
-
list of all drugs she takes and the
dosages
-
list of all supplements and
-
list of clinical trials she is
involved in
Questions You Should Ask
Your Doctors Don't
assume your doctors have communicated recent test results or changes in your
medication to each other:
-
Did you receive my
most recent test results?
-
Do you know that I am
now on drug X, prescribed by Dr. ?
After receiving new test results:
When receiving a new medication:
-
What are the potential side effects?
-
Are there any potential interactions
with the drugs I'm taking?
-
What are the benefits of this drug?
-
How long will it take to work?
When the doctor says you have developed a
new condition:
-
What does this condition mean?
-
How does this effect my prognosis?
-
Is there a way to treat this?
-
Would a clinical trial be appropriate
for me?
In the event surgery is recommended:
-
What are the risks and benefits of
this surgery?
-
Do I need to stop taking any of my
medicine?
-
How long will I need to be in the
hospital?
-
How long is the recovery period?
-
Will there be scars?
-
Are there any restrictions to my
activities?
-
Will I need physical therapy?
General Web Resources
AARP
"How to Talk with Your Doctor"
Webhealthplus.com
"10 questions to ask your doctor when prescribed a new medication"
American Society of Clinical Oncology
"How
to Communicate with your Doctor"
Medtronic "Information Checklist and Questions to Ask Your Doctor"
American Heart Association "Questions
to ask your Healthcare Professional"
|
