Posted by Cathy (24.95.189.21) on July 29, 1999 at 11:18:14:
In Reply to: YOU are your best advocate posted by Anne Thomas on July 28, 1999 at 22:29:48:
Anne:
Agree with you 100%. As I have stated many times before, I have never had problems with any of my doctors. My belief is that if you are a pro-active patient you will get the best assistance from the doctor he or she is able to give. I have several doctors with whom I deal with due to various illnesses. I ALWAYS go with a list of questions / concerns. I feel that if the patient goes in showing that he/she is willing to work with the doctor, demonostrates congenial demeanor and is as positive as can be about the treatment, the dr. will be more apt to say to himeself "this person cares about herslef---I will try my best". I am a firm believer that if you go in with both barrells loaded, with an attitude of "fix it or else", the dr. will not want to spend the time trying to help you. My feeling is that if the dr. does not see that you want to help yourself and are only concerned about how he/she is going to help you, he/she will not give you the time or effort that is needed to treat you. If you are unable to advocate for yourself, the dr. will sense that. If you won't take regard for yourself or your health, why should he/she? I know MOST doctors are not like this. But, why take the chance? That dr. could be the best thing that happened to you---you just need to show him/her that you feel that way and that you want to be a part of the process toward healing. And we are, as patients, the most important part of that healing process. Next to God, of course, but I won't get into the "spiritual" end of things. Another time...
Cathy