Finding the right doctor can be likened to finding that elusive, perfect pair of blue jeans (if they even exist), which can leave you with the same frustrations that spending hours in a dressing room tugging on and off less than perfect denims can elicit. Too short, too long, too loose, too tight, horrible listening skills, big ego, pushing an agenda, etc... you get the point. Just the thought annoys me...
So, how do we find our "perfect fit?" This is what I have learned over time and keep in my tool box:
RESEARCH:
Just as you would do research for an important paper topic, research your potential doctor. Find his (using "his" because most of the pain doctors I come across are male) credentials... where he went to school, who he studied under, who the person he studied under studied under... Look for patient testamonials on the web, look for medical journal articles/research papers he has written, check for malpractice suits. Leave no stone unturned (my dad does this step for me).
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT:
Know what you will and will not stand for. Show up with a list of "must haves," (from personality traits to treatments) and if he will not work with you, move on. There is always another doctor around the next corner. You'll know what is a non-negotiable for you, and stick with it. Just because he is the "doctor" doesn't mean he knows what is best for you. You happen to be the expert on your disease, and if you aren't yet, make yourself the expert.
FOLLOW YOUR INTUITION:
If something doesn't feel right, do not ignore it. Your intuition is a message from the divine, and you wouldn't ignore god if he/she/it was standing infront of you giving you a message, would you?
BRING AN ADVOCATE:
Bring someone you trust with you to take over when you become too emotional or flustered or overwhelmed. Someone who can vouch for you and backup your story, especially if you are a young person in a pain management clinic *cough, cough*
There you go! Good luck!
I have a long day on campus. Ugh!
Happy Healing!
6 comments:
Great and informative post!
Thank you!
I get to frustrated with doctors. Too often I settle because I'm too lazy to look around. Or I look around and find someone worse. Persistence is important.
Yippee! GREAT advice, Maria!
Just wonderful. Perfect to pass along to newbies and those who've been around the doctor block, so to speak!
Thank you, everyone!
Bitt, yes, persistence is key. It's difficult when you are sick and tired, literally, and have to work hard to find a doctor. Can you say annoying?!?!?
You are so right about bringing an advocate with you. I cant tell you how many times my husband didnt hear something the doctor said or missed something done. Its not his fault, he tries to pay attention, but when youre loaded up with morphine you tend to not catch everything. I find myself telling him a lot, dont worry Ive got it under control. I have spoke up before when I didnt like what doctors were saying or they way they were treating him. So yea, thank god we have a wonderful pain management doctor now.
Your husband is so lucky to have you!
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