The fact is, doctors are busy, appointments are short, and your physician may or may not put a lot of stock in your medical assessments and personal research. Don’t worry; with a few tweaks to your appointment approach, you’ll soon have conversations that get you closer to your best thyroid health.
1. Problem approach: “Read This!” Your doctor probably has one eye on the clock and a lot of people to see. This is not the time for perusing articles and journal pages.
· Better approach: Sending a few key pieces of information to your doctor’s office a week ahead of your visit. Remind him/her who you are and when you’ll be in. If your doctor resists your efforts, consider a new physician.
2. Problem approach: “I’m Tired / I Just Don’t Feel Well.” Emotional descriptors are too easily dismissed as psychological indicators. Your doctor needs to have a clear picture of your symptoms, one by one, to help you appropriately.
· Better approach: Rationally relate your symptoms. Connect with your doctor scientifically. Provide clear examples of your issues.
3. Problem Approach: “I’m Sure I Have _____” This amounts to self-diagnosis. Doctors are prone to regard this approach with some skepticism, whether you have a point or not!
· Better Approach: Defer to your doctor’s expertise while still presenting your theory. Share your current symptoms; ask if your physician is familiar with the suspected condition and whether he/she might look into it.
4. Problem Approach: “I Read About This on the Internet” The Internet is an object of suspicion for many physicians. They often don’t trust it…or the information you find here.
· Better Approach: Solidly reference your information. You’ll lend credibility to your sources if you can tell your doctor where they originated.
5. Problem Approach: “I’m Not Taking Anything…” An inventory of supplements and medications are often never divulged to most doctors. Interactions and effectiveness cannot be determined if you don’t accurately share information.
· Better Approach: If your relationship with your doctor supports it, share a list of all your medications. If your relationship doesn’t allow you to comfortably share, attempt to find a more suitable physician.
Read the full aticle here: Five Things Thyroid Patients Should Never Say to the Doctor – What Patients Should Not Say to Thyroid Doctors, Physicians and Practitioners
