Talk To Me Doc!

Have you ever walked out of your Doc's office more confused than when you walked in? Happens to me all the time. I've been to hundreds of doctors, all shapes, genders, ages, race, and it always happens. They give you an exam, diagnose your condition using technical terms, write a prescription; then walk you to the front desk for a follow up appointment. HUH? What just happened? Do you remember the name of the condition? Sure it's easy if it's something you've heard of before... high blood pressure, overweight, high cholesterol, migraines, rosacea but what about if its a new one. One that's not got a snazzy new ad on TV? I had that happen to me the other day. It's as if they don't realize that I don't have a medical degree.

I don't have the time or interest to go to 8 yrs of medical school . I really appreciate that they have, don't get me wrong! But when I get diagnosed with something I want to know what it is! I go home (if I can remember the name) and look it up on the internet. I've been in the exam rooms, I know what doctors think of patients who look up info on the internet... I've been there when they mutter comments about "self diagnosing" and "think they can do a better job!" or even the sad head shake and the gentle reminders that you "shouldn't believe everything you read" But what other option do I have? When was the last time your doctor sat down and talked with you about your conditions and potential repercussions? Yeah you know if you don't lose weight you're at risk for a heart attack... But what happens if you skip one of your blood pressure meds? No one has ever explained that to me. I've learned by reading on the internet or by cause and effect. They know... but they don't have time to talk.

Now on the other side of the coin I KNOW they're over worked, underpaid and under appreciated. I'm not trying to start that discussion! I'm just saying that if you want me know what's the right thing to do... have your secretary/assistant send me a hyperlink with good quality info on my condition... or tell me. And if you don't, you can't complain when I look it up by myself. Give me a printout with the do's and don'ts of what I should be doing. WRITE down the NAME of the rash that I have on my arm so I can look it up for myself if it's just cosmetic or not... don't just write me 4 prescriptions and tell me I don't really need them. But here they are anyway, what do I do with those?

I've had some exceptional doctors. In this last year, I've gotten my migraines under control, which is something that hasn't happened in the last 10 yrs. So this is not a criticism of my primary care doctor or any one doctor. But please, help me to help myself!