If you really think your doctor is doing less than he or she should, talk about it and listen to how the doctor responds. Only then can you make a rational decision about what action you should take.
Withholding Information Holding back or not being completely honest and clear about how you feel not only blocks good communication, it puts your doctor at a terrible disadvantage and doesn't serve your best interests at all.
If you have a lot of new symptoms, you may be afraid of sounding like a hypochondriac or appearing to be too emotional. So when the doctor asks you how you are, you reply, "Just fine." When you say that, you lose a golden opportunity to communicate your needs. These new symptoms may be causing you all kinds of worry and distress, but by your two little words you've made sure that your doctor will not be able to put your mind at ease. You can only hope your doctor doesn't believe you.
And when your doctor explains a procedure, treatment or test result and asks if you understand, don't just automatically say, "Sure. Got it." If you don't really understand, say so. All pretending can do is add to your confusion and increase your anxiety.
Dealing with Fear It should be clear by now that the feeling of fear can block communication. If fear stops you from asking perfectly reasonable questions or accepting needed treatment or if it comes out as anger, it can badly damage your relationship with someone who is doing his or her best to make you well again.
