Corel Medical Series: Cancer/Corel Medical Series: Cancer.iso/mac/Program/p03.dxr/00075_Field_SRC.p03.A.19.txt

Text File | 1997-01-28 | 2KB | 15 lines

• Be cooperative  Every doctor has seen patients who, because of anxieties—the fear of illness or death —
  simply aren't cooperative. They object to having extra blood tests or doing things that are sometimes
  necessary but that they simply don't want to do. When they come into the office, they should undress for an
  examination, yet some say, "I don't want to get undressed today." That's not the best way to get help. You
  have to follow certain patterns and be cooperative if you expect results.
• Avoid raising irrelevant problems  Your doctor is always ready to deal with important problems
  like weight loss or nausea or a swollen arm or leg. When all that has to be covered during the office visit, it's
  hard to deal with a stubbed toe or whether the pimple on your backside has to be removed. Talking about a
  half-dozen minor problems can use up half the appointment. Of course, the doctor realizes that what you are
  really saying is, "I'm scared. I'm frightened for my life." But still, discussing extraneous problems is not the
  most effective use of office time.
• Ask the pertinent questions  Unless you try to limit your questions to the most essential problems,
  you lose both focus and the chance for better explanations. All questions are relevant, but if you take a long list
  of questions you're going to defeat yourself before you begin. As a patient, you have an obligation to be
  practical and to do your best to work with your physician rather than frustrate each other.