BECOMING PARTNERS WITH YOUR DOCTOR: IT DEFINITELY PAYS OFFMany of us tend to believe that we have little or nothing to contribute to our own treatment program. But think again. Each of us is the one-and-only possible expert when it comes to:Our family historyOur symptoms and how they developedOur opinions about what has and hasn’t worked for us in the pastHow we feel about various treatment optionsOur lifestyle and the things that are important to usOur preferences, concerns and fearsDoctors report that 70% of their correct diagnoses are the result of information provided by the patient. What’s more, statistics show that patients who speak up, share information, ask questions and participate in treatment decisions enjoy a noticeable improvement in the quality and appropriateness of their care.So how do you go about becoming an effective partner with your doctor?Betweendoctorvisits Learn to observe your own body and keep a record of your symptoms and concerns so that you’re ready to report accurate information to your doctor. For example:Be able to give your doctor an exact temperature reading — and ready to report whether it’s an oral, axillary (taken in the armpit) or rectal temperature. This is much more helpful than saying that you or a member of your family is “burning up.” If you don’t have a thermometer, buy one and learn to use it.Learn to measure pulse rate and its regularity. Whether you are worried about a feverish child or a spouse who is experiencing heart palpitations, measuring the person’s pulse — which means counting the number of heartbeats in one minute — and noticing whether the rhythm of the beats is regular or irregular, can provide your doctor with useful information.For women over age 18, make a habit of examining your breasts once a month. Learn what is normal and customary for you and report any changes — such as unusual lumps or thickening — to your doctor. Once males are in their teens, they should begin examining their penis and testes each month for any changes that could indicate infection or cancer.Know what your normal weight is. If it changes, keep track of how much and over what period of time. Knowing about any sudden weight loss or gain can help your doctor diagnose certain illnesses. (Ask your health care provider for more information on weight, exercise and healthy diets.)Become familiar with your skin — moles, warts, bruises, birthmarks, etc., as well as overall tone and color. Learn to notice and track anything unusual — a mole that is growing or a sore that isn’t healing — that may need immediate attention.In short, get to know your whole body — from head to toe — so you will know what is normal for you. Keep a list of any changes, symptoms or areas of concern and bring it with you to your next doctor visit.For nonemergencies, check this book before calling your doctor. You may discover some self-care options that can save the time and expense of a doctor visit.If you decide to go to the doctor, prepare for the visit. Give some careful thought to your most important health concerns. Get ready to describe them — in order of importance — as completely and concisely as possible. Write down names of your medications and questions you want to ask your doctor.At the doctor’s officeBegin the conversation with the topics you are most worried about — not your minor complaints — and be as honest and direct as possible about your feelings and concerns. Keep it short and to the point, but take the time you need to describe your problemTaking an active role Whether your doctor suggests putting you on medication, running a few tests, or scheduling a minor procedure or major surgery — it always pays off to find out what’s going on and participate in the decision-making process.Yes, your doctor has years of training and offers invaluable medical advice. But only you can really decide if the benefits outweigh the risks — for your particular situation — and if the treatment plan is something you can live with and incorporate into your lifestyle.taking an active role in treatment decisionsAsk your doctor to explain the various treatment options — along with the benefits, risks and costs of each before going ahead with anything: “What is the official name of the test/procedure/ medication?” “Why do I need it?” “What will the procedure involve?” “What are the risks and benefits?” “How much will it cost?” “What are the alternatives?” “Would it be possible to just watch and wait for a while?” Take notes if it helps.If you don’t understand your doctor’s explanations, be persistent and ask again: “Could you go over that part again?” “Do you have any material I can read at home?” “Can you show me on paper what will happen?”If a prescription drug is suggested, ask about the side effects, and the possibility of using a less expensive but effective generic substitute.If a major test or surgery is recommended, ask if there are other treatment options that are equally effective, or if you can watch and wait for a while without putting your health at risk.Ask if there will be any restrictions on activity and, if so, how long the restrictions will be necessary. If some treatment is suggested that you know you just can’t or won’t be able to handle — “I have three kids at home! I can’t stay in bed all day!” — speak up. Chances are you and your doctor can work out a suitable alternative.Find out if there is anything else — besides or in addition to a prescription or treatment — you can do for yourself to help the problem or speed your recovery.Sorting through your options If it’s a nonemergency, don’t rush into anything! Remember that very few medical procedures are actually emergencies. There is usually time to think about the options and select the one that seems best for you.Use this guide to help you understand your medical problem, evaluate your options for care and plan questions for your doctor.If you find you have more questions for your doctor, or need additional information, call your doctor’s office and ask!Once treatment is decide…Make sure you understand all the treatment instructions. If not, as more questions!Carefully follow your treatment program. For example, write down your medication schedule and each time you take the medicines.Always fully comply with all instructions, and always talk to your doctor before altering your treatment or medication program.Keep track of any side effects and call your doctor if you are worried or have any questions, or if something doesn’t seem right.*124\303\2*