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Managing Your Health Begins With Partnering With Your Doctor
By Gary R. McClain, PhD
If you are being treated for fibromyalgia, you have most likely learned that your condition can result in a wide range of symptoms, including, pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, among many others. Consequently, it is important to maintain close communications with your physicians (primary care and specialists) to make sure that you are keeping them up-to-date on how you’re feeling. Using some relationship management skills can go a long way toward helping you to get the best healthcare possible.
Think of the healthcare establishment as another culture; learn the language and the customs.
Healthcare professionals have their own way of communicating, and the words they use may not always be clear to you. Phrases like “presenting symptoms” may sound as if your symptoms are a gift. Suggestions may include medical shorthand that requires translation. Learn the common medical terminology around fibromyalgia so that know what your doctor is looking for when you have a conversation about your health. If you don’t understand what your
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| “Consider maintaining a journal between appointments.” |
healthcare provider is asking, or why, just ask for clarification. Medical professionals typically want to establish a dialogue with their patients.
Be sensitive to your doctor’s key concerns… But don’t be afraid to speak up.
Fibromyalgia patients sometimes assume their physician is interested in certain types of symptoms, but not in other types. Or they’re afraid they will be annoying, or be labeled a ‘hypochondriac’ if they bring up symptoms on their own. These concerns all add up to one disempowerment. If you experience an unfamiliar symptom, or aren’t experiencing any progress with a new medication, then notify your doctor. Call now. Don’t wait for your next appointment. If your doctor doesn’t know what’s going in, he or she can’t help you. Be an active participant in your healthcare!
Think of your doctor as a professional—not as your best friend.
Each physician will have his or her unique personal and professional style. While it is common for patients to want to “love” their doctors, this can result in not only expecting an unreasonable level of emotional support your doctor can’t deliver, but also in avoiding the hard questions that we ask professionals but wouldn’t ask our friends. Be clear in your own
| “Using some relationship management skills can go a long way toward helping you to get the best healthcare possible.” |
mind that your doctor can most help you by doing the best job possible treating your condition; that’s what he or she is there for. Don’t let your viewpoint be clouded by the unconditional love that we reserve for our friends—but don’t shortchange yourself on emotional support, either. Look to friends and mental health professionals when you need it.
Become an information-gathering partner with your doctor and share what you learn.
While making an effort to stay on top of the latest FM treatments, you may come across some news that your healthcare provider isn’t aware of yet. f you do, then don’t hesitate to bring it up. He or she may already be aware but, on the other hand, may not. And if your physician isn’t open to patients who gather information on their own, maybe it’s time to remind your doctor that there is no ‘I’ in team.
Watch for hidden clues.
Consider maintaining a journal between appointments, so you can track your progress and note any changes. You should review this before your appointment and highlight any issues you want to make sure you discuss. With a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, clues to treatment may not be immediately obvious, but may jump out at you, when you review your day-to-day routine. As the saying goes, the devil is sometimes in the details.
Use time wisely—and rely on your doctor’s support staff.
Doctors’ offices and clinics often have certain times of the day, and days of the week, when they are busiest. Part of figuring out the culture in the land of your healthcare provider is to know what times to avoid. If you aren’t sure, you can ask when the person who manages the schedule. It can also be helpful to develop a relationship with the nursing staff at your doctor’s office; nurses are seeing the same patients as the doctors are, and can answer many of the same questions.
We live in the age of the empowered patient. Power up to partner with your physician in managing your fibromyalgia!
Dr. Gary R. McClain is a New York City-based counselor in private practice who works with clients facing chronic and catastrophic illness. You can learn more at http://www.justgotdiagnosed.com/.
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This article was originally published in FMOnline vol. 10, no. 2. To view the other articles in this issue, click on the links below.
In the Spotlight
Creating and Maintaining a Partnership with your Doctor
Managing Your Health Begins With Partnering With Your Doctor
Speaking Up for Yourself Effectively: Get More of What You Need Without Alienating Others
For Caregivers Only
In the News
“Roadmap for Change” Advances Understanding and Care of FM
Racial Differences in Pain Treatment
Hot Flash
NFA News
Awareness Day 2010
