Do you feel satisfied with your doctor visits, or do you sometimes feel it’s difficult to communicate why you are there. No one should feel dismissed, ignored, overlooked, and/or disrespected when asking for help, but I hear it happens… a lot. Part of the struggle has to do with the limited time the doctor has in front of you (sometimes 10 short minutes or less). Here are my top 5 tips for great communication, connection, and partnership at that time.
- Schedule a symptom-specific appointment. Make a list of the symptoms to discuss with your doctor, and schedule the appointment for those specific issues collectively. Don’t add on any others during that visit (like I think I might be getting the flu…) Share your concerns, ideals, and ask if they could be related
- Be the client. Be the client who has hired a doctor for support. It’s a more powerful mindset than a person who is at the mercy of a doctor’s diagnosis. You have hired them to help you on YOUR health mission. If they can’t, you can fire them. So appreciate the doctor’s knowledge & experience, and then speak confidently and share your goals of what you need help with.
- Prepare. Before the appointment, write down the key points to share, and what you need help with. Stay focused and calm as you communicate the purpose of the meeting.
- Bring resources with you. If your doctor won’t order the labs or tests you want, or can’t seem to connect the dots between your symptoms and the diagnosis you think you might have, bring some resources with you for supporting your requests and enriching the discussion. You are encouraged to bring my book, RIGHT Diet for Autoimmunity and other medical references to the appointment. Your doctor may not align with newer theories or holistic therapies, but share your desire for a working partnership if you want to gather more data or explore alternate therapies. Stand tall and speak up.
- Bring an advocate. Bring a friend or health coach with you. Having a friend by your side (physically or virtually) helps your confidence, communication, and focus. They can also take notes for you! It also can avoid power dynamics and the feeling of isolation and desperation.
If you are still not able to have honest clear communication with your doctor or if you feel disrespected, then it may be time to go separate ways. A good doctor will be respectful even if they don’t agree with the path you’d like to explore. An ideal doctor will explore that path you want to take and support that journey how they can.
Remember that you deserve to be respected. I have had a doctor tell me there is nothing wrong with me when I had a massive loss of weight and my hair was falling out in clumps. He refused to explore nutritional deficiencies, when in actuality that was an underlying issue. He made me feel small, silly, and stupid. That should NOT happen. The truth is you’re the expert of your body. You are also responsible for your health. So, you are entitled to answers for your questions and to have a respectful partner on your journey to better health!
If you ever want a virtual health coach by your side at your doctor, make an appointment with me and let’s get you the results you want!
