Preparing for a Clients’ Doctor’s Appointment (Part 1)

By: Asha Florence Mungal

We all believe that we will remember our questions and concerns the next time we visit the doctor. But guess what? We don’t. There is always that important little detail we forget to mention. So, what’s the best approach?

WRITE IT DOWN.

As it happens, WRITE IT DOWN.

Even if you think you are going to remember, WRITE IT DOWN.

Of course, we all carry a sense of pride and believe that if we must write everything down, it means we are forgetting. NO, it means we are ensuring we get the answers needed for whatever medical ailment our loved one (or even ourselves) may be experiencing. It means we are PROACTIVE to what comes with ageing. It means we are preventing long-term ailments and ensuring we have a good quality of life.

Firstly, start a log.

• Have a special notebook.
• Note the date, time, and duration next to every circumstance no matter how short or insignificant it may seem.
• Any pains or discomforts experienced.
• Do you notice the discomfort when you are performing certain tasks? For example, walking up or down stairs.
• Any signs of indigestion, especially after certain types of meals.
• Sleepless nights
• Loss of appetite
• Irregularity in bowel movements
• Incontinence
• Chest pains
• Tired feelings
• Confusion or disorientation
• Dizziness
• Behavioural patterns
• Allergic reactions
• Daily vitals – blood pressure, blood sugar, oxygen, pulse

Having support makes the process a bit easier. Many family caregivers are so overwhelmed, they often miss the diagnosis or sometimes confuse what is being said.

Now that you have everything logged, it’s time to make the doctor’s appointment.

• Find out available appointment dates and times.
• If you require transport, discuss the dates and times available.
• Call back the doctor’s office and confirm the date and time that best suits you. Of course, if it is an emergency, then the earliest appointment is best.

What to take to the doctor’s appointment?

Have a special bag that stores all important medical information, making it easier when time for a visit. The bag should have:

• Logbook – for specific questions to ask
• Loved one’s daily logbook
• Pen/pencil to make notes.
• Walk with all the medications prescribed.
• Patient identification card
• Any past test results, X-rays, blood works etc.
• Referral letter
• Snacks, bottled water (if your appointment runs late)
• Change of clothes, diapers/pull ups, towel, wet wipes (depending on your loved one’s situation)

Bring a family member or friend to the appointment.

Sometimes a doctor’s appointment may be overwhelming, especially if you have an ailing loved one, and it helps to have extra support at your side.

• You have your book with all your concerns and know exactly how you want the conversation to go. You can go over the questions with them and ask them to prompt you along the way.
• Ask your family member/friend to take notes.

Sometimes it’s easier for a third party to focus on what is being said.

• If there is a question you may have forgotten, they can ask, but of course within reason.
• You may want a private moment with the doctor, so ask the person if they can hold on in the waiting room with your loved one.

For more information email: caregiversgroup@gmail.com