Doctor, Let’s Talk

Do you talk to your doc? Does your doctor know your opinions on treatment, your hopes for your health, and any concerns that could affect HIV? They should. The more they know about you, the better care they can provide. Don’t presume one “get to know you” chat at the beginning of your relationship will suffice. Things always change.

Like all of us, doctors can change their opinions radically, change treatment suggestions, and explore new research. If you look at the course of treatment history in HIV, you can see that first line treatments today are different than they were in 1996, the big year that combination therapy really hit the headlines. Your doctor can be a great source for new information – if you ask.

I love this program on CBC radio called White Coat, Black Art. It’s about health care “from my side of the gurney,” according to host Dr Brian Goldman. Each show is about a specific issue, and has doctors and nurses offer perspectives from their health professional’s point of view. There’s debate, contradictions, and some good insider information. One of Goldman’s ongoing themes? Talk to your doctor. Ask questions, and ask again later to see if the answer has changed.

Doctors are busy people who see a lot of patients and do their best to care for them all as well as humanly possible. But they have many patients, and in the case of HIV, patients with complex health issues. The best advocate for your health is going to be you. And advocating requires talking and getting to know your doctor, and letting them get to know you.

Talk about what you are feeling related to treatment (or not being on treatment). Side effects? Let your doctor know. Talk about changes in your health and your thoughts for your future health. Tell your doctor whether you hope to have children. Talk, talk, talk. The more your doctor knows about your health history, your current health and your dreams for your healthy future, the better care they can offer right now, to make that future clearer. 

If embarrassment or nervousness is the issue, talk to us. Sangam or Stacie are great listeners and can give you feedback on how to deliver your message clearly and accurately. A doctor can only work with what they have. Give them more than a chart with numbers and lab tests and blood draws. Give them your thoughts and experiences with your health. It’ll build and enhance your relationship, and teach a doctor more about the rich complexity of their jobs.

-Janet

This was posted on Friday, September 26th, 2008 at 10:00 am and is filed under Body Health, Support . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.

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  Bronwyn October 2, 2008 at 10:39 am

  YES YES YES!
  I love that CBC show too!
  we need to advocate for ourselves with our docs!

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  Fermin Capello May 16, 2010 at 12:16 am

  I truly loved reading your blog. It was well written and easy to undertand. Unlike other blogs I have read. I also found it very interesting. Actually after reading, I had to go show the better half and she ejoyed it also!

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