Meeting one’s family Diabetes management is a stressful event to many…Some dread it ….Most resent it…And yet a minority look forward to it. How do I know? …The answer lies in my upbringing. I frequented a doctor like no other child did. It was almost like going to play school. As a child I used to dread the injections that were synonymous with visiting a physician…As I grew up and became bolder to the repeated onslaught of injections,something else pained me every time I visited our doctor..Intimidation ….By the doctor ..To the patient(read yours truly)and for his benefit . This was borne out of my ignorance because there were others who could impress this same doctor while I fumbled desperately for words. I knew something was grossly amiss but couldn’t put a finger on it. I guess part of my motivation to join medical school was to find an answer. It has been many years now since I graduated. Today I am a family physician to many. Its my sincere wish that those who read this may never have to fumble and grumble when it comes to seeing a doctor. Here are a few tips…
It may sound silly …But I have seen patients come out with complaints just as they are finished with a consultation. I can assure you that nothing can irritate a doctor more than this. Why? Because usually by this time the doctor has formulated a working diagnosis in his mind..And has probably ordered few tests. This last minute complaint suddenly may turn things topsy turvy for the doctor and his working diagnosis. This necessitates a new chain of thoughts…Repeat examination and probably an altered array of tests. It is embarrassing for anyone ,let alone a doctor!!
When the doctor lets you speak …Speak your mind …Let him know what is troubling you. But when he has examined you and has written out a prescription, grant him the courtesy of accepting his advice rather than bombard him now with a new set of complaints. A greeting would surely help.
What occurred first….Was it the fever or was it that nagging headache? Totally irrelevant to you maybe..But could be the essential clue to clinch a diagnosis for your doctor.Gp will surely ask for the chronology of complaints in one way or the other..Some do it upfront while others do it in a subtle way. Its taught in the medical school…History taking is an art….Surely art involves time….And your doctor is seriously short of it..Now and every time. Believe me on this one!!
