Do not be shy and timid when it comes to your healthcare.
You need to stand up to yourself and make sure your doctor “hears” you. The
doctor may very well know best, but then again, sometimes you know better. It
is your body and your health. If your doctor suggests a treatment or medicine
that just does not sound right for you. Let him know. There may be other
alternative you can try. You always have the option of refusing a treatment or
test if you would like. If you are worried about a particular treatment or
test, talk to your doctor.
Tell your physician what your concerns are and what
questions you have. Together you may be able to come up with a solution. When
you are at your appointment, do not let the doctor do all the talking. They
often have many patients to see in a short amount of time. This is not their
fault typically, but it is not yours either. And you should not need to suffer
the consequences. Stand up for yourself and make sure that your doctor
addresses all your concerns and questions.
Do not be rushed and do not leave
that room until you have your questions answered and your concerns addressed.
Ultimately, you are in charge. Your doctor cannot help you with a matter that
he knows nothing about. He cannot answer your questions if you do not ask. So
by all means ask.