Communicating with your Doctor

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Communicating with your Doctor

An important aspect of getting good care for your fibromyalgia is learning to communicate effectively with your health care provider about your disease and symptoms. Communication is especially important for fibromyalgia sufferers because of the need to be proactive in getting good care, and the need to be prepared to advocate for yourself.

The following are some general strategies to consider in learning how to communicate with health care providers about fibromyalgia

Go into your appointments with an open mind

Unless you have already been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, be careful not to self-diagnose too quickly. Go into your appointments open to the possibility of alternative diagnoses. This does not mean that you have to accept the opinion of the provider if you truly do not agree and do not get relief from your symptoms, but you should be open to other possibilities.

Be tuned into your body and your symptoms

Listen to your body and know your symptoms. Be aware of what is and is not normal for you. No one knows your body better than you do.

Keep a fibro journal

Keep a journal detailing your symptoms, things that seem to trigger your symptoms, and things that have given you relief. Detail patterns you seem to notice, such as increased pain from weather, different activities, or during certain times of your menstrual cycle. Be specific and factual. Having this prepared for your appointment will help you to remember all of your symptoms and the problems you have had, and will allow you to offer detailed evidence of your fibro history.

Educate yourself

Educate yourself about the disease, the most recent research, and treatments and therapies available, including alternative treatments. Don't be surprised if you know more about the disease or the latest treatments than your health care provider.

Have a list of questions ready

If you have questions about fibromyalgia or your specific symptoms or treatment, prepare a list ahead of time so you will be sure to remember them all during your brief office exam. Your provider may not have time to answer all of your questions if you have an extensive list, so have them prioritized.

Do not start a discussion in a paper gown

Insist on discussing your condition and treatment while you are both sitting down and fully dressed. This may take place before or after your exam, but insist on it. You will feel much more comfortable, confident, and assertive.

Stick to the facts and factually. Whenever possible, describe your symptoms without discussing the emotional impact they have had on you. The fibro journal will help you keep your details specific and factual. Remember that for the most part health care providers are scientists, and you have to speak in language that they will understand. Prioritize your symptoms

Be prepared to discuss your worst or most bothersome symptoms first. This will ensure that these symptoms receive priority attention from the health care provider, and won't get lost in the list of unfortunate symptoms that accompany fibromyalgia. If you run out of time and your provider does not get to all of your problems, then make another appointment.

Have clear expectations

Be clear about your expectations from your health care provider and what you want. Communicate to your provider what sort of treatments or therapies you would like to consider and be willing to discuss these. For example, you can think about whether you are willing to use different types of standard medications such as muscle relaxants, if you would like to try alternative medicine, or if you would like to try to manage your fibromyalgia with exercise, yoga, supplements, or other methods. Be clear about your opinions and don't be afraid to take control of your care.

Don't be afraid to ask

You are responsible for being your own health care advocate. Don't be afraid to ask if you have questions. If your health care provider is not open to answering questions, then perhaps it is time to find a new provider.

Don't be afraid to disagree Medical appointments can be intimidating. Even the most educated and assertive person can occasionally fall victim to "white coat" anxiety. But unfortunately in order to get the care you deserve, sometimes it will require you to be assertive with your health care provider, and even to disagree with him or her. Prepare yourself ahead of time if you need to by reminding yourself that you are protecting nothing less than your health and your dignity.Think before you answer

When your health care provider asks questions about your current emotional health status, such as whether you think you are under a lot of stress, consider how your replies will be received before you answer. It would not be unusual for your provider to ask questions about your stress level or emotional state, but consider whether the diagnosis will be based solely on your answers rather than on your symptoms.

Go back if you don't find relief

Don't be afraid to go back if the treatment or therapy prescribed by your health care provider is not giving you relief. Don't adjust down your expectations for your own health and your quality of life because you can't find relief! Keep looking!

Know your health insurance plan

If you have health insurance, know your policy and what is covered before you go to see your health care provider. For example, know whether your plan covers alternative medicine, physical therapy, preventive medicine, or massage. This will provide you with an idea of what options may be available to you if appropriate.Let us know if you have any other ideas on how to communicate with your health care provider