Chris of UK (retired doc not rheum)- OT (?)

[Guest guest]

I was wondering if you could give us tips on how to communicate with

G.P's & doc's in general. I just can't seem to get what I need out of

any doc, nor do i seem to be able to convey my symptoms etc properly.

Is there a way we can make communicatin easier & in a " foolproof "

manner?

Not being able to get the support & treatment (i think

i need) is causing me a lot of stress which isn't helping my RA. I can

feel it flaring but the prednisone is keeping it under some control.

Your insight is very appreciated,

Sharon of Oz

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon and group,

Well good question. Mmmm... I'm tickled to be asked for my opinion! but also

saddened at the underlying distress , worry and frustration implicit here and

read sadly too often in other posts.

Firstly I would say that all main strategies have been stated here over time,

in postings and words of encouragement from members who have 'been there

before' in this great group.

I remember Clora saying that she suddenly realised from someone's post that she

must take her pain in with her to the consulting room and let it be seen and

heard clearly. (not hidden with a brave face of inital interaction as is normal

in social interactions. ) not 'looking well' in best frock and great make-up!

This saves time, focuses and, time is of course limited.

Collect bullet points of info or questions you want to ask. (Summarise a time

line of symptoms, hardships of day by day functioning and losses.) Journal these

between appts. Note med changes. 'Odd ,?unrelated symtoms.

This is a disease of patterns often only recognised in retrospect. Prioritise.

Whittle down your major queries that you want answered that visit. If you get

answers to just those you will leave feeling more satisfied.Tackle some others

next visit. It will help perspective.

Try and remain business like and unemotional so the consultation can be between

equals.Keep your voice even.Make direct steady eye contact.

If you feel intimidated assert rather than get upset!!! but try not to

confront.

Make statements short and pause for effect. Pace more slowly than your anxiety

will probably want.

You are the 'client' and need best advice, info. That simply is also what a good

doc should want to provide and feel good doing. (it helps if they can feel good

too.!)

Hopefully they will have some interpersonal skills and empathy but even if

they don't...

I belive others should be in this team not just docs. There is such a lot of

info needed, not all directly 'medical', physio, ortho, social.etc

Many have other skills and knowledge important in living with this disease.

Sorry to be long winded , hope this helps. Bet you get some good suggestions

from others.

Good luck

Chris

UK

From: bon_mac18 <bon_mac18@...>

Subject: [ ] of UK (retired doc not rheum)- OT (?)

Date: Tuesday, 7 October, 2008, 11:55 PM

I was wondering if you could give us tips on how to communicate with

G.P's & doc's in general. I just can't seem to get what I need out of

any doc, nor do i seem to be able to convey my symptoms etc properly.

Is there a way we can make communicatin easier & in a " foolproof "

manner?

Not being able to get the support & treatment (i think

i need) is causing me a lot of stress which isn't helping my RA. I can

feel it flaring but the prednisone is keeping it under some control.

Your insight is very appreciated,

Sharon of Oz