When you go to see a doctor, do you sometimes feel like he or she didn't really hear what you were saying? Or have you ever gone home thinking, "Oh, I forgot to ask," without being able to answer your questions? This is true for many people. When we are afraid of an illness and in pain, it is difficult to say exactly what we want. But this conversation between a doctor and a patient, that is, communication, is much more important than you think for your recovery. Today, we will talk about this.
Why is it so important to talk to a doctor?
Simply put, the doctor treats you by listening to what you say. The doctor needs a lot of information to figure out what your symptoms are, how long they've been there, whether they get worse after eating something, what other illnesses you have, and what medications you're taking. If you don't tell the doctor these things correctly, it can be difficult for the doctor to diagnose the illness. Also, if you don't understand what the doctor is saying, you may not be able to take your medications or control your diet properly. That's why two-way communication is so important.
Remember, when you go to see a doctor, you're not just a patient. You're a key part of the story. The best results can't be achieved without your participation.
Even a doctor can make bad decisions – a true story
This story is about a world-renowned doctor, Professor Jerome Groopman. He was a keen athlete in his youth. One day he had a back problem. The doctors called it a ``ruptured disc'', which means that the soft part between the vertebrae of the spine has slipped out.
Many doctors told him not to rush into surgery, to take some rest, and to do things like physical therapy . But this young doctor wanted to get well soon and get back to running. So he went to find a doctor who would “tell me what I want.” The doctor said, “Okay, let’s do the operation , and you’ll get well soon.”
Professor Groopman says, “I’ve regretted that decision for 21 years,” because after that surgery he was never able to run like he used to. “I wasn’t a good patient at the time,” he says. “I was in pain, and I was stubborn. If I had listened to what the other doctors said, maybe my life would have been different today.”
What can we learn from this story?
- Don't go for quick fixes: Some illnesses take time to heal. There are no magic cures that will cure you overnight.
- Listen to what the doctor says: Listen carefully, especially when a doctor is telling you about different treatment options.
- The one who tells you exactly what you want isn't always the best: Sometimes the doctor who tells us the truth, even when we don't want to hear it, is the one who helps us.
If your voice is not heard, add someone else.
Professor Groupman tells another very touching story. It's about his own young son. While he was returning from a long trip with his family, their infant son suddenly became ill. The child kept vomiting . His wife (also a doctor) was very suspicious that this was something serious.
They show it to a doctor, but he doesn't care much, saying it's "normal." But the child's condition worsens. Finally, they take the child to the Emergency Department (ETU) of a large hospital. The young doctor there is exhausted.
Mr. Groupman's wife, very neatly and clearly, tells the doctor every detail, such as, "What happened to the baby over the past 24 hours, when did he drink milk, when was the last time his diaper was changed?" But while the doctor examines the baby, he asks again from the beginning, "When was the last time he drank milk? When was the last time he changed his diaper?"
At that moment, the parents realized, “This doctor didn’t listen to us.” They realized that their son’s life was in danger. They immediately bypassed the doctor, found a senior doctor, and explained the situation. Tests revealed that the child had an intestinal obstruction. If surgery had not been performed quickly, the child’s life could not have been saved.
This shows that when we are sick and scared, it can be difficult for us to speak up for ourselves alone. At times like these , it is so valuable to have someone you trust, like a family member or friend, with you . That person can remind you of things you may be missing, ask the doctor more questions, and speak up for you.
Does the doctor feel like he's running out of time? What are we going to do?
This is a problem that many people in our country have. Whether at a channel service or at a government hospital clinic, the number of patients waiting to be seen by a doctor is high. So the time given to one patient is very limited. Within 10-15 minutes, you have to talk about your years-old illness and bring back medicine.
This is not the fault of the doctors or the patients. This is a problem with the system. But it is because of this lack of time that communication problems often occur.
| Things to do (Do's) | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Prepare in advance. | Before you go to the doctor, write down on a small piece of paper your symptoms, the day they started, and how often they worsen. Also, write down 2-3 questions you have to ask. |
| Say the most important thing first. | When you start the conversation, state your main problem. Start by saying, "Doctor, this is the biggest problem I have..." |
| Go with someone. | If possible, bring a family member with you. It will help you remember things you may forget and listen to what the doctor says. |
How do you know if your doctor is listening to you?
This is very simple. If you finish telling the doctor a story, and the doctor asks you the same thing again, it means that his attention is probably elsewhere. Just like in the story of the little boy. After the mother tells the story, the doctor asks the same thing again. That is the best sign.
If that happens, don't panic. Very politely say, “Doctor, that's what I just said. Maybe you didn't hear me.” Saying this may get the doctor's attention. It could even save your life.
When we look into why some patients turn away from traditional doctors and seek alternative methods, we find that the main reason is the feeling that “no one listened to us.” It is very important for a doctor to listen not only to the disease, but also to the patient.
Take-Home Message
- Be prepared: Before you go to the doctor, make a list of your symptoms and questions you want to ask. Also bring your old reports, medications, etc.
- Speak up: Tell your doctor everything that's on your mind, no matter how small. Don't hold anything back.
- Bring someone along: Whenever possible, bring a family member or trusted friend with you to the doctor. It's a great motivator.
- If you don't understand, ask again: If you don't understand something the doctor says, about a medication, or about an illness, don't be shy about asking, "Can I explain that a little more?"
- Listen carefully to the doctor's instructions. Take brief notes if necessary.
- There's nothing wrong with getting a second opinion: If you have any doubts about your diagnosis or treatment plan, it's a good idea to get a second opinion from another doctor. Don't be afraid to talk about it, even with your doctor.
How to talk to the doctor , medical advice, patient communication, second opinion, healthy living , doctor appointment , health communication
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