Tuesday Tip: You Are Not A Difficult Patient

Tuesday Tip

 

 

For  today’s Tuesday Tip, I wanted to share this important reminder: You are not a difficult patient!

 

When you live with chronic pain and illness, you will face a number of obstacles, within your own body and with others, including those in the medical profession. They may make you feel that you’re a burden or a “problem patient.” Well, you’re not!

 

It’s important to remember that you are perfectly within your rights to do the following:

• Ask questions (and ask for clarification, if needed)
• Read your office notes (and ask questions for clarification or point out mistakes, missing information, or inaccuracies)
• Request a second opinion (or even a third or fourth opinion!)
• Ask about next steps, other options or tests that could be explored, etc.

 

For many of us, it’s hard to speak up or question our medical providers. However, you are the one who is most knowledgeable about you! These days, it often takes many months, perhaps years, to get in to see a specialist, so it’s imperative that you make the most of each appointment. After all, your time is just as important as theirs … and you are the one most impacted by the outcome of that appointment. 

 

Is there anything you’d add to this list? If so, feel free to leave a comment.

 

I hope you have a low-pain day. 

 

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