I’d love to add to this very good post, that I have found that it is important for me to recognize my physicians are humans – they have bad days, distractions, and preoccupations just as I do. Sometimes as a patient I have to figure out how to break into their worlds.

For instance, one of my docs seems to respond better to my problem of the day, if I approach him summarizing where I’ve been and what’s worked. I believe this is because with his help, I have had gradual improvements over the last 3 years. Keeping a “big picture view” aids me in self evaluations and puts me more in this doctor’s mental landscape. If I meet him there, he then meets me in my current need.

I have also found that preparing for interactions with my physicians (I work with a neurologist, primary care provider, a surgeon, a psychiatrist) is time well spent.

This prep can look like a print out of current meds and and notes about changes. Or a list of questions or concerns – one that I give the doc, and one that I write their responses in for myself. It forces me to be concise and helps them know what I need and where the conversation is going.

Another form of prep may be a chart (think spread sheet like) of as needed (prn) medications, like muscle relaxants, analgesics or opiods. I record which medications and when I’ve taken them – for several weeks. This provides the physician raw data, not just my anecdotal memory. With that data, docs have recognized patterns, external influences on my pain or even that another medication would work better.

Thanks for the good insights shared!