and I am rereading it right now. I will post the highlights...
Ok a bullet box of 3 main suggestions 1. make the most of your time by preparing how you will explain your problem fully but concisely, starting with your foremost concern 2. avoid calling doc at times outside of office hours or for non-emergencies 3. be patient. Proper diagnosis and treatment take time
Additional points: Empathize with doctors stress and fatigue. Think about their day and what they have to deal with everyday: long hours, whiney patients, insurance problems, and having 7-10 minutes per patient. So their main gripes are 1. patients who ramble 2. patients who demand too much 3. patients who distrust them and rather do their own research and/or don't give treatments time to work
What you can do for the best care from your doctor: (my own words and interpretation) 1. speak respectfully but don't take disrespectful treatment in return 2. ask brief questions so you get exactly how to use the meds/suggestions they provide. If you don't agree then don't say so but say "that hasn't worked so well in the past; should I expect it to now?" or "oh that conflicts with this research I have done; how I am to understand that?" So it doesn't sound like you are distrustful but wanting proper information. 3. Educate yourself about your body and condition. Use medical terms as much as possible- it makes you sound smarter. 4. Even if you are going in for depression or something make sure to come across "sound in mind" or you will be treated like a crazy or a baby. 5. Make a list; be concise; use eye contact; explain how you feel descriptively; there is no need to underplay your pains, but describe them reasonably. Well hopefully this helps. There is nothing we can do to change a doctor's bedside manner, but understanding what they want from us can benefit us. Of course there are some bad seeds out there that nothing will help! But these are things I have done to receive respectful treatment. In general I have noticed great success when behaving in this way at the clinic.
-------------------- IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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I did find it
