It can be "difficult" to talk to your doctor. If your "shy" or rushed or not sure about what to communicate. But!! talking "Openly" to your doctor is "very important". It stands to reason that you know more about your body. Your doctor needs you to talk opening and honestly about your body. You and your doctor work as a team, so be sure you are comfortable with your teammate... See below on more about doctor ,patient relation.
Compile( Write ) A complete List Of All Medication And Herbs You Are " Currently " Taking. List Should include Asperin-Tylenol, Vitamins Any Over The Counter Medication. Medication Listing Must Indicate...Mention...If You Have Had Any " Adverse ( bad ) feelings,"... Allergies, Sensitivity anything... From Any Medication(s) You Had Priviously Taken.
Even The Slightest Reaction...strange feeling you had... Could be Important, So Make SureYou Have " What you Experienced (felt )" At Any Time on Your List.
Don't Trust Your Memory About What Medication( Drugs ) You Are Currently Taking. It Is Important ( Vital ) That Doctors Know What Drugs, Herbs Are In Your Body, And What Drugs,Herbs Caused you Problems, Not Telling The Doctor Could Cost you Your Life!!!
If You Have Visited The Doctor Before Be Sure " To Give, and tell," Her/Him that the list of medication(s) You Are Taking, That Other Doctors...You Visited... Had Prescribed is updated. Page Author "Always 
gives Doctor An "Update", given verbaly and in writing.
Be Open About Your Lifestyle choices that "may" affect your health...eg: Drinking, Smoking, Exercise (If any), Sexual Actives, Diet, other.
In the chapter I wrote in a medical book about breastcancer, I said, "Doctor is not a I synonym for God."
Through the years, I realized that doctors are people,and they don't mind informed questions and opinions.
At my last appointment with my Oncologist, we discussed the course of treatment and made notes of follow-up tests.
Then I told him I would not be taking a suggested medication,Zometa, that strengthens bones. I'd already taken myself off a popular pill, Fosamax, because it was linked to reflux and potential jaw problems for those who need dental work.
This time, I didn't want to risk the long term effects of a bone strengthening infusion that, ironically, can make those problems even worse.
I had my dentist on my side.He said that whenever I needed a root canal or a crown repaired or a tooth pulled, I'd be setting myself up for Osteonecrosis of the lower jaw... a fancy word for bone death.
"Simple," he cracked. "I'll just rebuild your jaw with plastic." , Practically leaping from his comfy leather recliner, I said, "No, you, won't.
When I shared the information from my dentist and more that I had learned from carefully selected sites online, my Oncologist didn't argue.
I also told him that I'd consulted a registered nutritionist who told me to up my intake of calcium, but to make sure it contained Citrate, Magnesium and Vitamin D, all of which help the body absorb it.
Enter my neighborhood Trader Joe's...I've always loved their yogurt and I've become an avid label reader.
Their yogurt has calcium, but the other ingredients weren't listed
I called the president of Trader Joe's, explained my concerns to his assistant, and in less than 24 hours, he e-mailed me that they'd talked to the "people who formulate their II,private label product.
The ingredients would be included immediately, but the information on the cups wouldn't reflect the change for a few months. He also mentioned that Doug Rauch - the president - sent his best. In shock from the quick response, I squeaked out my thanks.
Being an informed patient isn't just about researching meds and reading ingredient labels. It's about being assertive, challenging doctors in a professional way, sharing decisions on treatment plans and enlisting the aid of those. who can make things happen.
. Ruth Gesmer Silven;nan of Buffalo Grove learned in March 2007 that her breast cancer, originally diagnosed in 2002, had spread to her bones. Her column about living with the disease appears every other Monday in Health & Fitness. Contact her at ruth@lifewithcancer.net
Highlights by page author
Why Do I Need This Medication ( drug)?
What Are The Side Effects, If Any?
Who Is Most Likely To Suffer Side Effects?
Is There A Medication That's Better For My Problem?
Is There A Generic Version Of The Medication and Can It Be Substituted
How Many Times A Day Should I Take The Medication...This Information Is Usually Posted By Druggest On Medicine Container, But Ask Anyway !!
Are There Any Food, Beverages I Should Avoid While taking This Medication Or At Any Time?
Should I Avoid Physical Activities While Taking Medication?
Do I Take the Medication with food?
How Soon Will Medication Begin Working?
How Will I Know If Medication Is Working?
If Medication Works, How Long Should I Continue To Take? Label On Bottle Usually States That All Medication Should be Taken.
How Long Should I wait before Calling you...If I Do Not Experience Any Relief From My Problem
Is There A Non-Drug Treatment...Vitamins or other...I might Consider?
Ask Your Doctor If He Is Knowledgable About The Use Of Vitamins. To-day Many Doctors Make a Point to Tell Patients that "Good Nutrition " Helps In Healing The Body ".
If you Have A Bad Memory, Or To Be Sure You Heard What The Docors Said, Ask The Doctor To " Please " Write His Instructions on Paper Another Reason For Asking For Written Instructions Is becauseMany Druggest Type On Medication Bottle Label ... "Take Per Doctors Instructions"which you mayhave forgotten.
If You Don't Understand Something,"Be Sure" To Tell Doctor.
If You are not comfortable wth the doctor suggested treatment, ask if there are other options for you.
MOST INPORTANT, remember that you should feel free to talk about your health...and activities relating thereto...with your doctor. If you are not comfortable with your doctor, choose a doctor who will make you feel more at ease.
The American Heart Association encourages you to actively discuss all aspects of your treatment regimen — including diet changes, exercise and medicines — with your healthcare team. Doctors, nurses and pharmacists can help you avoid problems associated with taking too little or too much of your medication. They can also help you avoid dangerous interactions or side effects between other medications or foods in your diet. Ask your local hospitals if they participate in Get With The Guidelines, or if they are certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations as a Primary Stroke Center. Your healthcare professionals will keep working with you to adjust your treatment plan if you have serious side effects. Below you'll find questions to ask your healthcare team to help you take an active part in your heart and stroke health. Print these questions out and take them to your next doctor's appointment. Questions To Ask About Your Medication
Taking medications isn't as simple as swallowing a pill. Medicines can only help if you take them as prescribed. Take part in decisions regarding your treatment, follow the treatment plan you and your doctor agree on, watch for problems and become actively involved in solving them with your healthcare team. By following these guidelines, you can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and achieve the fullest benefits from your treatment plan. Review the following questions with your healthcare team and take an active role in your health.
What is the name of the medicine?
Is this the brand or generic name?
What is the medicine supposed to do?
How and when do I take it, and for how long?
What foods, drinks, other medicines or activi
ties should I avoid while taking this medicine?
What are the possible side effects?
What do I do if they occur?
Is there any written information available about the medicine?
What happens if I miss a dose of my medicine?
How often will I have to get the medication refilled?
How will I know that my medication is working?
What are the risks of taking this medication?
What are the risks of NOT taking this medication?
Are there less expensive medications for my condition?
Questions To Ask About Diet
Learn to read food labels so you can tell how much fat, sodium and other ingredients are in your diet. If your doctor tells you to "watch your diet" or make dietary changes, ask for specifics. "Some" of the Questions you can ask are:
What kinds of foods should I eat?
What kinds of foods should I avoid?
Should I restrict my calories or fat intake to a certain level?
What are some cooking tips that I should follow?
What do I need to know about eating out?
What can I eat at fast-food restaurants?
Do I need to see a nutritionist or dietitian? If so, can you recommend one?
Should I keep a diary of what I eat?
Are there any groups in the community that can help me with my nutrition goals?
How do I read food labels?
How can I control the portions?
How much salt may I eat?
Questions To Ask About Losing Weight
Why are weight control and regular physical activity important?
How much weight should I lose, and how fast? What is a realistic weight goal for me?
How often should I check my weight?
What should my daily calorie, fat and cholesterol intake be?
Are prescription diet pills appropriate for me?
Do I have to exercise to lose weight? If so, what kinds of activities do you recommend?
Once I lose the weight, how do I keep it off?
What diet guidelines should I follow?
What are the best types of activities for me?
How much activity do I need to do?
How much weight gain is too much?
How can family and friends help?
Questions To Ask About Cholesterol
What do my cholesterol numbers mean?
How often should I have my levels checked?
How does physical activity affect my levels?
What type of diet should I eat?
Will I need cholesterol-lowering medicine?
How long will it take to reach my cholesterol goals?
Questions To Ask About High Blood Pressure
What should my blood pressure be?
How often should my blood pressure be checked?
What about home blood pressure monitors?
Should I use blood pressure machines at stores?
How does physical activity affect my blood pressure?
What's my daily sodium (or salt) limit?
Will I need to take blood pressure medicine?
Will I always have to take medicine?
Why do I need to lose weight?
Questions To Ask About Physical Activity
Why is regular physical activity important?
Can I exercise?
Can I play sports?
What are the best types of activities for me?
How much activity do I need?
Can I have sex?
Questions To Ask About Quitting Cigarettes and Tobacco
What can I do to stop the cravings?
How many minutes do cravings last?
What about a nicotine patch or gum?
Can I take a smoking cessation medication?
After I quit, when will the urges stop?
What if I start gaining weight?
How can I keep from gaining weight?
How can family and friends help?
What if I slip and go back to tobacco?
How long will it take to reduce my risk?
Questions To Ask About Heart and Stroke Health
What are my risk factors for heart disease?
Am I at risk for stroke?
What are the warning signs of heart disease and stroke?
Do I need to lose or gain weight for my health?
What is a healthful eating plan for me?
What kind of physical activity is right for me?
What is my blood pressure, and is it at a healthy level?
What is my blood cholesterol, and is it at a healthy level?
What can I do to lower my risk of heart disease and stroke? (If you smoke, ask for help in quitting.)
If you're a woman, ask, "What should I know about the effects of menopause on my health?"
Talk to your doctor,pharmacist or other health provider about any medicines you take, as well as any dietary supplements you are using or thinking about using. Though some doctors have limited knowledge of herbal products and other supplements, they have access to the most current research and can help monitor your condition to ensure that no problems develop or serious interactions occur.
Retailers or marketers can be good sources of information about their products and their ingredients, but bear in mind that they have a financial interest in their
products. If your doctor or pharmacist has a financial interest in the product, get
a second, independent opinion.
When You Get Prescription Filled Be Sure To Ask Druggest What Can't I Take With This Medicine As With The Doctor If you Have A Bad Memory, Ask The Druggest To "Please" Write His Instructions on Paper. Author Of This Page Always Makes it a point To Ask Druggest Questions.
Author Of This Page Is Not A Health Care Professional And " Assumes No Liablity " For Any Opinions Or Statements Derived From Within This..Or Subsequent.. Page's- Links. This Page Of Links Is Provided As A Public Service, And Does Not Provide Any Warrenty, Statement Of Quality," Implied Or Otherwise, " About Any Of The Products, Businesses Or Services Listed.