Doctor Visits
Does anyone else get anxious prior to important appointments with your rheumatologist? I feel my appointments are like my Mt. Everest. I am always wishing I could explain every symptom and pain to my doctor as it happens in real time so I try to remember and when I finally get to my appointment, I have so many things to say and so many different areas of concern that I end of feeling like I never quite get my point across like I had intended. I feel like there are so many things to cover and so many different flares and symptoms that can occur over a 6 month period that I always leave and get home and say, “Man, I forgot to mention that one thing.” My anxiety starts to build the week of my appointment up until I actually get there and my blood pressure is through the roof with worry and anticipation. I want to be able to really explain how I feel and am so used to no one understanding that I hardly ever speak my truth regarding my pain so it’s almost foreign to be totally open and honest about how bad you truly hurt. I just realize I am putting a lot of pressure on each appointment because I’m so desperate for relief but without the proper communication with my doctor, I leave and always feel I am not quite being heard (mostly because I struggle to remember to mention every single symptom I’ve experienced over the past 6 months because there are so many). Any advice on communicating with your rheumatologist? How to feel heard and how to really explain the depths of the pain? And how to not build up so much anticipation that it always feels like a make it or break it situation? I’m sure others have experienced the same doubts and questions regarding doctors visits and would love to hear some feedback/advice/suggestions. Wishing everyone in this community a happy pain free day and appreciate all the knowledge and support I always find here.
Hi
. You are not alone. Lots of people experience "white coat" anxiety. For some people, just the mention of an upcoming appointment can send their blood pressure sky high. Have you ever tried writing down the points you want to make, and then whittling out anything repetitive? Doctors often have appointments scheduled back-to-back, so you'll want to keep that in mind and leave a little time for discussion as well. Feel free to tell your doctor you are going to read from notes because you get nervous and forget. A good doctor will understand and will be appreciative. Another option is to bring someone with you who knows the points you want to bring up. That person is likely to be less nervous and more able to help you advocate for yourself. I hope this helps and that you get lots of input from the community. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member) Thank you! This is just. BIG appt in my head so trying to be as prepared as possible. I’m a huge lost person and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a link to a good checklist to make sure I think of everything. I’m still new in my diagnosis and trying to understand PSA and have been googling to find a good PSA Doctor Visit Checklist and haven’t had any luck.
Hi
. I wish I knew of a good checklist. PsA presents so differently in everyone that something like that might be hard to find. Hopefully, someone will jump in here to share their own personal checklist. Keep in mind that you can always make another appointment with your doctor if necessary. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
Hi @BethCNC, I can understand your concerns and anxieties. It must be very overwhelming trying to ensure that you have covered everything you wanted to cover with your doctor. In addition to what Lori has said, I am sending you over an article with some tips that I really hope can help you. We are here for you. Jill, team member
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/tips-successful-doctor-appointments
BethCNC, I do what Lori suggests. I write things down. I see my rheumatologist every 3 months. If something urgent comes up, I message him via the clinic portal. But for day to day concerns and questions, I keep a notebook. I am a paper and pen person but folks could make notes in their phone or laptop.
Prior to my appointment, I create a printable document with different categories and plunk in things from my notebook. My categories include medication, pain and where it's the worst, misc, etc.
I take a 2 copies to my appointment, one for me and one for my doctor. He is very receptive to my system 😀
And even though I think the world of this caring and intelligent doctor, my B/P always goes up when I see him. Like you, I get anxious about what I might hear or forget, even with my notes!
