I Get nervous at the Doctor's office..
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Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:54 pm

I get really nervous and often forget a lot of what is said inside the room... anyone have any advice? Tips? I have an appointment next week and want to make sure I ge thte most out of it.

Thanks in advance!

free skin care · Wed Feb 10, 2010 12:05 am

It might help if you have key words in your head before you enter his/her room. For example, photos, cost, results - months. That way it's a simple mantra of a few words to help you to remember what is most important to convey - the rest of the sentence will follow on naturally from those key words.

Many MDs are well skilled at keeping the patient talking to keep their minds off the discomfort but sometimes I wish they wouldn't ask me about my personal life but rather concentrate on the matter in hand!

free skin care · Wed Feb 10, 2010 5:34 am

i get nervous at the doctor's too! too many things that are running around in my head.

before i go to the doctor's, i'll write down all the key points and any questions that i may have.

i take this list and a pen, into the office. and i'll actually start running through my list and jotting down answers. none of the dr's made any comments about it...some actually looked more relieved.

i know it may seem odd but i find that it helps to keep all the information straight for my own personal use.
HTH Very Happy

free skin care · Wed Feb 10, 2010 7:29 am

Bring a note book in with you. I always write down my questions in advance because even if I only have 1 or 2 questions its easy to forget them.

free skin care · Wed Feb 10, 2010 9:03 am

For sure take a list of what you want to talk about.

One time, though, I went to see a derm for the first time and he complained about me bringing in a "laundry list"! What a jerk. Not the sort of guy I wanted to see again.

free skin care · Wed Feb 10, 2010 10:19 am

Pluto wrote:

For sure take a list of what you want to talk about.

One time, though, I went to see a derm for the first time and he complained about me bringing in a "laundry list"! What a jerk. Not the sort of guy I wanted to see again.

yeah, i don't understand derms or docs or anyone that is like this. they just don't make sense to me. its very hard to find a really great professional... eg dentist, derm, family dr., lawyer.

i once went to a derm about my small broken capillaries. he looked at me like i was nuts. he told me they would go away. i was thinking..go away to where?! what the heck!

anyways, they never went away until i came here.

free skin care · Wed Feb 10, 2010 11:14 am

Pluto, that's why I didn't say write down a list because I've had the same experience as you, of a derm not liking the laundry list aspect of it. Quite frankly though if it makes the patient feel more assured and relaxed they shouldn't have a problem with it.

free skin care · Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:34 pm

I always make a list of what to ask. With my ophthalmologist, who is very abrupt and has the worst "bedside manner," I just hand him my list to read himself.

Bring a pad and pen and write down what they say. Doctors probably would prefer you do that than call back and take up their office staff's time.

free skin care · Wed Feb 10, 2010 6:38 pm

me 2, it helps that i make a list before i go

free skin care · Thu Feb 11, 2010 8:40 am

Camelia,

What is it about derms! LOL! Maybe the ones who do this don't like lists because it puts them at a disadvantage somehow ( patient might see how much the derm doesn't know!). I think most kinds of meanness comes down to insecurity.

Camelia wrote:

Pluto, that's why I didn't say write down a list because I've had the same experience as you, of a derm not liking the laundry list aspect of it. Quite frankly though if it makes the patient feel more assured and relaxed they shouldn't have a problem with it.

free skin care · Thu Feb 11, 2010 8:44 am

Softskin, I had a jerky ophthalmologist, too, this older chap with no manner at all. He'd push my head back when he needed it back; he's stretch my eye to put in drops. His exams would hurt.

I got a recommendation from my gp for another ophthalmologist and the new guy is SO different. He's very gentle and is addressing problems (e.g. ocular rosacea) that the other guy pretended didn't exist. WHAT a difference.

If you have a choice to look around for another doc, if your present one makes you unhappy, do not hesitate!

SoftSkin wrote:

I always make a list of what to ask. With my ophthalmologist, who is very abrupt and has the worst "bedside manner," I just hand him my list to read himself.

Bring a pad and pen and write down what they say. Doctors probably would prefer you do that than call back and take up their office staff's time.

free skin care · Mon Feb 15, 2010 11:12 am

My ophthalmologist is an excellent surgeon, testifies in court malpractice cases and teaches other doctors, so putting up with him once a year for fifteen minutes is worth it. Laughing

Wed Feb 17, 2010 9:55 pm

OMG - thank you soooo much for posting this. I'm the exact same way. I definitely took a couple of different forum members' advice and it has helped dramatically. I was searching around and found this interesting post -

dermtv(d)com/dont-be-afraid-reach-out-your-doctor

he makes some really good points!

Good luck!
R

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