HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR DR. VISIT

WHAT DO I ASK MY DR.?
By Keith Orsini

We do not keep a list of Drs. to refer people to, mainly for legal purposes. The ways we recommend you find a Dr. are these:

1) Talk to other patients in your area.

2) Go to the Support RSD Group Database ( http://www.rsdhope.org/SupportGroups/Index.asp ) , look up a Group in your state and ask them for a referral.

3) Get involved with the Names In Lights program, ( http://www.rsdhope.org/Programs/WishList.asp ) and find people who are residing in the same State as you are.

4) Go to the Links section and check the sites for Pain Clinic Listings and Support Group Listings.

5) Check with your local Hospital for a Pain Clinic.

6) If all else fails, Email Mom and Dad O. to see if there is a patient they know in your area that may be able to help.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE FOUND A DOCTOR., WHAT NEXT?

So often we hear from patients who say they just don’t know what to ask the Dr. when they go for their appointment and that when they get home they remember all the questions they wanted to ask him but forgot to. Remember, the Dr. wants to help you, that is why he is there, but you need to help him too. Here are some basic suggestions to get the most out of each Drs. appointment.

1) Call the Drs. Office to determine how many RSD patients he has seen or is seeing. Find out his credentials and specialties before you even go there.

2) When calling for an appointment, be very explicit with the office staff as to why you are seeing the Dr. so they can schedule an appropriate time slot.

3) Schedule a "prime time" spot, first in the morning, first after lunch. It will cut down on waiting time

4) Ask the Office to send you, before your appointment, by mail any insurance forms or pain charts that the Dr will need. It is far easier to fill them out at home than in the few minutes before the appointment.

5) Write down your questions ahead of time. Start weeks ahead if needed. You all know how poor our memories are with RSD, be prepared.

6) Be explicit about your problems and pain. The Dr. can’t help much if you just say "It hurts all over", even if it does. Be very specific about the description of the pain, where and when it occurs, are there some things that make it worse, (i.e., weather, cold, heat, noise, vibration, exercise).

7) Start with what is bothering you the most, the area of most significant pain or the problem you are most concerned about.

8) While there, make sure the Dr. is actually answering the questions you are asking. If not, gracefully interrupt and re-direct him.

9) Be sure you understand the course of treatment that the Dr is recommending, be it medication, physical therapy or procedures. It is important you understand now, why he feels this is the best course.

10) If a procedure is decided upon, ask questions about it until you understand it completely. We get many people email or call us asking about a procedure their Dr. is going to do but they know nothing about.

11) Remember, you are paying the Dr., he works for you.

12) If taking a new medication, or if you just had a procedure, find out if the Dr wants you to call in a few days to let him know how it is working.

13) Make sure the Dr. is aware of any herbs or supplements you are taking that may interact with your medication.

14) Bring a list of all the medications you are taking, their strengths, and dosages.

15) Always bring a loved one or friend with you. It will help you recollect those things you might not have written down and it also allows your loved one to be in on the discussion and made to feel part of the solution.

16) Bring a notepad to write down notes and questions.

17) Don’t be afraid at the start of your visit to ask the Dr. how much time he has allotted for your visit.

18) When getting new prescriptions, ask him for the generic name as well and if he feels there is a difference in quality that may make the generic form less effective.

If you have other suggestions let me know. I will add them to these and place it all on the website. I hope you find these helpful :)

By Keith Orsini, RSDHope Group Return to About RSD