Posted by JenStar on November 9, 2004, at 10:08:26
In reply to reliability, posted by Squiggles on November 8, 2004, at 9:24:34
hi Squiggles,
I think that going in prepared is a great idea. Sometimes I get flustered at the doctor, esp. b/c they have so little time. Making up a list of questions or comments to ask (even if it's only in my head) allows for better time management and better answers.The internet is a huge blessing b/c we can share and learn so much, but I agree with you on the negative side -- there is also bad information lurking out there too, sometimes honest mistakes and sometimes deliberate.
For me, I usually reference and cross-reference several times when I'm looking up a new topic. I do this as if I were preparing to write a research paper for school, and need valid resources & footnotes.
For example, if I want to learn about Lexapro and the side effects and the success rate (which I was on) -- I check at least 10-15 sites, both personal & medical boards, and read what everyone says. I look for common threads and over time develop an understanding of what the majority opinion seems to be. There are always outliers in the positive & negative direction, but by amassing lots of information I feel comfortable that I'm understanding the norm.
It takes time, but once I've read up like that I feel very confident that I'm adequately informed, at least as far as a lay-person can be.
Then, when I talk to my doctor, I can ask the right questions. Another example: When I went on Lexapro, I didn't ask "Are there sexual side effects?" Instead, I said: "From my reading on the Lexapro web site, I read that the company only reports 5% or less of sexual side effects. But from personal experiences, it seems to be a lot higher. Can you tell me an approximate percentage of people you treat who experience sexual side effects with Lexapro?" And that sparked a better and more honest conversation with my doctor, I believe. She saw that I was informed and interested in learning, and I got a lot of good information from her.
That's just an example, and it does require a lot of reading. But if it's my health, I don't mind investing time once in a while to read up and learn.
Anyway, I wish you the best of luck too. You said that you trust your doctor, and that's awesome. I think when you have that trust, you can feel a lot more relaxed both during the visits & between them.
take care!
JenStar
poster:JenStar
thread:413228
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20041105/msgs/413772.html