When your health is on the line and you have unlimited questions about your IBD flare, the anticipation to speak to your Gastroenterologist can be overwhelming. My heightened anxiety before and during my GI appointments would cause my mind to go blank the minute I sat down with my doctor. Negative or serious news can cause forgetfulness and wandering thoughts after the appointment, leading to me questioning the advice I was given. Throw the current coronavirus pandemic into the mix and things become even more complicated. Here in Canada, majority of medical appointments are now conducted over the phone contributing to a loss of connection and personable service. Medical appointments can be emotional rollercoasters, especially when receiving potentially life changing news about your illness and treatment plan. Below are four tips that will allow you to be best prepared for your medical appointments and will help minimize the stress, emotions, and feelings of frustration that may accompany the crucial medical appointments with your IBD specialist.
Tip #1: Write down your questions
Writing down all the questions and concerns you have before your appointment will ensure you remember to bring these topics up. Create a note in your phone or notebook ahead of your appointment and write down any questions, concerns, or notable symptoms you are having that you’d like to discuss with your doctor. Organize these questions and concerns in categories to easily hit all the topics in a simple and efficient way. Some great category suggestions: symptoms, medications, surgery, diet, accommodations, or any that work for you! Make sure you pull out your notes during your appointment and refer to each one, checking them off as you go. This will result in leaving your appointment feeling satisfied that you shared all your concerns with your GI and feel confident in your treatment plan.
Tip #2: Bring a notebook with you
Waiting for a medical appointment and then forgetting what the specialist said is the absolute worst feeling. Bring a notebook with you and write down any important suggestions, advice, medications, or risks your specialist speaks about. Anxiety and nerves can be high during an appointment leading to forgetfulness. If you write down quick notes about the conversation, you will be able to more easily remember the conversation afterwards and feel a sense of peace with the appointment. Not only will you have a better understanding of your treatment plan but your doctor will respect and sense the seriousness you are taking to fight your Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis flare.
Tip #3: Audio record the appointment
Audio recording the conversation provides a simple and easy way to playback the conversation when you forget or want a refresher of the treatment plan your doctor provided you. This way you can easily save all your recordings to look back on in the future. Remember to ask your doctor for permission before recording! You can easily record the conversation with a recording app on your phone.
Tip #4: Bring a friend or family member with you
Attending a doctor appointment alone can be nerve racking and anxiety-inducing. My biggest tip is to bring a parent, a close friend or family member with you and bring them up to date on the reasons for your appointment and the questions and concerns you have. Another great idea is to give them a copy of your questions and concerns so they can speak up and ask if you forget to bring something up. Additionally, it’s always great to have someone advocating for you and your symptoms if your doctor quickly dismisses a concern you have.
A big concern as a young adult attending a doctor appointment with a parent is that your doctor may speak directly to your parent rather than speaking directly to you. If this happens, remind your doctor that you have brought your parents with you only as support and you are responsible for your own health. Also, you can confide in your parents and remind them to ask the doctor to speak directly to you, the patient. If you find your guest is taking over the conversation, remind them that you’d like them there only as emotional support and stay quiet except when specifically needed. Outlining these expectations with your guest prior to the appointment will allow for a smoother and more successful appointment to take place.
Whether you are currently diagnosed, in a flare or just having a check-in with your GI, these tips will allow you to maintain control and get the most out of your in-person or virtual appointment. Remember, the healthcare professional is here to help YOU. Do not feel guilty for asking numerous questions, being in-depth, writing things down, and prolonging the appointment due to concerns.
Good luck!