Working with Your Doctor.
Last updated Thursday, January 06, 2005
What doctors aren'tHow can a person with arthritis remember that his or her doctor is simply another human? To be more at ease with both your doctor and other health care professionals, try to realize that they are human beings, too.
Doctors aren't superhuman
Like you, doctors are subject to moods, pressures, and mistakes.
There is no reason to be in awe of your doctor, nor is there any need
to blindly follow orders without asking questions.
If you tend to hold your doctor in awe, as many people do, you may
not want to "bother" him or her with questions. If you feel this way,
try to remember that your doctor's job is to provide you with good
medical care. Therefore, you have the right to receive certain services
from your doctor.
Doctors aren't mind readers or magicians
Most of the information doctors use to diagnose and treat you must
come from you. Therefore, your doctor needs to hear your ideas and
observations. It's in your best interest to be specific about how you
feel and what you think.
Also, if your doctor explains something to you, and you don't
understand it, he or she won't know that unless you say so. You might
tell the doctor: "I still don't understand. Can you explain it again?"
Don't feel stupid if you have to ask the same question again. Part of a
doctor's job is to be an "educator," and this often means going over
the same point several times.
Doctors aren't instant healers
Most forms of arthritis can't be cured, though they can be
controlled. However, no one type of medication or other treatment works
for everyone. You and your doctor may have to go through a period of
"trial and error" to find out what works best for you. Even then your
treatment program may continue to change as you change.
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