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© St. Petersburg Times, published February 20, 2003
How to stop blushing and get what you need from your doctor:
YOU ARE NOT CRAZY, WEAK, DIRTY OR FAILING IN SOME WAY BECAUSE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEM. People are too embarrassed to tell their doctor how much they drink or smoke, that they have multiple sex partners, that they've stopped taking their medicine because it makes them fat. Tell the doctor. It's the only way he or she can help you.
TELL A FRIEND FIRST. An attentive friend will reassure you and empower you to talk to your doctor.
BRING THE FRIEND WITH YOU. A friend or family member can help you relax and prompt you to openly express your concerns if you falter. A friend will help you recall what the doctor said. If you are truly uncomfortable, schedule time not just for the exam but for a fully clothed talk with the doctor in his office.
BE PREPARED. Think about your visit. Write down your questions. Make a list of symptoms. Do some research on the Internet. Bring a pen and paper to take notes.
SAY IT. NOW. Ask the most important questions first. (Some experts advise to settle on three.) Do not wait until the doctor's hand is on the doorknob to bring up what's really bothering you.
DISCLOSE ALL INFORMATION. Tell the doctor about all medications, vitamins, supplements and herbs you are taking and in what dosages. Write the names down before you come or bring the bottles. Tell the doctor if you're also seeing another doctor, therapist or alternative healer.
CONSIDER SEEING A SPECIALIST. Perhaps knowing a doctor is familiar with your problem will ease your mind.
FOLLOW ORDERS AND FOLLOW UP. If you are told to return within a certain time frame, do so. If you are told to take the whole bottle of medicine, do so. If there are unexpected side effects, phone the doctor's office, don't simply stop. If a treatment is objectionable, painful or otherwise unsatisfactory, say so and ask about alternatives.
LISTEN. Are you doing all the talking? Listen. Don't try to outthink your doctor: Reserve your questions for enhancing your treatment, not grilling him or her on the basics.
GET WHAT YOU NEED. If a doctor dismisses your concerns, find another doctor. If you have a personality conflict with your doctor -- he or she is not a good handholder but is the best in the field -- keep the doctor but recruit a nurse or assistant to be an intermediary and to answer some of your questions.
-- Sources: American Medical Association; BBCi Health; AARP; Family Circle magazine.