Recently, I went with my mother (and father) to the doctor. I had somehow psyched my self into believing that this would be a momentous occasion for medicine.
Turns out that it is three pills at 8:30 a.m
Inflammation that went on too long and white cells started attaching so vehemently that they started being more of a problem than an asset.
So here is my take away from the doctor visit:
Are you a doctor or nurse practitioner or pharmacist? if not, don't freak out and search the web and come to your own random conclusion. Do perform research, do be informed. symptom checker.
Don't panic. I cannot tell you how many diseases my friends have diagnosed themselves with. Even comedians make fun of their friends who have every weird disease in the book or the disease of the day.
Are you going with someone else to be the support? Take notes. That person will be in the more tense position. They may not be concentrating on anything but the verdict. So, be helpful and take notes of the peripheral conversation. And of course, don't forget to share with the patient!
Be fun. NO, REALLY, be FUN.
The big fun at this visit was a sign that said," botox injections" at the proctology office. (NOT HAPPENING!) I had to ask the nurse, does anyone ever ask for botox in this office, seriously? She turned and looked at me and said,"you can see who are patients are." nuff said.
The nurses and doctors have a tough job, tight schedules. When they meet you be appreciative, be a good listener, compliment their smile, patience, concern. Sometimes, I even compliment the furrowed brow, telling them their concern is appreciated. Notice the wedding ring or the children photos, and ask if they are or where they are.... ask how their children are. Make it personal. Make it very personal. It is the best way to get them to focus on you and yours in a day full of the same patients.
My father doesn't like having to be the pill monitor and the dishwasher and the morning cook. He is a 1950s husband used to having dinner prepared and served. I am sure everyone has their own perspective on that. But, most would be happy that their partner is there. That they can be in charge, even if they don't want to be. And grateful that they are able.
At least that is the discussion in my house. I hope my husband steps up to do my medication. And I hope I never need it. And I hope I am there for my parents.
PS Had the follow up doctor appointment today. Mom is a non-compliant patient, who did not take the meds as she was told. So she is trying again. And my father who is a monitor of sorts is once again tasked with helping her remember. Neither wants to be compliant and neither wants to be in the doctor office anymore. Geez, Louise.....
Turns out that it is three pills at 8:30 a.m
Inflammation that went on too long and white cells started attaching so vehemently that they started being more of a problem than an asset.
So here is my take away from the doctor visit:
Are you a doctor or nurse practitioner or pharmacist? if not, don't freak out and search the web and come to your own random conclusion. Do perform research, do be informed. symptom checker.
Are you going with someone else to be the support? Take notes. That person will be in the more tense position. They may not be concentrating on anything but the verdict. So, be helpful and take notes of the peripheral conversation. And of course, don't forget to share with the patient!Be fun. NO, REALLY, be FUN.
The big fun at this visit was a sign that said," botox injections" at the proctology office. (NOT HAPPENING!) I had to ask the nurse, does anyone ever ask for botox in this office, seriously? She turned and looked at me and said,"you can see who are patients are." nuff said.
The nurses and doctors have a tough job, tight schedules. When they meet you be appreciative, be a good listener, compliment their smile, patience, concern. Sometimes, I even compliment the furrowed brow, telling them their concern is appreciated. Notice the wedding ring or the children photos, and ask if they are or where they are.... ask how their children are. Make it personal. Make it very personal. It is the best way to get them to focus on you and yours in a day full of the same patients.
My father doesn't like having to be the pill monitor and the dishwasher and the morning cook. He is a 1950s husband used to having dinner prepared and served. I am sure everyone has their own perspective on that. But, most would be happy that their partner is there. That they can be in charge, even if they don't want to be. And grateful that they are able.
At least that is the discussion in my house. I hope my husband steps up to do my medication. And I hope I never need it. And I hope I am there for my parents.
PS Had the follow up doctor appointment today. Mom is a non-compliant patient, who did not take the meds as she was told. So she is trying again. And my father who is a monitor of sorts is once again tasked with helping her remember. Neither wants to be compliant and neither wants to be in the doctor office anymore. Geez, Louise.....
