Question:
You Go Girl! Take charge of YOUR health, no one can do it for you. Your doc’s are only part of your team, not the team leaders. Always ask for copies and ask questions, compromise sometimes has to occur, but never settle, be assertive. Sounds like your ready to take control. Hugs back at ya! Steph
Response:
On Wed, 6 Sep 2000 08:47:41 -0400, you wrote: >Susan, I had to learn the hard way. From the start when I got sick all the docs would do >is say did you have this and this and this. Heck, how can you remember. Then one would >say something else. and nothing seemed ever to get done. I had to demand tests and they >would say no, it was not necessary. So like a good red head, I got fed up LOL
aaaaaah… so that’s the problem… 
(from another redhead).
Response:
Yep, Susan. That’s what you have to do. I learned some things that made *me* feel better even though it may have seemed adversarial (sp?) to my docs. First, I don’t sit on the exam table when they come in. I sit in a chair if it’s available, or I stand. This kinda scared one doc who was sure I was psychotic and dangerous. <snicker> I just was making the point that I wouldn’t be treated like a child. My rheumy is good about this, has two extra chairs in the exam room and waits until I’ve expressed myself before putting me on the table. I insist on the same from my PCP. I also take someone with me usually. In fact, I can’t remember going alone in a long time. Used to be my mum but she’s moved away so now it’s my daughter most times. My hubby went to a couple of appts. Having someone there that made me feel strong and supported, made it easier for me to speak up and make my point. And I finally said "I don’t care what we call this! I just want to get some relief." I am a lot more assertive here than I am in RL so this was a major battle for me to get to the point of talking to the doctors like they are equals/peers rather than gods. *********************************** KCat http://www.ghg.net/schwerpt/mypage.htm http://www.ghg.net/schwerpt/aslfaq20.htm ("`-”-/").___..–”"`-._ (`6_ 6 ) `-. ( ).`-.__.’`) (_Y_.)’ ._ ) `._ `. “-..-” _..`–’_..-_/ /–’_.’ ,’ (()),-” (()),’ (((.-’
Response:
In article <8ttcrs4uv7p6qhr0s0es2l75ofi0h4h…@4ax.com>, KCat <kcdoc…@ghg.net> wrote >On Wed, 6 Sep 2000 08:47:41 -0400, you wrote: >>Susan, I had to learn the hard way. From the start when I got sick all the >docs would do >>is say did you have this and this and this. Heck, how can you remember. Then >one would >>say something else. and nothing seemed ever to get done. I had to demand >tests and they >>would say no, it was not necessary. So like a good red head, I got fed up LOL >aaaaaah… so that’s the problem… >(from another redhead).
Whaddayamean.. *I’m* one too. Perhaps with a small tinge of a hint of grey creeping in 
— Andy For Austrian philately <URL: http://www.kitzbuhel.demon.co.uk/austamps/> For Lupus <URL: http://www.kitzbuhel.demon.co.uk/lupus/> For my other interests <URL: http://www.kitzbuhel.demon.co.uk/>
Response:
Gee Andy,,, I don’t have any grey. I got white streaks haha. No grey here…LOL — Janers "Somedays are diamonds, Somedays are stones" Somedays this pain won’t leave me the hell alone"
Response:
Thanks for all of the replies!! For * us* with such complicated symptoms, that span over many years, this makes a lot of sense. Just knowing that I am doing this, makes me feel better. Hugs, Susan
Response:
I was reading the board on About.com and read a post where someone said to take charge of your own health. I’ve read this on here before, but it never struck home like it did today. I am going to write to the docs and clinics and get copies of my files to keep at home. This will hopefully help me to get better health care. I am tired of comprimising my quality of life. If I am in pain or uncomfortable, I want appropriate treatment. Does this make sense? Are there a lot of others that do this? Thanks! I am feeling pro-active at the moment. Hugs, Susan
Response:
Susan, I had to learn the hard way. From the start when I got sick all the docs would do is say did you have this and this and this. Heck, how can you remember. Then one would say something else. and nothing seemed ever to get done. I had to demand tests and they would say no, it was not necessary. So like a good red head, I got fed up LOL I went to every darn hospital and clinic and place where I could remember I ever, and I mean ever had an Xray. Even wrote a place I went to once for an evaluation. Well all the places were more than happy to give me a reply. I signed a waver, and even waited on some of the paper work. Good thing some places had something to eat LOL Then went and got me a file, llike a school file and put everything under a system. Now mind you I am not that into doing this. For the docs, I did the same thing to and most of them sent the files to me. When they did not I went a knocking. This file goes with me where ever I roam….Even to the ER, Oh, so handy esp when a ER doc says oh the test look ok, then show them the last and they go " yes, your right, lower than normal for you" It is what I call my bible. I even have a huge envelope of Xray copies in my room. I don’t take them too big LOL It is handy for me and for the docs. Just to look it up.Another thing is I also get a copy of every lab tests my rheumy does. She is good and always asks me if I want one. That way if something happens between visits I know for my own part what is going on….Gee, now the folder seems to be bigger, oops just like me growing….LOL So good idea for me. Try it you may find it is of great help to you and to the docs and clinics…. — Janers "Somedays are diamonds, Somedays are stones" Somedays this pain won’t leave me the hell alone"
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