Help Yourself to Healing

Preparing for a Medical Appointment

What to do before you see ANY physician or health professional

by Puja Thomson, August 14, 2007

The more you prepare for health-related appointments, the more you will get out of them. While it is normal to feel overwhelmed, being well prepared will build your confidence. It is helpful to list in advance all the questions you wish to ask, whether your appointment is an initial consultation or a follow-up visit at any stage along the way.

Plan ahead to invite a member of your personal support team or a local advocacy group, if there is one, to go with you to help you stay focused during your appointments.

First steps:

Before you meet a practitioner who has given you a diagnosis, or from whom you wish to get a diagnosis or a test result, ask yourself, “What do I want to know?”
  • If you take a few slow deep breaths, it is likely that you will connect more fully with what you want to ask or say.  
  • Make a list of your questions and concerns.
  • Review, reorder and regroup your questions and concerns according to the following six key categories of questions:
1.      What exactly is my diagnosis? 
2.      What does my diagnosis mean? Or, what do the results of this test mean?
3.      What are my treatment options?
4.      What are your specific recommendations?
5.      What is the timing of recommended treatments?                 

6.   What about________? (List your other concerns)

For more very practical, down-to-earth suggestions, see AFTER SHOCK: FROM CANCER DIAGNOSIS TO HEALING- a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way, by Puja Thomson. 

Thomson is the founder and director of ROOTS & WINGS - country getaways, labyrinth, ceremonies and transformational therapy - (www.rootsnwings.com) and creator of the ROOTS & WINGS audio CD/cassette (with music by Richard Shulman) of guided imagery and meditations to transform your life.  A companion workbook is also available.

Send your comments to info@aftershockfromcancer.com

www.AfterShockFromCancer.com

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