How can I get what I need from my doctor?

It's hard, but you have to learn how to advocate for yourself. Tell the doctor what you need, and if they won't help you, you'll have to move on and find someone who can. You deserve to be taken seriously and given real help. I've had trouble with (physical) health issues, and there is a tendency for doctors to believe that they know everything. However, they really don't, so don't let them dismiss what you tell them about what you need! It's important that you play a part in making sure your treatment is the right one for you!

You can get what you need by asking for it. Be direct, explain your situation as openly as possible, as well as politely as possible. Be honest and open. Answer any questions they have. They can not help you unless you are truthful, even if the truth is uncomfortable to discuss. They have heard it all! Do not feel embarrassed. It is normal to feel that way, though. If you don't agree with something they say, speak up in a direct but civil manner. Hear them out but also give your opinion. It is your health and your body! Remember, though, they are very educated and may know a bit more than what you realize.

Without any context it is hard to give a specific answer- but my recommendation is to be as honest as you can with them. Someone also suggested to me to report your symptoms based on a day that is between average and bad. That why you aren't just there on one of your better days and not fully explaining the extent of your struggles.

One suggestion is to go in to your appointment prepared with the questions you'd like to ask, and a list of any issues you want to bring up during the appointment. If you find that the doctor cannot answer all of your questions or address all of the issues in that appointment, ask if perhaps you can follow up with her/him to get more information. You can also ask for other resources to use to get more info you need. You can also ask for copies of any tests or records you've had to keep in your files. If you want to bring someone along with you -- a parent or friend, for example -- bring them with you, and ask if it is okay with the doctor to have them present.

Be direct and honest. Ask questions, and be a strong self-advocate. We all have a tendency not to challenge the professionals in our lives, especially health care professionals. But no one can feel what it is your feeling, or know with any more clarity than you how difficult or painful something is for you to deal with. Doctors might downplay how you're feeling, or brush aside your concerns. Don't let them. Stay strong, demand with firm politeness that you are given the resources you need, whether that's trying medicine or speaking with specialists. You owe it to yourself. And you can do it.

This question is simple, because like it says in the Bible, "Ask and you shall receive." The doctor is there to benefit you and is willing to help you with anything. All you have to do is ask. They aren't mind-readers, so you have to have good communication and a good relationship with your doctor. It's also easy to feel like you are asking too much from your doctor. Do not feel that way at all! They are there for ALL of your questions and needs; not just some. They are certified and well qualified. Any question you may have, probably, has been asked before.

Often we get anxious at the thought of going to see our doctor. We make excuses up how they are busy people, how they dont have time for us etc. However we are just as important individually as all the rest of their patients. We deserve their time just as much as the next person. If you struggle speaking to your doctor and getting what you need perhaps write it all down on a sheet of paper. That way if talking is too much you can ask them to read it. Or it may be a useful took to check and ensure you havent forgotten to ask something which you want to know.

List out all the things you feel that you need from your doctor on a piece of paper or type it out somewhere. During the consultation with your doctor, you can take it out the paper or if your phone if you type it digitally and show your doctor what you need. Best if you can write down what you need and what or how you want the doctor to better support you. This way, you don’t have to think of the ways to get what you need from your doctor because you have listed everything down and now all you need is to show your doctor and work out a plan to help you and your doctor to work it out on what you need. :)

My personal tip to prepare for a doctor's trip is to write a list beforehand, maybe when you book the appointment. When I'm in the doctor's office, I often forget what I really need to talk about and what I would like help with. Recently I've started to write a list in my phone - I'll note down the main issue I am there to address, my most bothersome symptoms, how the symptoms affect me day-to-day and what kind of treatment or plan I would like to be put into place to help me manage the symptoms I am having.

I find it helpful to bring a list of what I want to discuss (and what I want in generally) to my appointments. If your doctor doesn't agree with what you want, you can always go to another provider for a second opinion. You can also look at reviews of different doctors to find one that is more receptive to their patients' wants and needs.