During my latest clinic visit I heard some things around the halls as I relaxed back into my pillow that have inspired me to share my appointment mind and body comfort tips. These “practices” as you may think of them, have been discovered, inspired and honed by my many years of pretty uneventful doctors’ visits.
There is literally a little bed with a pillow in your exam room, take a lie down. You never know exactly how long you may be in this room after the nurse tells you, “OK, the doctor will be with you shortly.” This is sometimes after the nurse gathers some information and vitals or sometimes said right away, but in both cases once the next expected person through that door is the doctor, you are usually safe to make yourself extra comfortable.
This tip couples with the first, do what you need to, to stay warm, to stay comfortable. Exam rooms usually run pretty cold, so wearing pants and bringing a sweater no matter the season is a smart move. You can opt to ask for a blanket, maybe even a heated blanket! But sometimes requests like these are forgotten and you end up being alone and cold. Brrrr.
It is always important to stay hydrated, unless the medical staff has requested that you not drink anything as part of your diagnostic/treatment plan. But always bring water. Staying hydrated means you are going to need to pee, and it is also important to not hold your bladder. I have refused to use the restroom, thinking that is just when the doctor will finally pop-in, too many times, and been very uncomfortable for it. I promise, there is a restroom very close to your exam room, and you are encouraged to use it. But do take note of what room you need to return to. The one consideration for this is if your doctor is going to want a urine sample. Normally depending on what you are in for, you will have a good idea if that is likely or not, ask the nurse if you are concerned. And again, have some water with you!
Do not have pressing engagements lined up for when you expect to be out of your appointment. Sometimes everything runs smoothly and you are in and out of your appointment in a very timely manner. But it is better for you and the hospital staff if you are not being a pain in the rear trying to rush things along because you made plans that you’re in a rush to get to. Remember, the hospital staff is juggling a lot of work and it is not all about you. Tests, unruly patients (that hopefully aren’t you), emergencies, someone called in, etc. Be courteous and don’t give them a reason to hate their jobs.
Do not leave anything or anyone in the car who might get bored, melt or die. Again, you have no clue how long an appointment may take. Sometimes you go in thinking you are just going to talk, but *boom* they have you do some imaging or a blood draw. Those things can double your appointment time, and you should be pleased they are happening then rather than you having to schedule another appointment for it. So no dogs in the car, no spouses in the car, cheese is also a bad idea during the summer.
Bring your concerns and information to the doctor. Make a list of things you want to talk to your doctor about, hold it in your hand, reference it during your talk, and check things off this list as they are discussed. Often we bring a list and then do not actually look at it while we are talking to the doctor, take the time, take a breath and actually look at this list. Another thing to bring is a list of your medications, and your supplements. This list should include the name, the brand, and the dosage. Lastly, if you have been doing research on your ailments, bring that research to your doctor. Print the study out for them, they do not have time to read and be familiar with every study in the world. These things can give your doctor the information they really need to move forward with creating a treatment plan for you.
I hope this advice can help you have the most comfortable, and productive doctor visits in the future.
BY ADRIENNE WIX | Special to the Herald Times
