Leaving your doctor’s appointment satisfied requires work by your doctor and you. Could you be sabotaging your chances for a good appointment? Read on to lean the five things not to do at your next appointment.
1. Don’t Leave Out the Details.
Knee pain may be common, but how it affects people is very unique. Telling you doctor “it hurts to walk” isn’t enough. Be ready to describe your pain in detail. Has the pain changed since you last visit? Are you having trouble sleeping or climbing stairs Jot down specific activities that trigger your knee pain. Remember, it’s not just physical; if knee pain is affecting your mood, explain that too. Knowing exactly how your knee pain affects you helps your doctor decide which treatment is right.
2. Don’t Underestimate the Changes.
No one wants to believe knee pain can take over their life, but for many people that’s exactly what happens. Maybe you play nine holes instead of 18. Maybe you find ways to avoid going upstairs.
These small changes might make your knee feel better in the short term, but cutting back on activities is bad for your long term knee health and overall health. Be realistic with yourself and honest with your doctor about the activities you’ve started to alter due to your knee pain.
3. Don’t Forget Your Medications.
Remembering the prescription pills you take is easy but don’t forget the over the counter pills. It’s not enough to tell your doctor you take ibuprofen. Be specific. Do you take 2-3 pills on a good day? Providing this type of information gives your doctor a much better view into what level of pain you’re in.
4. Don’t Shy Away From Research.
Yes, your doctor is an expert on knee pain. But that does not mean every treatment option will be top of mind during your appointment. Do your own research. Ask friends dealing with knee pain what’s worked for them. Look online to gather information. The Arthritis Foundation ® website, http://www.arthritis.org is a good place to start.
5. Don’t Leave Without Asking Questions.
Once you’ve discussed your knee pain in detail, your doctor will provide a treatment plan. If you don’t ask any questions, you” probably wish you did when you get home. Here are a frew that you may want to ask:
– How long will I follow this treatment? How long will it last?
– Will this treatment interact with other medications I’m taking?
– Are there side effects? Is so, how do I know which are serious?
– Is this doesn’t work, what’s next?
