January 30th, 2009Arthritis - Doctor As A Friend
A person with chronic pain is not generally in such an emotional state that he can choose between different options. He tends to rely on the doctor for diagnosis of disease and the treatment and becomes a passive recipient of medical care. Regarding medical consultations, the doctor prescribes medicines and gives an assurance that there is no life threatening illness or disorder. This message may be interpreted differently and he may infer that either the doctor is with holding some bad news or implies that there is nothing wrong physically and therefore the pain is imaginary. This type of misunderstanding may result in breakdown of faith in the doctor and communication with him.
In case one is having a chronic pain, he has to change his approach to medical consultations. Seek doctor’s advice about increasing mobility and strength, and involve him in planning for your future well being.
In case your doctor is proposing investigations and treatment with drugs without discussion, ask questions on the following points.
Reasons for investigation
Name of the drug
What is it for? whether it is a painkiller, tranquilizer, muscle relaxant or anti depressant.
How much and how often should it be taken?
How long is it required?
What are its short term and long term side effects? . Inform him about other medicines being taken by you.
How will this medicine react to them?
If medicine is withdrawn what will be the effect?
After taking medication for few days, find out the effect of medicine and in case you are not happy about the effect of medicines, discuss with him about changing the same. Do not suddenly stop taking medicine without consulting the doctor. Doctor will know how to reduce the dosage safely & systematically.
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