Asking Your Healthcare Provider the Necessary Questions
As a health worker I tend to get some of these questions a lot, Doc, what's wrong with me? It's everything alright? Am I going to lose my vision, etc? And a lot of times it takes detailed communication, patience, and time to alleviate the stress and panic some patients feel.
I came to realize that a lot of times these patients were scared because they may have visited two or more facilities and may have been given some drugs, perhaps told of having a particular condition without really knowing or understanding what's going on with them. This causes them to visit other facilities with the hopes of getting a better understanding of what's going on with them.
This is quite common with glaucoma patients, a lot of times they come to you and tell you that they have been informed of having pressure on the eye and that they should be using eyedrops every day. I have met patients who stopped using their glaucoma medication because they were fed up with using the drops and didn't really understand why they have to keep going.
It was unfortunate because, at the time that I got to see her, her vision had deteriorated significantly due to her stoppage of the drug use upon understanding what was going on and why the medication ought to be continued, and how damaging the glaucoma condition actually is to the eye, she resumed and I am hoping we get to keep her vision.
Asking Questions and Seeking Understanding
What we need to know and understand as patients is that our healthcare providers not only owe us the duty of care but also understanding, we have the right to ask questions when we do not understand and even when we do we have the right to ask for further explanations, details as to whichever procedures we may be subjected to.
In the Western world, this is the norm, from where I come from, patients tend to be afraid of doctors, I could attribute this to the illiteracy rate, so encouragement may be needed however I still thought it would be good that I bring this to our attention. Asking questions can make a whole lot of difference in your healthcare process.
Remember that no doctor knows your body more than you, you have been with your system for years, and whiles you may not have the knowledge of a medical practitioner, understanding whatever is going on with you would put you in the best position to aid your healthcare provider in giving you the very best care possible.
In addition, I would encourage you as a patient to read up on your diagnosis, whatever your doctor may have informed you, read about it, learn about it and get a deeper understanding for yourself. Please note that I am not suggesting you do self-medication or treatment, that's absolutely a no, no, however, reading up could help you fill in some blanks that your health provider may not have provided because it skipped them.
Conclusion
Remember that you owe yourself the very best and it is up to you to stand up for yourself in all situations and instances. Do avoid self-medication and over-the-counter care, you have to stay healthy, work out, do the needful for yourself always, and be the very best you can be.
Thanks so much for your time and thanks for reading, stay safe, and have a blissful week. Cheers!
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