Advocating for Your Health at the Doctors Office
Have you ever left a doctors appointment with more questions than you had going into it? We know firsthand how overwhelming, confusing, and scary navigating doctor appointments can be. Which is why in this article we are sharing some of our top tips for advocating for your health and top lessons we learned along the way.
It took being diagnosed with several health conditions, being told little to no information about these conditions, feeling like it was up to me to do all the research, and being on a fertility and recurrent pregnancy loss journey to finally feel confident enough to speak up. Before this, I either expected doctors to just tell me what I needed to know, was fearful of appearing too needy or my treatment being affected, or scared of asking questions that seemed silly.
For those on their path to parenthood or navigating a health issue, here are some of my top tips for advocating for yourself at the doctor's office because an educated patient is an empowered patient.
Lessons learned:
✔ No question is too silly
✔ You can ask any and all questions
✔ You should never feel like your care provider is rushing you
✔ It's your body and your health journey, not anyone else's, no one knows your body more than you do
✔ There ARE amazing doctors out there who care
Tips:
✔ Do your own research
✔ Bring a list of questions with you to your appointment
✔ Bring a support person with you
✔ Communicate your needs
✔ It's okay to get a second (or third) opinion
Remember, no question is ever "silly." You have the right to ask any and all questions, say yes, say no, request another opinion, and communicate what you want. This is your health, your life, your journey.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
