How to partner with your doctor in your health care

Isn’t that what we all really want?

Have you been prescribed a new medication and have questions about it but hesitate to ask your doctor? Or, perhaps you know someone whose pain management is not being handled as well as you believe it could. Do you want better results from your visits or just more control? I understand.

10 Ways To Partner With Your Doctor

1. Listen to your body and trust yourself.

2. Ask questions. This may seem obvious, but many people still do not.

3. Envision a relationship in which you feel at ease and relaxed, cared for and prioritized, respected and validated.

4. If you have a concern, voice it in the most positive way you can. This increases the connection.

5. Doctors are not mind readers. Remember that besides blood work and measurable tests, all they may have to go by is what you share.

6. Doctors have problems of their own. They get sick and have worries too. Just remember that.

7. Share treatment information that you have found concerning your condition. Some will be open, some will not. But this is a risk worth taking.

8. Keep your doctor up to date on other help you’re seeking. Same reasoning as above.

9. Practice deep breathing and meditation. Being calm and present is infectious.

10. Get to know your doctor. We create trust and lasting bonds when we find commonalities.

Aches and pains are a reality for many of us. Use it as a bridge for compassion and connection.