Older People: Talking with Your Doctor : Part 3

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 3 of 9)

You can also ask a family member who speaks English to go with you. If this is your choice, ask someone you trust; someone you feel comfortable learning about your symptoms or condition. Finally, let the doctor, your interpreter, or the staff know if you do not understand your diagnosis or the instructions the doctor gives you. Don't let language barriers stop you from asking questions or voicing your concerns.

Plan to update the doctor - Let your doctor know what has happened in your life since your last visit. If you have been treated in the emergency room or by a specialist, tell the doctor right away. Mention any changes you have noticed in your appetite, weight, sleep, or energy level. Also tell the doctor about any recent changes in any medications you take or the effects they have had on you. A helpful checklist is included at the back of this booklet.

Finding and Using an Interpreter

Look for an interpreter through community or neighborhood associations, the doctor's office staff, and your own network of friends and family.

If possible, select someone with whom you will feel comfortable if they learn about your symptoms or condition. For example, you may not want to ask your children to interpret a conversation on sexuality.

Consider telling your interpreter what you want to talk about with your doctor before the appointment.

If your language is Spanish and your interpreter does not come from the same country or background as you, use universal Spanish terms to describe your symptoms.

Make sure your interpreter understands your symptoms or condition before he or she conveys your message to the doctor. You don't want the doctor to prescribe the wrong medication!

Don't be afraid to let your interpreter know if you did not understand something that was said, even if you need to ask that it be repeated several times.

What Can I Say? Giving Information

Talking about your health means sharing information about how you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. Knowing how to describe your symptoms and bring up other concerns will help you become a partner in your health care. A helpful checklist is included at the back of this booklet.

Share any symptoms - A symptom is evidence of a disease or disorder in the body. Examples of symptoms include pain, fever, a lump or bump, unexplained weight loss or gain, or having a hard time sleeping.

Be clear and concise when describing your symptoms. Your description helps the doctor identify the problem. A physical exam and medical tests provide valuable information, but it is your symptoms that point the doctor in the right direction.

Questions to ask yourself about your symptoms: What exactly are my symptoms? Are the symptoms constant? If not, when do I experience them? Does anything I do make the symptoms better? Or worse? Do the symptoms affect my daily activities? Which ones? How?

Your doctor will ask when your symptoms started, what time of day they happen, how long they last (seconds? days?), how often they occur, if they seem to be getting worse or better, and if they keep you from going out or doing your usual activities.

Take the time to make some notes about your symptoms before you call or visit the doctor. Worrying about your symptoms is not a sign of weakness. Being honest about what you are experiencing doesn't mean that you are complaining. The doctor needs to know how you feel.

Give information about your medications - It is possible for medicines to interact causing unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects. Your doctor needs to know about ALL of the medicines you take, including over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs and herbal remedies or supplements, so bring everything with you to your visit - don't forget about eye drops, vitamins, and laxatives. Tell the doctor how often you take each. Describe any drug allergies or reactions you have had. Say which medications work best for you. Be sure your doctor has the phone number of the pharmacy you use.

Tell the doctor about your habits - To provide the best care, your doctor must understand you as a person and know what your life is like. The doctor may ask about where you live, what you eat, how you sleep, what you do each day, what activities you enjoy, what your sex life is like, and if you smoke or drink. Be open and honest with your doctor. It will help him or her to understand your medical conditions fully and recommend the best treatment choices for you.

Voice other concerns - Your doctor may ask you how your life is going. This isn't being impolite or nosy. Information about what's happening in your life may be useful medically. Let the doctor know about any major changes or stresses in your life, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. You don't have to go into detail; you may want to say something like: "It might be helpful for you to know that my sister passed away since my last visit with you." or "I recently had to sell my home and move in with my daughter."

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.