When you are under the care of a doctor and especially if you are hospitalized, you will want to keep fully informed about your illness and your recovery options. It is a good idea to have an on-going discussion with your medical providers about your diagnosis, the projected treatment, anticipated recovery time, and recovery process. We recommend that you don't try to rely on your memory--write down all the information and keep it in a safe place. And allow a friend of family member to help you listen when you are consulting with your medical providers.
If you are hospitalized, it is also important to clarify which doctor is in charge of your care—a lot of patients will not know which doctor to ask about what comes next in their treatment. Ask the doctor who admitted you if he is in charge of your care or if another physician is the "lead doctor" on your case.
You can become better informed about your illness and treatment options by asking your medical staff for information, and by using other reliable sources. To check on the most up-to-date treatment recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence, go to http://www.guideline.gov. This free information is made available by the National Guidelines Clearinghouse.
You will also need to ask for your doctor to use "plain English" to explain your diagnosis. While there certainly is a very detailed medical description with lots of jargon you can't understand unless you work in the medical field, there will also be a rather simple explanation in layman's terms that describes your particular condition. Be sure you ask questions until you understand the explanations.
Find out the prognosis for recovery, maintenance, or remission. You will want to know if you can expect to be feeling markedly better in two weeks, or if it is going to take a few months. It may be that therapy or rehabilitation will be part of the recovery process.
Some diseases are not curable, but they can be managed, such as diabetes. Further, it is not uncommon to hear that a type of cancer is being "managed" by long-term chemotherapy, instead of being in "remission".
You will want to know if the condition is hereditary, so you can inform children or other relatives if there is a need for them to be tested, or to make lifestyle changes.
A lot of times there are several treatment options that can be considered. Seek out information about the risks and benefits of each of them. Remember to ask your physician to explain all treatment options in lay person's terms and the reasons why a particular treatment is being recommended for you. Keep in mind that you have a right to obtain a second opinion so that you can be more assured that you are making the best choice.
In some cases, your best hope for recovery is through a clinical trial. Ask your doctor if he or she can research to see if there are any clinical trials for which you would qualify, even if they are not located in your area. You could choose to re-locate temporarily for the purpose of a promising clinical trial.
In closing, when you feel you understand your medical condition, and the available treatment options, you will make more informed decisions about your care. Sometimes, just understanding the details about your diagnosis and what will happen now and in the future can be very helpful.
SmallTown Duo is owned by Sibyl Day and Mary Benson. Sibyl is a former attorney and Mary is a former occupational therapist. SmallTown Duo publishes legal and medical books for consumers. This article is based on information contained in their downloadable book co-written with Lauren Newman, "What Did the Doctor Say? A Guide for Leaving the Hospital." The book distills the experiences of Ms. Newman's 30 years of working in hospitals. For more information, visit www.SmallTownDuo.com.
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