Questions for your doctors

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By ACCORDANT HEALTH SERVICES

Questions...most people with a lifelong illness have them. If you are the parent of a child with CF, very likely, you have questions too. Your questions are important, and your doctor can probably answer most of them. But some people's questions about CF do not get answered – but only because they are never asked!

Why Ask Questions?
People who ask questions usually get answers. Those who ask questions are likely to know more about their disease. They understand more about how their treatments are supposed to help them. People who ask questions often feel like more of a partner with their doctors too.

So, what keeps people from asking their questions?

Some people feel nervous in medical settings. They freeze and forget what they wanted to ask about. Others worry that their questions might seem "stupid" to the doctor. Some people have such high opinions of doctors that they believe they should not "question the doctor."

If you are one of these people, it is time to think again! Asking questions about CF is not only your right, but it is the right thing to do. This is especially true if you are caring for a child with CF. Any question is a "good" question if the answer will tell you what you need to know, or just want to know.

Sample Questions
It is normal for CF patients and parents to have all types of questions. Here are some examples. As you read them, think about what you would like to ask your doctor.

Medical questions

• Do I need to do airway clearance therapy even when I am feeling fine?
• Why do I need to take enzymes if I am just having a snack?
• Does a lung transplant cure CF?

Questions about how CF will affect your life

• Can I get pregnant?
• Is it safe for a person with CF to play sports?
• Are there any types of work a person with CF should not do?

Questions about sensitive issues
(These questions may be the hardest to ask. Sometimes the best way to start is to say, "I need to ask you a question about something personal.")

• How can I tell my parents that they are overprotecting me?
• Can you help me with depression?
• I am the smallest person in my class at school. Is there anything that can help me grow faster?

Questions about education and support for CF

• Can you recommend some books or Web sites about CF?
• Do you know of a local CF support group?
• Who should I call when I have a question?

Make Three Lists
To get the most out of your time with the doctor, plan ahead. Make three lists:

List #1: Symptoms. If you are seeing the doctor because of a problem, write a list of your or your child's symptoms and answer these questions:

• When did the symptoms start?
• How long do they last?
• What seems to bring them on or make them better?
• Do they relate to food, medicine, or lifestyle changes?

List #2: Questions. Put all your questions in writing.

• Put your most important questions first on the list. Ask these questions at the beginning of the appointment. This way, even in a brief meeting your biggest concerns will be addressed.
• Some people fax or mail their list to the doctor ahead of time.

List #3: Medicines. Make this list if you are seeing a doctor for the first time.

• Include all prescription and over-the-counter products such as vitamins, herbal products, and antacids. Record the dose and how often you or your child takes it. If you or your child has ever had a bad reaction to a medicine, tell the doctor.
• You may fill out the chart below, photocopy it, and give it to your doctor.
• Keep a copy for yourself so you can use it again later.

Note: Some doctors prefer that you put all your medicines in a bag and bring them to the appointment. Before you make your list, find out if this is what your doctor prefers.

References

National Institute on Aging Web site. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/talkingwithyourdoctor/printerFriendly.html?allTopics=entireTopic&selectedTopics=selectTopic&print=Confirm+print+selection. Accessed March 3, 2008.

National Eye Institute web site. http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/talktodoc.asp. Accessed March 1, 2008.

MedLine Plus [Internet]. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2008 March 3] talking with your doctor; [reviewed 2007 Sept 21; cited 2008 March 3]; [1 p]. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/talkingwithyourdoctor.html.

Lorig K, Fries JF. Working with your doctor: a joint venture. In: The Arthritis Helpbook. 6th ed. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press;2006:303-312.

American Academy of Family Physicians Web site. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/pat-advocacy/healthcare/837.html. Accessed March 1, 2008.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Web site.http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/quicktips/doctalk.htm. Accessed March 1, 2008.

Barrett, Stephen. Doctor-patient communication. Quackwatch Web site. Available at: http://www.quackwatch.org/02ConsumerProtection/commtips.html. Revised October 9, 2006.Accessed April 17, 2008.

Last Modified Date: March 19, 2009 © Accordant Health Services, a CVS/Caremark company.  All rights reserved.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by a member of the Accordant Health Services Medical Advisory Team.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions.