Before your doctors appointment, be prepared by:
This page contains the following solutions.
After many trips to the ER, I decided to use my Microsoft Word and memory from my visits and put them to good use.
Get a regular journal or spiral notebook, and make a medical journal out of it. Write down any of the past sicknesses in the family and bring it with you when going to the doctor's.
At the time of a doctor's appointment, a patient is required to inform the doctor of all medications taken on a daily basis. In order to document that vital health information, a person can take a photo of medication bottles on your cell phone, including all supplements, over the counter medications.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I am going for a check up with the doctor. It is a general checkup and I would like to know what it involves. I am feeling scared and I am a forty eight year old woman.
Call your doctors office you are going to, and ask to speak to your doctor's nurse. Ask her that same question. She can tell you that answer.
First his nurse will weigh you, then make you pp in a cup. She will take your blood pressure, and pulse, and ask you a bunch of questions. Then you get naked and put on a gown. Dr. comes in, starts with your eyes, ears, nose and mouth, looking around. Feels your neck, glands, pecks you on the chest and back, listens to your heart and lungs.
I would add to Ima's post that you might very well have a blood test and maybe a chest x-ray. It's all really not a big deal. Just tell yourself he sees so many people he'll never remember you after he writes you up in his chart.
Congratulations on taking the first step to better health. Please let your doctor and nurse know of your anxiety. They can take extra care in explaining what is going to happen. Take a book to read, I-pod to listen to to keep you occupied in waiting room and exam room.
Ask if you can place your hand lightly on top of the docs as he presses on your tummy. It lesses the "where is he going to touch me next anxiety" and allows for a better exam. Take a friend to hold your hand or husband or whatever. Not going to the doctor is a lot worse. It only lasts a few minutes (time it!)
Make a list of any questions or concerns you have BEFORE you go--that way, in your anxiety you will not forget anything important! Good luck-you will do great!
I agree with the person who advised you to phone the doctor[s office to ask what to expect. My doctor doesnt do the things others have said. Of course, I have been going to her for years. Your first visit will more than likely be one in which the doctor collects information about your prior health. That is to say, its paperwork. Then, the doctor will take your blood pressure, look in your eyes, ears, and nose. Then she will listen to your heart. She may ask you to lie down. She touches your stomach and perhaps your breasts, but this doesnt hurt at all. Also, she touches your neck to see if you have swollen glands or something wrong with your thyroid.
i work at a family practice drs office. first i weigh the patient, then i take temp in ear, blood pressure and pulse. all the while i am chatting with the patient-as i like people and am not shy about talking. some of my coworkers dont like to talk so they dont. i usually ask what the problem is and sometimes they will tell me they are sick and with what. other times people just say they are here for a check up.
hope it goes well.
I care too. Please let us know how it went for you. I'm glad you're doing this sensible smart thing.
