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Going With Your Loved One to Medical Visits
Your loved one may ask you to come to doctor visits. This may
be a key role for you. Here are some tips for going to the doctor:
- Know how to get there. Give yourself enough time.
- Write down questions you need to ask. Also write down things you want to tell the doctor.
- Keep a folder of your loved one's health information. Bring this folder to each visit.
- Bring all the medicine bottles with you, or keep a list of the names and doses. Bring this list to each visit.
Sometimes, people have trouble with medical visits. They don't
understand what the doctor says. Or they forget things. Here
are some tips for talking with the health care provider:
- If you don't understand an answer, ask the question in a different way.
- If you need to know more, ask.
- Let your doctor or nurse know what your worries are.
- Before you leave the visit, make sure you know what the next steps are for your loved one's care.
- Take notes. Or ask if you can tape-record the visit.
- Let the doctor know if your loved one has had changes or new symptoms.
- What health records should we bring?
- How can we prepare for treatment?
- How long will the treatment take?
- Can he or she go to and from treatment alone?
- How can I help my loved one feel better during treatment?
- Can I be there during treatment?
- What are the side effects of the treatment?
- After treatment, what do we need to watch for? When should we call you?
- How do we file for insurance? Who can help us with insurance?
Many caregivers say that they are afraid to ask about pain. They
worry that it means the cancer is getting worse. Or some think
that pain is normal, and their loved one just has to accept it.
This is not true. People who have their pain managed can focus
on healing. They can enjoy life more.
The doctor should continue to ask about pain and other side
effects. But it's up to you and your loved one to be sure that
the doctor knows about any pain your loved one feels. Pain
can be managed during treatment. The key is to talk about
pain and other symptoms at each visit. Your loved one does not
have to suffer.
Don't be afraid to ask for stronger pain medicine. Sometimes
larger doses help. These drugs rarely cause people with cancer
to get addicted. Instead, they can help your loved one feel better.
He or she will be able to focus on day-to-day things instead of
being in pain.
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