PREPARING FOR APPOINTMENTS • Plan your travel arrangements ahead of time. • Take someone else with you and the patient when going to the doctor. It is helpful to have another set of ears and someone to help take notes. It is a lot to take in. • Don’t be afraid to challenge the doctors. Advocating for what your loved one needs is one of the most helpful things you can do. • Keep a notebook where everything can be recorded — doctors, medications (new and old), x-rays, scans, pathology reports, etc. Pain levels, moods, naps and eating habits also can be noted. • Keep an appointment calendar.
• Write down a list of questions you want to ask… and then write down the answers. • Don’t be afraid to ask the same question twice if you don’t understand the answer. • Find out about side effects of treatment so you know what to expect and can make the best decisions possible. SECOND OPINIONS Some people worry that doctors will be offended if they ask for a second opinion. However, most doctors welcome a second opinion and many health insurance companies will even pay for them. A second opinion may provide you and your loved one with more information and perhaps a greater sense of control.
“I have learned as a caregiver to arm myself with information because the doctors don’t always tell you everything you need to know to make an informed decision.” — Peter
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