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“I’m not
clear on this,
could you tell
me again”
4 If it doesn’t feel
right, push back
“There’s a power dynamic between
patients and doctors that makes
some people feel as if doctors are
higher up on a societal hierarchy and
somehow in charge of what a patient
does,” says Heyman. “That’s not the
case. A doctor should be a partner in
a person’s health care, not in charge
of it.” He says going to appointments
prepared – with printouts of
information and a list of questions- will boost your confidence, reduce
anxiety, and may even increase your
provider’s respect for you. If you’ve
done your part but still don’t feel
like you’re meshing with your doctor,
it may be time to look for another.
A doctor-patient pairing is like
any other relationship: sometimes
it’s just not the right fit, says Sands.
If you don’t have the option of
switching, try calling in some
backup. “Bring your spouse or
someone else who can help make
sure you get all your questions
answered and make your needs
known,” suggests Heyman.
They can help you understand
what your doctor is saying, and
provide emotional support if it’s
nerve-wracking.Remember your
ultimate goalBeing an engaged patient takes
some time and effort. But with
everything you do in life –
making sure the bills get paid,
caring for family and pets,
offering neighbours a helping
hand – don’t you deserve to focus
on yourself once in a while?
Medicine shouldn’t be a
spectator sport, says Sands.
“It’s much better practiced as a
participatory sport. You will feel
more in control. You don’t have
to feel like things are being done
to you; rather with you and by
your choice. You’ll have less
anxiety and better health.” You’ll
also likely save money and avoid
errors. With rising costs and an
ever-more-complicated medical
system, says Sands, patients are
going to play a bigger role in
determining their own wellness
goals, and lighting the path to get
there. And who better to do it?
While healthcare providers are
experts in medicine, we are the
best experts on ourselves. ■3
Admit when
you’re confusedSome patients feel ashamed if they don’t understand
something, or worry about being a burden by asking too
many questions, says Manny Hernandez, type 1 and co-
founder of TuDiabetes. Your doctor is an important source
of information and wants you to be well – so utilise her! “Simply say, ‘I’m
not clear on this,’” Hernandez suggests. If your appointments are too short
to get the clarity you need, ask for resources where you can get more
education. Some examples may be certified diabetes educators, patient-
centred medical conferences or di sease-management programs.diabetic living MAY/JUNE 2019 95health check