Question
Tips on speaking openly with my doctor…
25 June 2006. Related: All topics.
Can you say something about the ability to speak out openly with my doctors?
Answer
Your doctor really wants to work with you. He or she will be used to all sorts of questions from many different situations. Developing confidence with your doctor can take time but it should get better. Some simple things can help though. Plan what you want to talk about beforehand, and take a list in to the appointment to use. Go to the appointment with a friend, partner or family member. Your doctor is very happy for you to have someone with you at your appointment. This can help focus the meeting, and also give you someone to talk about afterwards with what the doctor said, If things are very difficult talk to one of the nurses. You can always ask to see a different doctor if there are more complicated reasons why you can’t talk to your doctor.
(Adapted from a question from the i-Base Q&A pages of the African Eye a new treatment publication for African communities affected by HIV who are living in the UK)
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