flowery in the description of pain, such as “My pain is aching, burning.” In your description, answer the questions, “What does it feel like to you? Where is it? Does it move?”
Also, compare your current pain to the worst pain they ever had, such as childbirth or kidney stones. This helps put your pain in context and may help the doctor pinpoint the cause of their pain more effectively.
Don’t Be Afraid to Disagree
If your doctor seems to be shrugging off your symptoms as “all in your head” or suggesting what seems to be an unreasonable course of action, make sure you fully explain why you disagree. Perhaps this pain feels different or lasts longer than the usual aches, or perhaps you can’t comprehend how your doctor reached a particular diagnosis based on your medical history. Sometimes challenging your doctor can reveal mistakes. And doctors, like everyone else, make them from time to time.
Write Out Your Questions in Advance
It’s common to forget what you wanted to discuss while you’re undergoing a quick exam. If possible, try to write out some questions before your appointment concerning your preferences for follow-up and treatment. If you don’t know what kinds of questions to ask or how to ask them, check out the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s website.
