Honesty – Even with a Healthcare Professional - is the Best Policy

We tend to disregard the obvious: taking an active part in our health care means working in partnership with those we entrust with our health. 

If you lie, or even fudge, in your responses to your doctor you are not doing yourself any favors. You may not be alone, though.  Between 20% to 30% of all Americans (the steep variation depends on the question) tell a “white” fib to their physician. Often we just conveniently “forget” to tell them certain medical facts.  “She should have asked,” is often the standard response.  But unless we discuss certain aspects of our life, the doctor will not know about them.  They are not mind-readers.

There are certain things we, as seniors, can do to be open and honest in this ongoing relationship.

·         Share Inhibitions and Barriers

We often hide the fact that we are not following orders, mainly that we have stopped taking medications.  The prescribed dosage may cause nausea, diarrhea, or other discomforts.  Or we may just be afraid of needles.  Or, the drug is out of our price range. 

We will tell untruths, for example, in such areas as how much we exercise. Mental health issues, our own and that of blood relatives, is a something we try to hide.  We rarely want to discuss our anxiety or depression.  But if we don’t express these conditions, as well as other symptoms (including unusual growths on body parts we would rather not mention) to those who need to know, how will they be able to help us?

We may also be reticent to disclose specific lifestyle preferences that we are ashamed of, other than binge eating while we watch TV, such as the frequency of our smoking, or alcohol and drug intake.  Why should the doctor know what we do for recreational pleasure?  Besides, I can stop anytime I want to.  All these items are, as much as we hate to admit them, required to be shared with our physician.  Yes, even your sexual habits.

·         Who Is the Doctor to Tell You?

You are an expert on the subject.  You don’t need anyone’s advice.  Well you do, that’s first. Secondly, if you have other information, bring printed material to your doctor.  Bring the article that documents new medication or remedies that you believe will be helpful to you. You may find that your opinion doesn’t count for much, or your doctor has heard it before.  Or, you may be surprised to learn that your physician acts on your advice.

·         Prioritize Your Discussion

We all have issues that we wish addressed. The problem is that there are other patients the doctor must see.  The solution: ask your most pressing questions first, and then you can chat, time permitting.

·         It’s a Two-Way Street

Honesty requires a partner that is also open.  If you find yourself inhibited or put off by the demeanor of your physician, say so.  Perhaps your physician feels pressured for time, is having a bad day, is dealing with her own problems, or is curt with you for a myriad of reasons that could prevent her from giving you the attention you deserve. Speak up.  Tell her the visit is not going well.

Finally, always have the option of finding another physician.  The doctor knows this, and so should you. 

Have any thoughts on the issue? Share them with us at www.MatureAging.com, and we may post them (only after getting your permission) in a future edition.

Till next time,

Josh