Our Final Journey
Question Your Doctor
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                         Question Your Doctor
Consider the following questions and steps as you and your loved one evaluate physicians.
 
 
Where To Start~Questions
To Ask Your Doctor
Written by Dale G. Larson
From
www.findingourway.net "Conversations"

Here are tips to help you talk to doctors, loved ones and yourself:

-Know your stuff:
Research your disease and bring a detailed list of questions to your doctor. If you need support, bring along a friend or family member. Ask to tape record the medical interview so you can remember all of the details of the conversation.

-Build
teams:
When you talk to your doctor, nurses, social workers, clergy, and other care-providers, think of them as colleagues, all interested in the same thing - helping you life your life to the fullest in the time you have left.

-Learn from others:
Call up a local hospice or hospital to find nearby support groups or educational programs for people facing the same medical or care-giving challenges.

-Share experiences:
Get your group - say, church or senior center - to discuss the experiences (good and bad) that members have had with friends and family who have died recently.

-Plan pro-actively:
Discuss a treatment plan for your remaining time with your loved ones. Discuss your medical options (living will and health-care proxy) and desired funeral arrangements. Give your doctors a copy of your completed directives.

-Don't waste time:
Share with your loved ones what you'd like to do with the remainder time in your life - travel, getting together with old friends, for example. Be realistic; but set down your plans in detail and take action.

-Tie up loose ends:
Think about what the unresolved issues are for you with your family, and what you can do to achieve some closure. For example, tell someone you forgive them or her for a past conflict. Get closures for the unfinished parts of your life.

-Tell your story:

Make a video or audiotape for your children or grandchildren, telling them stories of your life and candidly sharing your feelings with them.

-Write it down:
Think of writing as a conversation with yourself. Writing about your life in its final stages may not cure your illness, but finding words to describe what you're feeling can be emotionally comforting and help you find meaning.

-Look for the windows of opportunity:
If your illness worsens and you are trying to balance life-prolonging treatments with your quality of life, it might be time for you to consider dying as the next stage of your life. The more you talk with others and prepare, the more likely you will be able to maintain control and dignity and achieve a sense of peacefulness in the
time that remains.

Have your doctor answer these questions:

  • What are my treatment options?
  • What are the side effects of the treatments
    you are recommending?
  • How will they effect me and my family? 
  •  Are there any support groups available for
    people with my disease and their families?
  • What symptoms might arise suddenly?
  • What  medicines should I have on hand for these?
  • What plans can we make in advance for these
    possible complications? 
  •  What treatments will help my symptoms even
    if they don't cure what I have?
  • What are the likely outcomes of resuscitation or  life-support
    machines for someone with my medical  problems? 
  •  I know you can't say how long I have to live,
    but would it surprise you as my doctor if I died
    within the next year or two?
  • How can you help me plan for the worst while
    I hope for the best?
  • What is your philosophy and practice on prolonging
    life verses enhancing the quality of life that  remains?
  • If your illness is advanced, ask:
    "How will we know when death is near? What signs
    should my family look for and what can they do for me?"

Email Webmaster ~ Jean E. Miller