I think I will write it down!!!!

wendgro

At certain points I decide to go back to my GP with my ongoing saga of hip and knee pain (had both TKR and THR) then I back off because I don't know quite what to say or how to describe what the problems are to her so I came up with the idea to write down what I suffer instead of being tongue tied I also suffer 'White coat syndrome' which doesn't help. Has anyone else tried this idea and was the GP offended??

dreamdaisy

We are always advising people to either keep a diary of symptoms or write a list of the areas they wish to discuss. It is sometimes easier to hand over a letter for the GP or whoever to read rather than sit and 'waffle' on, the written word has a greater impact than the spoken, plus the letter should go on your file. Do it, wendgro, and I hope it makes the difference for you. As for white coat syndrome, I just sit there imagining them in their knickers - that takes away any fear and renders them just what they are: human beings. Good luck!

Ankyspond

Hi wendgro,

Keep a pain diary of how you feel, emotions, what it stops you doing etc. Also do a pain map to indicate where hurts and how bad, I have one I can email you with an example and blank one I find it helps. I take a new one each time I go, it's all colour coded so visual and effective. Xx

valval

writing it down is great idea if you can not communicate it also makes sure that you do not forget to mention any thing val

ichabod6

How can the gp be offended?

It's your life; it's your condition; it's your problem'

There's a partnership between you and the gp is the
junior partner.

frogmorton

Wendy

l totally agree with you l too experince white coat syndrome and can bawl so be incoherant at times :oops:

Anky could you please pm me with your charts??? l woudl reallly like to see if they would help me too.

Love

Toni xx

dreamdaisy

It's a brilliant idea of Anky's, no doubt about that. I drew a stick man then did the 'dead body' outline round it. It's good enough, I have four on one sheet of A4 and I use three colours: green = tolerable, yellow = unpleasantly noticeable and red = for phack's sake. DD

Ankyspond

Toni,

Only just got in will send you it in a minute, anyone welcome to have it. Xx

cloud9

I too have white coat syndrome and get very tongue tied and confused. My blood pressure goes through the ceiling, especially at the hospital. My marvellous consultant actually suggested that I write down the things I want to say to him and ask him. I find my visits a lot easier and much less stressful now. Go for it!! I'm positive they won't mind. If they do....see a different doctor

hileena111

Hi
Yes yes yes......write things down. Or use ankys map.....its great anky thanks for that.
My consultant used to come out to get me from the waiting room and on the way back would say.....as he laughed.....I suppose you've got your list for me again I dont think he had many do that but he seemed to appreciate it.....I should write it out more legibly and give it to them and it may go in my file but i just write out bullet points for myself to look at and ask him questions......but whatever way you do it ....do it.
I go a step further than DD....I imagine them behind their desk with no trousers on at all.....that takes the fear away

Love
Hileena

Ankyspond

hileena111 wrote:

Hi
I go a step further than DD....I imagine them behind their desk with no trousers on at all.....that takes the fear away

Love
Hileena

That made me laugh so much, thanks! Glad you liked the map. X