I think I will write it down!!!!

wendgro
wendgro Member Posts: 296
edited 10. Aug 2011, 18:18 in Living with Arthritis archive
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?? :cry:

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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!
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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
    val
  • ichabod6
    ichabod6 Member Posts: 843
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,048
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Toni,

    Only just got in will send you it in a minute, anyone welcome to have it. Xx
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!
  • cloud9
    cloud9 Member Posts: 385
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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 :lol:
    Sue (Cloud9)
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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 :lol: 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 :lol::lol::lol:

    Love
    Hileena
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    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 :lol::lol::lol:

    Love
    Hileena

    That made me laugh so much, thanks! Glad you liked the map. X
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!