Become an Empowered Patient – Vol. 465, Aug. 30, 2018
Over the years I have been in the hospital too many times. On some of the occasions, I felt like I was getting great treatment. That was usually when an acute problem like my broken ankle or a kidney infection were the culprits. On other occasions, I felt as if the doctors could not care less about my health, and that was when chronic issues were being dealt with. In order to help you to be empowered, here are some ideas that can help you to be heard by your medical team.
- If the doctors are speaking to you in language you do not understand,, ask them to tell
you what you need to know in language that you understand. Ask as many questions as you
need.
2. Remember that it is your body that is being treated, so make sure you understand
everything that the medical team is doing to you. Know what the negative outcome could
be, because you have the right to be informed. It’s called “informed consent.”
3. You have the right to refuse treatment. Get yourself a second opinion before consenting
to treatment. Misdiagnosis is a real problem, so you want to know that you are being
treated for the problem that you have, not something that you do not.
4. If the treatment is toxic, invasive or long term, you need to make your own decision
as to whether or not it is worth having the treatment. This is an especially good time
to get a second opinion.
5. I have found with my older friends that surgeons are only too happy to recommend
surgery even when physical therapy could have taken care of the issue, as when one
has a rotor cuff injury. Research other ways that are less invasive then surgery before
going ahead with it. Surgery has many risks involved. For example, I knew a woman who
was healthy and happy as could be. She went in for a hip replacement and died a week
later contracting sepsis while she was in the hospital.
6. If your doctor is unwilling to listen to your concerns, getting agitated with your questions
or fear about your condition, it’s time to find a new doctor. Never allow a doctor to bully
you. Yes, doctors may be overwhelmed in their jobs, but compassion is called for here.
7. Do research on your condition so that you have an idea what you are dealing with, making
It easier to get the care that you need, without taking unreasonable risks.
8. Have a friend or family member with you if you can. It is hard to remember what you are
being told when you are already upset. You will be happy that you had that person along.
9. Have a list of the medications and conditions that you have, to help the doctor to
have a better understanding of any issues that may need to be taken under consideration
In your care.
10. Thank your compassionate and competent medical team members. They do work hard,
and would greatly appreciate your appreciation of their efforts.
Always remember that the more informed you are about your own situation, the better the
treatment you will receive. Never put up with doctors or nurses who act arrogantly to you. Report them if you feel it is necessary. However, do remember that they are people too, and have their own lives to contend with as well. So, don’t expect them to be super people, but do expect them to be compassionate and helpful while you are in their care.
Relaxing Dental Appointments
Need to have some dental work done, but your hearts races at the thought? Learn how to relax with the "Dental Appointments made Relaxing" MP3. Available for download at a reasonable price from the Dawning Visions Hypnosis Store
Relaxing Dental Appointments
About Suzanne
Suzanne Kellner-Zinck founded Dawning Visions Hypnosis in 2002, She has become an innovator in the use of hypnotism and neuro-linguistic programming in the areas of obsessive compulsive disorders such as: eating disorders, sexual addiction and substance abuse as well as working with those with anxiety and mood disorders.
Her clients have come to work with her from across the United States and as far away as Africa to help them to finally be freed from these emotional issues that once ruled their lives. Today she is in the process of bringing her work to many more in the form of ebooks and other downloadable formats.
She is a member of American Holistic Medical Association and the American College for Advancement in Medicine.
Prior to founding Dawning Visions Hypnosis, Kellner-Zinck worked within vendor programs for the mentally ill working to help them to live up to their fullest potential. Many of her previous clients were able to move out on their own and find fulfilling work.
Kellner-Zinck is a Certified Trainer of Hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic programing through Tad James Company, Inc. and a Master Hypnotist and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming through Advanced Neuro Dynamics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and political studies from Curry College.
Dawning Visions Hypnosis is teaching people that they can indeed leave their unwanted behaviors behind as they move forward to living fulfilling and joy filled lives.