The importance of a good relationship with your doctor
Building a good relationship with your doctor, or consultant, is an essential part of living with Parkinson’s. You and your doctor are partners throughout your journey, and this partnership begins from the moment you receive your diagnosis. You will both want to get off to a good start and form a basis for ongoing communication and support, creating a dialogue between you where you are comfortable expressing yourself and confident in the advice you receive. Establishing an easy and relaxed relationship with your doctor can enhance your quality of life and is one of the first steps you need to take to manage your Parkinson’s as well as is possible.
Like all relationships, it requires effort on both sides to make it successful. Your doctor needs to be open and approachable and must be able to understand your needs well. To achieve this you need to provide the information he or she requires honestly, neither glossing over difficulties you encounter nor exaggerating them. Trust is also an integral part of a good relationship and this too requires effort and commitment - you both need to engage with each other, be open and transparent so that you make the most of the time together.
