Planning appointments

Appointments with your doctor are often shorter than you would really like and so planning for them is a very important aspect of a successful doctor’s visit. The average length of a doctor’s appointment in Europe is only 12 minutes (although in some countries you can book as long as you need provided you explain the reason when booking) so try to make the most of every minute you have. Your doctor will need clear and concise information about your symptoms and how you are coping to help you to manage your illness. The following tips may help you in preparing for your visit:

Making your appointment

• Make your appointment at a time of day to suit you and your carer
• Whilst it may be tempting to try to see your doctor when you are “on”, it is also good for them to see you when you are “off”.  It may be helpful to book one appointment for when you are “on” and the next for when you are “off” so your doctor sees the variation in your symptoms
• If you are seeing your doctor following an appointment with your consultant, make sure that any letter or other paperwork from the consultant will have had time to reach your doctor
• Think in advance what you want to gain from the appointment, for example do you think your medication needs to be reviewed, would you like to see a therapist, would you like advice on different types of treatment or alternative/complementary therapies?
• If you have a lot to discuss you may want to ask if you can book a double appointment.

Before your appointment

• Make a list of things you want to discuss, putting the most important at the top of the list in case you do not have time to ask everything
• Leave space on your list to write notes on the information your doctor provides.  Bullet points and brief notes will help you when time is too short to write everything down
• Think about how best to describe any difficulties you experience or changes in symptoms – it’s easy to get tongue-tied when you have only a limited amount of time so planning in advance how to express yourself can help you to communicate effectively.

On the day

• Make sure you arrive in plenty of time so you are not flustered, and remember to take any hearing aid, glasses or communication device or aid you may need
• Be honest about your situation.  It is not wise to put on a brave face if you are struggling to cope – your doctor can only act on the information you give him so if you need help, don’t pretend that you can manage.  And try to tackle any subjects you find embarrassing - it’s important your doctor is aware of any problems you have.

Talking about your medications

• Bringing a concise list of all your medications with you will help, as it can sometimes be difficult to remember all the names and dosages. Alternatively, if you have a medication card or record then take this with you as the doctor can very quickly read details of all your medications - the Parkinson’s passport can help with this.  You could even take the medications themselves with you to the appointment because references to the ‘small blue pill’ or ‘the one I take in the morning’ are less helpful than showing the doctor the bottle of pills with the prescribing information clearly marked on it
• Make sure your doctor knows about any other medications you take, including over the counter medications obtained without a prescription, supplements and herbal or complementary medicines
• Should your doctor alter your medication or introduce a new one, make sure you know how to take this, what it aims to treat and any side effects to be aware of.  Always follow the instructions you are given and discuss any alteration in regime with your doctor or pharmacist before making any change
• If you don’t understand something your doctor says, ask them to explain it again.  Most doctors would rather spend a little extra time explaining clearly than have you come back soon after because you don’t understand or because you have not been able to follow their advice.

Taking someone with you

• You may want to take someone with you to some appointments.  They can help you by taking written notes and recalling discussions and advice afterwards
• Make sure the person you take along is aware of your queries or concerns so that they can help to explain if you find it difficult
• Sometimes you may prefer to have some time alone with the doctor to discuss sensitive issues. Alternating between going alone and with someone may be helpful.