PATIENTS’ MANUALS

BY Dr. Sanjiva Wijesinha

There are times when I feel that before people consult a physician, they should be given an instruction manual to read. Similar to those manuals, which accompany brand-new electrical appliances or phones, there should be a simple set of instructions provided that explains how one can get the best from one’s GP.

After all, doctors are not all-knowing deities (although some of us act as if we are!). They can’t magically solve your problems and cure you of all your ailments. They’re human beings who need all the help they can get to diagnose and advise you correctly.

In a sense, a doctor is like a detective who has to crack the case. And as in the enigma facing any detective, the more reliable clues he or she is provided with, the better the chances are of cracking the case.

The first and most important piece of advice I have is to tell you to write down your symptoms. The term ‘symptom’ is defined as a physical or mental problem that someone experiences – in other words, something you feel is not normal.

There are many symptoms that prompt a patient to consult a doctor. It could be something like a pain, some swelling, that feeling of malaise, or loss of weight or appetite.

Obviously, you want to consult a physician because you feel that something is not normal and wish him or her to find out what is causing this feeling of abnormality; and hopefully, relieve you of the problem.

So write down exactly what you are concerned about. For example, when did you last feel normal – and when did your symptoms appear? You don’t have to be precise but a general idea of when you first began to feel that something was wrong will be helpful for your doctor.

Record what makes these symptoms worse and state if anything makes them better. Also, note if you have taken any remedies for the issue up to now. If the problem is a pain, lump or rash, make sure you can point out exactly where it’s located on your body. Have you ever had symptoms like these in the past? And if so, what was done to relieve the problem?

Tell your physician if anyone in your immediate family (parents and siblings) has had similar problems. It is also important to inform the doctor about any regular medications you are taking for health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and so on, and if you have had any medical conditions or surgical procedures in the past.

All this information enables your doctor – who’s your detective! – to use his or her knowledge and experience to formulate a working diagnosis.

Sometimes, the first consultation may not yield sufficient information for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. In such a case, you may need to undertake some investigations – blood tests, X-rays and so on.

If you have had any tests done in the past, show those reports to the doctor – because they may provide clues that will help in making a diagnosis. The reports will at least provide a baseline of what your readings were before you deve-loped the new symptoms.

Remember: it’s difficult for doctors to help you unless you give them the information they need to diagnose your condition effectively.