rampmama Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 I am scheduled for a 12 week follow up on June 11th. I have a ton of questions and a piece of my mind to give to my doc. But what questions did you find to ask your doc that were invalauble? Any tips to share? I am debating bringing my hubby so someone else can help with the answers. My memory stinks and I have a hard time understanding things. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Firefly Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Hi hun! I would make a list of questions for your Dr., it is good to have someone go with you and in the room to take notes for you!! Have the Dr. explain everything to you, ask for a copys of your reports. Make a list of your symptoms or problems and don't let them tell you it can't be Anuerysm related!! That happens a lot and makes me so mad!! I have gone though a few Dr's until I found a good one to take care of my long term recovery and after care! You need to find a good Family Practioner who hads experince with "Vascular patients like us, strokes, heart... Mine has helped me so much!!! I tried the specialist..., they are not all they are cracked up to be! :? Been there and done that! :? Surgeons only want to do the surgery and then they want to you go to a primary phys. for long term care. You definately have to ask questions and be an advocate for your own health care! It is best to have a spouse or caretaker with you to your appointments! Don't be afraid, it is your body, your life! They are working for you!! If you are having problems with this one, find a new one!!! You know your body and when something is wrong!!! They can't feel any of this, they have never been though it! Only we can truly understand what each other is going through!! Thank God for places like this to come to!!! I had a rupture next to my left optical artery 7/29/05, I went to the ER 3 times before I was diagnosed. I had my surgeries Sept. & Oct. 05 for stenting and coiling. I am still in recovery due to the lack of treatment in the begining. I am very lucky to be here!! God was with me for sure! This is so difficult in the begining hun, but gets easier in time. Dealing with Dr's can be so frustrating sometimes & it should not be!! I found a NS on my own and a Family Practioner for my long term recovery!! It makes a big difference in your attitude and recovery if you like your Dr's!! The brain takes a long time to heal! You need patience, lots of rest and sleep, stay hydrated, eat well... Listen to your body, it will let you know if you are over doing it. Most of us go through a range of emotions the first 6 months or so, it is normal. We are here for those changes and to talk to!! How are you feeling?? Where is your Annie?? What are your complaints or symptoms?? I am new and have short term memory problems so sorry if I don't remember things!! Feel free to ask us questons... Come cry on our shoulder or vent!! That is why we are all here! Please let us know how your appointment goes!!! I will be keeping you in my prayers!! Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bogbrush Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Hi I can't really add much that Tricia hasn't already said, but write down all your questions before you go and it's definitely a good idea to take someone with you. Also, be sure to write down the answers to your questions so you don't forget them. Now ... if only I could remember where I put my list of Q&A! Regards Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Hi Linda, Tricia def has it covered, I took my husband (I'm normally v independant) in with me too and I think it seems to be a normal practice. I had been really excited about my appointment thinking he would have a nice summary of, what happened what would happen next etc. I was also very emotional and starting crying in the appointment. Was fine before hand but again this is quite common apparently. I feel the Docs feel they had told my husband everything when it was happening and now there is nothing further to add. So I would def write your questions down because you can lose track. My GP however is invaluable and I have the consultants email so I've asked questions since and hes been great. I probably have had more info from this site. But enjoy your appointment, it is another stage ticked of the list. Aine xox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rampmama Posted May 14, 2007 Author Share Posted May 14, 2007 How are you feeling?? Where is your Annie?? What are your complaints or symptoms?? I am feeling godd but tired. Confused most times when it counts but I am back at work. I run a home based business and I love what I do, so it is a treat when I have the energy. Where was my annie? I have no clue. All this was told when I was in the hospital, but I really don't understand what happened to me in the hospital. It was such a blur. Half the time, I couldn't find my own bed. When I have been back to the ER, they have said something about my annie being close to an optical something or other. I'll assume on my right side since that is where my hole is. I was a bleeding SAH so everything was very fast and traumatic. That is why I am looking forward to this appointment. Now that I am back I want to understand what happened to me and what kind of shape I was in. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rince Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Common recurring theme is that whilst most of us have been told exactly what we've been through a fair number of us can't remember. Given that a common result of SAH is short term memory problems why do they not write down what they tell us? Surely there is a way around this as I know for a fact that the doctors used to come around when I was on my own but what I don't know is what they said or did! Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Hi Scott, I totally agree with you ... with me, I just nodded in the right direction and then totally forgot what was said.....they should definetly write it down. Most of my information about where my aneurysm was located, I got from my discharge sheet from Southampton to Poole hospital ... if I hadn't found it there, I wouldn't have had a clue. I also thought that all SAH'ers suffered a III nerve palsy and didn't realise that it was due to where I had the aneurysm. I presumed that everybody was the same as I was. Which sounds silly now, when I look back, but most of the info that I learned came off the internet..... a lot of it was very scarey... and a lot of it, I really didn't need to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goldie Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 You could also bring a digital voice recorder...I always foget what they say...my husband does too....hope you have a good visit....take care Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rampmama Posted June 5, 2007 Author Share Posted June 5, 2007 So my docs office just called and they are pushing my appointment to Sept 10. I am disappointed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jennybee Posted June 6, 2007 Share Posted June 6, 2007 Hi - nothing much to add except to say GRRRRRRRRR! How annoying and frustrating!? The length of time it takes to get appointments is terrible and really disruptive and upsetting - lots of sympathies. Jenny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG AL Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 HI LINDA, I must say firefly has got it pretty much covered! Finding a doctor who really understands what you are going through is really important? I was lucky in that my GP had suffered a SAH in his early thirties and so knew exactly what i was going through?(and he always came to see me at home for the 1st 12 months! but dont tell anyone! ) Anyway good luck and youll be ok im sure regards-BIG AL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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