Be Your Own Best Advocate With Chronic Kidney Disease

Living with chronic kidney disease has taught me many things, especially when it comes to visiting my doctors. Today, I will share tips and tricks with you on how to manage all of the appointments. We need to know how to deal with a specific type of doctor.

Preparing to meet with your doctor

First let's talk about the preparation before meeting the doctor. Before meeting my doctor, I make sure to make a checklist. I write down the symptoms that bother me, questions that run through my mind, or other concerns that I want to discuss. This list keeps me on track during my visit. I want to make sure that I don’t miss out on any point that has come to my mind.

Along with the checklist, I also bring my medical records and recent results of my tests. Having all of these documents makes the appointment more productive and smoother. Effective communication helps a lot when you are talking to the doctor. I make sure that I don’t shy away from asking any sort of question. I want to be involved in my treatment plan. Even if something sounds silly in my head, I ask it. I want to make sure that all my doubts are clear.

I ask my doctor to explain any new term if that comes up in the discussion. So that I have a better knowledge of what is being talked about. Usually, doctors also appreciate patients who take an interest in their appointments and take charge of their journey. I know what you all must be thinking... not all doctors have the same mindset.

Dealing with doctors who rush you

Some do get irritated by a lot of questioning or rush the appointment. They love using terms that are like a foreign language to us. In moments like these make sure you keep calm and stay confident. I have learned that if this case happens ask the doctor politely yet firmly to repeat please. Ask them to explain them in simple language for you. What helped me was building an assertive yet respectful relationship with my doctor. It helped us communicate in a better way. I believe that doctors and anyone in the medical field are overwhelmed and overworked, so let's be respectful.

Another tip that might help is getting a second opinion when needed. If I ever feel like something is not working with my current doctor or I need more insight on something I don’t waste my time on getting a second opinion. Let's not forget how a good support network can do wonders for you. Whether it's talking to your fellow CKD warriors or getting close to your trusted family and friends having this kind of circle is important.

Lastly, self-care is a non-negotiable thing. I make sure that I stay informed about my condition. Keeping check and balance with reliable resources, and sticking to the changes in my lifestyle that my healthcare team recommends. So my fellow CKD warriors always make sure to take control of your health journey as it's for your betterment.

We are all in this together.