by alysa » Sat Nov 15, 2003 08:10 am
If diagnosed or even before any diagnosis research your symptoms, diagnosis, or meds. yourself so you can be educated and know what care or steps you want to take or tests if necessary, and also work with your doctor regarding decisions.
Always get a second Dr.'s opinion if you are unaware of meds. and research medication side effects yourself and ask also pharmacists.
Also don't wait for doctor's to help you if you don't agree with treatment speak up or seek another doctor. If your symptoms or concerns aren't being taken seriously demand (politely) an explanation of health steps, meds.-or alternatives if possible, preventitive measures and specific tests for your concerns. - Make sure your doctor is thoroughly caring for you. Make sure your questions are answered before the dr. leaves (or often times, rushes out of the room for another patient). Talk also to nurses, a lot of times they are also helpful.
For the person taking Atenolol (how ever that med is spelled?) I think I was prescribed that medication (for fast heart rate before pregnancy) and had the worst side effects with that med. than other medications - (I take none now) yet everyone is different, I did not respond well to other med's I tried also. Talk to your pharmacist - they are also helpful and could possibly tell you other suggestions you can ask your dr. about yourself.
Most important do not ignore your concerns and let them become worries. This will only add stress and not help. Make sure you are straight forward with your doctor and they are sincerely and thoroughly caring for you and your baby - if not go to a doctor that will. Afterall, it is your health and your health affects your child also - and you know your body better than anyone else - even the doctor.
(Taking my own advice),
Alysa
If diagnosed or even before any diagnosis research your symptoms, diagnosis, or meds. yourself so you can be educated and know what care or steps you want to take or tests if necessary, and also work with your doctor regarding decisions.
Always get a second Dr.'s opinion if you are unaware of meds. and research medication side effects yourself and ask also pharmacists.
Also don't wait for doctor's to help you if you don't agree with treatment speak up or seek another doctor. If your symptoms or concerns aren't being taken seriously demand (politely) an explanation of health steps, meds.-or alternatives if possible, preventitive measures and specific tests for your concerns. - Make sure your doctor is thoroughly caring for you. Make sure your questions are answered before the dr. leaves (or often times, rushes out of the room for another patient). Talk also to nurses, a lot of times they are also helpful.
For the person taking Atenolol (how ever that med is spelled?) I think I was prescribed that medication (for fast heart rate before pregnancy) and had the worst side effects with that med. than other medications - (I take none now) yet everyone is different, I did not respond well to other med's I tried also. Talk to your pharmacist - they are also helpful and could possibly tell you other suggestions you can ask your dr. about yourself.
Most important do not ignore your concerns and let them become worries. This will only add stress and not help. Make sure you are straight forward with your doctor and they are sincerely and thoroughly caring for you and your baby - if not go to a doctor that will. Afterall, it is your health and your health affects your child also - and you know your body better than anyone else - even the doctor.
(Taking my own advice),
Alysa
