Have you ever been in a situation where you are finally able to make it to an appointment with a provider, making a mental list of everything you want to discuss only to arrive in clinic, fill the forms, pay your co-pay, enter the exam room and before you know it, you are answering questions but not getting any real solutions to your problems?
While time with each patients is limited by the demands of the schedule, an appointment is dedicated to you and you should have all your concerns and questions are answered to your satisfaction. Inspired by the excellent article written by Ryan Sallans on “Preparing for your hormone therapy” and, with his permission, here’s our perspective.
Mr. Sallans stresses the importance of being prepared for your healthcare visit and we couldn’t agree more. Start by visiting your provider’s website and write down your questions. Always make a list of the concerns you have, in order of importance. If you are coming for your first hormone visit, the focus should be spend solely on this topic. If you are coming for an annual exam and/or you have more than 2 or 3 problems that you would like to address, consider requesting a follow-up appointment in order to dedicate enough time to your most pressing issues.
Another topic that Mr. Sallans discussed is assessing a new provider’s knowledge of hormonal therapy. Unfortunately, many individuals find it very difficult to speak up and meeting a new provider can be stress inducing! Instead of hiding behind that 8-month old magazine in the waiting room, take the time to observe the practice. How is the staff welcoming the patients? Is there trans* friendly literature around the waiting room? What about the bathrooms? Are the intake forms locking you in one of two gender options? These little details often speak volume about your provider. And while an experienced provider may be of comfort for most, don’t skip over a newer provider who is willing to learn and provide you with extra attention. I also had my first patient at some point in time! However, you shouldn’t, as a patient, be the one doing the teaching. At the end of your encounter, always make sure you understand the treatment plan (including when do you need to follow up and when do you need to have your labs drawn) along with the risks, benefits, alternatives of the proposed management including the effects on your future fertility (in the case of a HRT visit).
If you see your provider for a specific problem, write down as much details about it as possible such a timing (does the pain comes and goes? happens only in certain settings?), location, what makes the pain better or worse, etc.. If possible, keep a diary of the problem you are experiencing before coming in (especially helpful for chronic ailments such as a headache). Keep in mind that as a general rule, chronic problems that have been around for a while will take more time to improve then sudden, acute problems. Make sure that you understand your treatment plan and you follow instructions.
Finally, be proactive with your health. If you smoke, quit. Make a conscientious effort to increase your intake of water and fresh fruits and vegetables. Decrease the amount of meat you eat. Limit yourself to one glass of wine or beer per day. Laugh as much as you can, it is really one of the best medicine.
Ryan Sallans’ original article can be found here.