Ten Tips
for Working with Your Medical Team
How to deal with the medical team
1. Get involved.
Begin asking questions, questions, questions of the medical
team. Do not leave the examining room until you have understood
what the doctor has discussed.
2. Listen to your intuition.
Usually, you are 99% on target. You know your patient better
than any doctor; become in tune with your loved one.
3. Make a list of medications.
Every time you go to a doctor’s appointment, take this
list and leave it with them. This is so critical and helpful
to each doctor. Each doctor may prescribe a new medication
or delete a drug, so this is a must in keeping everyone informed.
4. Take notes or record the doctor’s
session.
Be ready for your doctor’s appointment; have questions
ready. There will be times the doctor will have a lot of time
to spend with you, but there will be days when his time will
be limited.
5. Become knowledgeable.
Research the Internet. Knowledge is power, and there are many
different resources. Talk to other people and the nurses;
do your homework.
6. Get a calendar.
Write down every appointment. Do not schedule more than 2 per
week including treatments. It is too hard on both of you
to do more in one week.
7. Secure telephone numbers.
Know how to reach your doctor during office hours and after
hours. Keep doctor telephone numbers close to the phone at
all times. Keep those emergency phone numbers handy at all
times, even in the car. Know your pharmacy number as well.
8. Do your homework before calling
the doctor with a challenge.
Before you call the doctor, take the patient’s temperature,
blood pressure, and heart beat so you can talk to the nurse
intelligently. Keep the list of medications handy.
9. You have options…learn them.
Know your loved one’s medical options: chemotherapy,
radiation, both, oral chemo, or surgery as an alternative
10. Keep a positive attitude.
“The glass is half full or it is half empty”, depending on your
attitude. You can wring your hands and have a pity party, or you can become
involved with this journey. The more active you become in this journey, the
more knowledgeable you will become. Remember, knowledge is power and you will
feel a sense of control. |
How to Stay
Upbeat and Motivated
Ten Tips for Caregivers on Staying Upbeat and Motivated
1. Choose your attitude.
Keep a positive attitude while embracing this chronic disease. “The
glass is half full or half empty” depending on your attitude.
Look at those things you can change versus those you cannot;
embrace this change. Get involved immediately with the medical
team.
2. Reach out and touch someone.
Ask for help; it shows a sign of strength, not weakness. Let
someone stay with your loved one while you take a few minutes
to yourself. Family and friends want to help; let them.
3. Pamper yourself.
Get adequate sleep
Get a massage
Get a manicure and/or pedicure
Play golf (or other activity)
Go to a movie
Take a 10-minute walk outside twice a day
Take a class…cooking…karate lessons…yoga
4. Bring entertainment home.
Rent movies and then pop some popcorn…doesn’t
everyone eat popcorn while at the movies?
5. Record your thoughts.
Get a journal and write down your thoughts. It helps to express
yourself on paper…it slows the pain.
6. Keep it light during treatments.
Keep the experience as pleasant as possible; it will help your
spirits, too. For example, if the treatments are close to
July 4th or other holiday, take some balloons with you.
7. Look for humor in this journey.
Find a funny book to read; there are lots of them. This will
help take your mind off the entire responsibility, which
can be overwhelming. One of my favorites is Don’t
Worry, Stop Sweating…Use Deodorant by Richard
Feelgood, Ph.D.
8. Seek help from other caregivers.
There are many resources for you to tap into just for the asking:
9. Create a list of tasks.
Write down some things people can do for you such as going
to the grocery store, picking up the laundry, taking the
car to be serviced. There are lots of things people can do
to assist you, but you have to let them know what “it” is.
10. Rid the guilt.
Give yourself permission to take time for yourself. This is
the best thing you can do for your loved one. You cannot
be the caregiver and advocate of your loved one if YOU are
tired and stressed. Medical science has done a grand job
in working with the patient, but nothing to assist the caregiver.
This is SO critical for the patient’s well being. |
