When You (Females, Especially) Go to See a New Doctor, Do You...?

[kitkatbar]

Originally Posted by spencgr

Ok, but tell me how having my hisband in the exam room with me will solve this?

I have my husband with me in my appointments because due to disability I can no longer drive. I also take multiple seizure medications which cause confusion, trouble forming thoughts on the spot and memory issues. Sometimes the doctor will ask me a question and I just sit there, blinking. My husband will have to jump in and remind me, "remember, you got dizzy and passed out and hit your head last month?" "Oh... right..."

If I had plenty of time and wasn't on the spot, I would be able to remember on my own. But since appointments go fast, it's helpful to have him there.

And as a female patient, I have absolutely had the experience of male and female doctors not taking my health concerns seriously (oh, it's anxiety, it's in your head) only to have testing show a month or two later that it was actually something real and serious. Having my husband there to advocate for me and push a little is helpful.

[zentropa]

Originally Posted by saibot

I think it's understood that the disabled, or those with serious cognitive or other issues, are in a separate category and are not who we are discussing. Of course if a person needs special help, someone comes with them to provide that help.

She knows I wasn't referring to people with disabilities. Not sure why she posted that.

[gentlearts]

I think my relationship with my doctors is my personal business. DH and I have the kind of marriage where we respect each other’s privacy. We don’t share our bathroom experiences, or pass gas or share toothbrushes. We like boundaries.