Some Tips for the Doctor's Office

One of the important aspects of lowering your stress as a family caregiver is to keep appointments straight and also to know ways to reduce the stress surrounding doctor's appointments.  If you utilize a cell phone, most phones now have an electronic planner/calendar.  It is important to learn to utilize those features so you do not overbook appointments, can keep track of phone numbers, and can set alarms to remind you of upcoming appointments or needed "to-dos".  I highly recommend investing in a good phone with these features.  Also, it is important to know that many of the smart phones now have a picture/word app that can help you to care for a loved one with aphasia, meaning they know what they want, but they cannot think of the word to go with the idea.  This is common among patients with brain injury (such as from stroke) or dementia.  If you are not comfortable with learning the new technology in this area, please get a good planner.  When I first began my personal journey as a family caregiver of a disabled child, I carried around what looked like a monstrous leather briefcase all the time.  Now I have a phone in my back pocket that holds just about all of the information I need.  I would also recommend ordering all radiological films on a cd from your hospital to keep with your personal files and if you are seeing a lot of specialists, get a digital copy of their record as well.  Nothing is worse than to have waited months to get in to see a specialist and when you get there the files were not sent and they are unable to give you the answers you seek because they will have to look over the files when they get them.  You do not want to waste such a wait with a basic check up and "We will see you in another 6 weeks after we have gotten your files".

Also, it is important when you have an appointment that you make it as stress free and as enjoyable as possible.  Always carry a bag (even if you are a male caregiver) that has a snack, drink, word puzzle, a deck of cards, and a good book.  We always know the "newbies" from the pros at the doctors' offices.  Once you have been a caregiver for some time, you stop caring what it looks like to others when you are in a waiting room...or heaven forbid a surgical waiting area.  Go ahead and take that nap, play cards, do a word puzzle, and if you are allowed to, eat those +M&Ms for crying out loud.  If you are not able to eat or drink, you are going to want something as soon as the door hits you on your way out.  Also, for heaven's sake, wear comfortable shoes and clothes!  No one cares if you are dressed to the nines for the doctor.

If it is possible, plan a pleasant stop after the doctor appointment so you have something to look forward to, even if it is just getting an ice cream at +Dairy Queen or stopping by the garden section at +The Home Depot  somewhere to look at the plants.  Do something that is pleasant so you do not get eaten up with anger and resentment that the only thing you ever do is go to the doctor.  It is very important to do that for yourself and your loved one.