 |
 |
Learning About Specific Illnesses |
|
 Keeping Up With Your Prognosis
Don't ask, "How long do I have?," ask: "What is the
shortest and longest that I can reasonably expect?"
At virtually every encounter, reconfirm likely symptoms and needs
in general terms: "From what I know now, I'm making plans around
a need for _____ (occasional severe illness, a few months of substantial
disability, a risk of seizures, whatever . . .). Is that about right?
Anything else?"
When something new arises, ask: "Does this change what I can
expect?"
Expect that many doctors won't really know the answers. Ask your doctor,
"How many patients like me have you followed through to death?"
Don't accept: "There's no one quite like you!" If your doctor
doesn't really have any experience, find someone (another doctor,
a home health nurse, a nursing home nurse, a hospice professional,
or a support group leader) who has "been there" before.
|
|
|
