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It can be helpful to take a
family member or friend with you when you go to the doctor's office.
You may feel more confident if someone else is with you. Also, a friend
or relative can help you remember what you planned to tell or ask
the doctor. He or she also can help you remember what the doctor says.
But don't let your companion take too strong a role. The visit is
between you and the doctor. You may want some time alone with the
doctor to discuss personal matters. For best results, let your companion
know in advance how he or she can be most helpful.
If a relative or friend helps
with your care at home, having that person along when you visit
the doctor may be useful. In addition to the questions you have,
your caregiver may have concerns he or she wants to discuss with
the doctor. Some things caregivers may find especially helpful to
discuss are: what to expect in the future, sources of information
and support, community services, and ways they can maintain their
own well-being.
Even if a family member or
friend can't go with you to your appointment, he or she can still
help. For example, the person can serve as your sounding board,
helping you to practice what you want to say to the doctor before
the visit. And after the visit, talking about what the doctor said
can remind you about the important points and help you come up with
questions to ask next time.
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