Orthopedics: Being Your Own Best Advocate

When it comes to orthopedics and other medical specialties, many patients forget that they -- not the doctor -- are their own best advocates. It is easy to get lost in a world of medical terminology, frightening propositions, and expensive surgeries. After a while, you just give up and say, "Well, he's the doctor, I guess he knows best." In many cases, that may very well be true. In some cases, of course, it is not. It is not always possible to tell one case from another, and this is where research comes into play. With the internet, you have an entire world of information at your fingertips. Not every answer to a Yahoo question is going to be filled with good information, but if you stick with reputable sources, you can learn a lot and go into your appointments well informed. Here are some things you should do to ensure you get the best care. Ask Questions This is far and away the most important aspect of being your own best advocate. Whether it is in the field of orthopedics, neurology, or any other medical specialty, doctors are accustomed to tell patients a great deal about their care, their diagnoses, and their recommendations and getting little more than silence in return. Part of this is because many patients don't know enough to even know what to ask. Much of it is because patients feel overwhelmed and embarrassed by their curiosity. Don't be. You shouldn't be expected to know as much as someone who went to medical school! Ask questions. Be Honest and Thorough For understandable reasons, many patients like to hide things from their doctors. Perhaps this is not as much of an issue with orthopedics as it is in other fields, but it is still something worth addressing. A doctor can only work with what he sees and with the information you give him. He is not your teacher or a cop. If he gives you a lecture, he's doing it for your own good, not for his own purposes. You're in front of him to get the best care possible. Only by being honest and complete can you receive it. Pay Attention If something is said or recommended that does not feel right to you, speak up. If you encounter resistance to a strong belief you've formed through your research, don't hesitate to seek out a second opinion. While orthopedics is a hard science, there is room for varying opinions and different philosophies. You may find that another surgeon is far more in line with the kind of treatment you would like to receive.