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See Your Doctor!
Quite often people will post on my WebMD Pain Management and Migraines message boards, or here on the blog, asking if they should see a doctor or not. My gut tells me if a person is to the point when they feel the need to ask, then they should be seen.
When a person tells me they have experienced a new pain or symptom or when they notice a change in an existing symptom, I suggest they be seen and evaluated to be sure nothing new has developed. Now does that mean I am saying a person should see a doctor every time they notice something? No, I am not. But,if you develop a symptom that persists, or if a symptom has caused an interference in your ability to perform normal activities of daily living, then I encourage you to have things checked out. If a person still isn't sure, I recommend they call their doctor's office and discuss whether they feel it is necessary to be seen.
If a person is post-procedure, I suggest they talk to the doctor/surgeon who performed the procedure. He/she is the best one to decide what action should be taken. Healthcare requires a team approach. Patients need to be active and involved in their treatment plan. Work with your doctors. Communication is key. And if you find your "gut" is telling you something your doctor may not be, then listen to it. Seek a second opinion if necessary. Quite often, our body tries to give us cues when something is out of balance. It is important to be tuned in to what your body may be trying to tell you.
Related Topics: Seeing Double: Getting a Second Opinion, Integrative Medicine Resource Center
Technorati Tags: medical symptoms, integrative medicine, second opinion
When a person tells me they have experienced a new pain or symptom or when they notice a change in an existing symptom, I suggest they be seen and evaluated to be sure nothing new has developed. Now does that mean I am saying a person should see a doctor every time they notice something? No, I am not. But,if you develop a symptom that persists, or if a symptom has caused an interference in your ability to perform normal activities of daily living, then I encourage you to have things checked out. If a person still isn't sure, I recommend they call their doctor's office and discuss whether they feel it is necessary to be seen.
If a person is post-procedure, I suggest they talk to the doctor/surgeon who performed the procedure. He/she is the best one to decide what action should be taken. Healthcare requires a team approach. Patients need to be active and involved in their treatment plan. Work with your doctors. Communication is key. And if you find your "gut" is telling you something your doctor may not be, then listen to it. Seek a second opinion if necessary. Quite often, our body tries to give us cues when something is out of balance. It is important to be tuned in to what your body may be trying to tell you.
Related Topics: Seeing Double: Getting a Second Opinion, Integrative Medicine Resource Center
Technorati Tags: medical symptoms, integrative medicine, second opinion
