If you’ve got MS, your neurologist plays an extremely important role in your life. For many of you, these visits are your only direct, in-person contact with a medical expert on MS. In other words, this person is in a position of massive authority – a position to significantly influence your attitude about your illness and your choices. (Even if you only meet your doc a few times a year – sometimes especially because of that.)
This person’s got a whole lotta sway. And that’s fine – as long as you’ve chosen the right doctor for you. Doctors hold so much authority in our culture that sometimes we may forget who is working for who. Your doctor is your employee, not the other way around, and if you’re not satisfied with his performance, you may and darn well should fire him and find someone better. I have a client who wanted to fire her doctor but she was afraid to hurt his feelings and afraid that he might call her to find out why. I asked her what she was more afraid of – experiencing the discomfort of facing someone squarely and telling them an unpleasant truth, or putting her health – her very life – in the hands of the wrong person.
Today I want to ask you a few questions to jog your thinking about your doctor and whether or not he or she is the right one for the job. Remember – inviting someone in to help you heal is a sacred role. Your doctor should honor that and honor you.
The Doctor Quiz
Do you and your doctor share the same fundamental beliefs about MS and how it should be treated?
Does your doctor treat you like an equal partner in deciding the best course of action?
Does your doctor respond respectfully and without being condescending if you disagree with his suggestion?
Does your doctor ask you what you think would be best for you?
Does your doctor make you feel like you are the only patient in the world?
Does your doctor take time with you to find out how you are feeling and what stresses might be effecting your life?
Does your doctor or someone in the office return your call promptly if you have a question or concern?
Do you feel comfortable with your doctor?
Do you feel like your doctor gets you?
Do you leave your doctor’s office feeling hopeful and positive and with a renewed sense of determination?
The Results
If you answered no to more than one of these questions, I advise you to consider finding yourself a new doctor. You deserve someone who you can answer YES to for all the above considerations. But part of deserving a great doctor is being willing to take the time and effort and potential discomfort to find that person. Sometimes you just get lucky, but more often than not, finding high quality professionals is the result of first believing you deserve it and then demanding that you receive it by doing whatever it takes to find the right fit. Your health is the only thing that really matters. Settle for a mediocre hairdresser (if you must, though I don’t necessarily advise that either). Don’t settle for a mediocre doctor.
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