Hello again!  On this cold day in New Jersey, I come to you with the second tip!

 (from Resolve’s Family Building Magazine)

The perfect patient asks questions about the treatment regimen, follows instructions carefully and is an active participant in the decision-making process. Questions about a procedure might include: ‘Why does this test need to be timed in this manner? Does this test cause any pain, discomfort or complications? What are the benefits of this treatment over others? If this treatment is not successful, what’s the long-range plan?’

Answers to these questions, or to anything you don’t fully understand, should be very clear before undergoing tests or treatments. This knowledge will make it easier to accurately follow directions and instructions, a crucial aspect of treatment. Take notes or ask for literature on any tests or treatments you are considering. Some patients tape-record important conversations with their doctors, particularly if their partner cannot attend the appointment. Ask about the clinic’s policy on phone calls about lab results, returning phone calls and after-hours emergencies.

You need to become informed about all your treatment options, including their risks, benefits and ’success’ rates. Your physician can give you information, but don’t expect your physician to make treatment decisions for you.  Ultimately , these important decisions are for you (and your partner) to make.  You can also do research on treatments via the Internet and books and journals, or by talking twith professionals and friends and getting second opinions.

These are all important points to take into consideration.  As a coach my request to you when interacting with your doctor is being open to his information and taking that away with you to then make a response rather than having an instant reaction -  this stuff is always very emotional, so give yourself time to absorb everything,  give yourself the space to let the answers come to you, and have an awareness that your doctor is just a human being and is not a mindreader.     Have a wonderful couple of days until our next tip…    with health, in body mind and spirit, Louise x

I am aware through my own processes with IVF etc that sometimes we don’t know how to interact with our clinic and reproductive endocrinologist to ensure that we are doing all we can to make the experience the best that it can be for all concerned – afterall we are all in it for the same outcome!   A little bundle of joy!  So we want to know how to be the ‘perfect patient’ .  RESOLVE (an organisation I am a big fan of) is the National Infertility Organisation and is not-for-profit. They support people like us throughout the USA and I highly recommend registering on their site and getting their info and support too.  However I will be sharing a lot of their info and articles here too, and this is one of them, written by Sharon N, Covington MSW and Linda Hammer Burns, PhD written for ‘Family Building’ Fall 2007.  At this point I would like to add, that of course there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ patient (we want to lessen the stress, not add to it!), we are only perfect in being the best we can be in any situation, and that it the choice we have in what we strive to do!    

Tip No. 1

The perfect patient communicates honestly, openly, directly and calmly with the physician and other caregivers.    The begins by abandoning the concept that the doctor has special god-like powers. communications should flow natureally and without reservation or intimidation. Patients often have difficulty stating problems or doing so in a clam manner. It’s fine to bring aides to your appointments such as a written list of issues or questions you wish to address. Focus on clearly stating the problem or complaint, your position and what you consider a satisfactory resolution of a problem (e.g. an apology or a different way of handling the problem in the future.  

Looking forward to sharing the Tip No. 2 with you soon!  Louise x

I am so excited to welcome all those individuals out there who can use this site as a place of respite from the world of infertility.   I am a life coach, but I am also among the ranks of those who are experiencing the challenges of infertility.  The biggest challenge besides having a baby, from personal experience, has been about trying to create a balance in my day to day life where the process of making a baby (through all the avenues we try) without it taking over my life.  Wow, it has been difficult, but I have discovered some wonderful ways to do that, and to not let ‘infertility’ or ‘having a baby’ define who I am!   I am looking forward to sharing information and tips about this really complex and personal subject.  I hope that I can make someone else’s journey easier.   As a coach I am in a unique position to really address some of the obstacles that effect us to achieve that balance we strive for.   So keep your blog ‘eyes’ open and watch this space….. And I welcome all your comments and contributions!   in love and light,  Louise  the KeysotoClarity! Coach