Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with hospital staff when you have a hard time explaining what's going on, causing them to not really listen? I have a hard time explaining things normally, especially when I'm sick. My specialists(urologist, GI)have been upset by them not doing certain tests, etc. I'm normally a little nervous around strangers and have slight social anxiety, but especially when I'm sick and worried I won't describe things correctly in order to get treatment.
Hi DirectionNorth: One thing you might try is writing things down ahead of time (presuming that it's not an emergency and there's a lack of time) and taking what you've written with you. I find this helps me when I get nervous or don't feel well and then don't communicate very clearly.
Write down your questions ahead of time, and list them in some sort of order. Also a list of any points you want to make. I don't have your issues and I still always do this for anything more important than a chest cold. Make notes in the session as, in the UK at least, the consultant letter won't go into any detail. Another option is to take someone you trust with you, who can advocate for you. They'd need to be well briefed beforehand.
