You’re the best expert on your own body. Yet, when sitting down with doctors or other medical professionals, it’s common to downplay concerns or accept their explanations even if they don’t sit right with us. This is perfectly natural, but it’s also important to trust your own instincts when something feels off. Read on for some tips on overcoming the fear of speaking up to your GP, how to seek second opinions, and what recourse you have if you’re left with doubts about your diagnosis.
Don’t dismiss a gut feeling
When it comes to any health condition, symptoms may not always be clear-cut. You will be the first to notice subtle changes in your body. Trusting these instincts can be key to catching issues early – especially when a quick checkup or a vague reassurance by a doctor doesn’t bring peace of mind.
Plan ahead for a better GP visit
It can be intimidating to present your symptoms to a GP – especially if they can only allocate a set amount of time before they have to see the next patient. It’s essential to jot down your symptoms and any patterns you’ve noticed. Also bring a list of questions or points to cover, so you don’t forget anything important. If you’re anxious, you can ask a friend or family member to come with you and even speak on your behalf at key moments.
How to speak up without feeling awkward
Doctors are the experts and are there to help – but think of your visit as a two-way conversation and practice your assertiveness skills beforehand if necessary. It’s okay to tell your GP that you’re worried, or that their diagnosis doesn’t sound quite right to you. It’s also perfectly acceptable to ask for more time if they recommend a course of action, clarification on their suggestions, or to revisit something later in a future appointment.
When to ask for a second medical opinion
If you’re still doubtful about your diagnosis, or your symptoms persist despite you following the GP’s advice, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Getting another perspective from a different doctor is a reasonable and often helpful step.
Keep track of symptoms and GP advice
Use a notebook or a health tracker app to log symptoms, any medications you are taking, and advice you receive from your doctor. A record will help you better advocate for yourself, more accurately spot changes over time, and provide valuable documentation if you wish to pursue further action.
Steps to take after an unclear diagnosis
If you’re not happy with the diagnosis, don’t just leave it at that or ignore your symptoms. Continue monitoring your health, make another appointment to push for further tests, or ask to be referred to a specialist. If you feel you’re not being taken seriously, consider changing your GP or practice.
When things go wrong: Exploring medical negligence
GPs don’t always give the right advice – it could even be the completely wrong advice. If you believe your care has caused harm, you may want to look into making a medical negligence claim by speaking to an experienced solicitor who can help you learn about your legal rights and the steps to take.
Taking charge of your own health
It’s understandable to be nervous when speaking up for yourself at the doctor’s office, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for your health. Trust your instincts, keep records, and don’t hesitate to get a second opinion or take further action if something feels wrong.
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