Update on how to talk to Doctor in advance of DH appointment...

Anna2022 · October 26

Hello all.

Just an update on my saga about alerting DH's doc to issues before DH's doctor appointment. My solution this time was to book an appointment for myself with the same doctor, scheduling DH for the appointment directly after mine. I am also a patient of the doc and booked my appointment for medication management - definitely something I needed and spent part of the time updating the doc on DH. It went well. The doc was attentive and respected my need to speak freely and in advance of her seeing DH. She also suggested her consulting with DH's geri-psych to coordinate medications and get input. We previously signed releases at both offices just for situations like this (thanks to this forum for suggesting getting releases in place early on in our journey)(DH refuses to see the geri-psych because he says he doesn't know him)!

We also agreed that this time, I would not sit in on DH's appointment…the doc would get a clear idea of DH's condition on her own. The doc later called me to update me - for DH's increasing anxiety, she ultimately prescribed an increase in his sertraline and also prescribed Ativan PRN. Hope this combo will work. DH's report of the doctor visit? He said, "she asked me a few questions and that was it."

It all seems like heavy-lifting this time to get this done, but it got done. For now.

jsps139_ · October 26

Well that’s a relief Anna. I’m glad the Dr listened to you and you have the meds now for your DH. Hope this combination helps, and things get a bit easier for you and your DH.

Thanks for the update.

ImMaggieMae · October 26

I’m glad you got it done and he got through it ok. You know, all we really have is “for now”. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, with or without dementia.