When I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, my psychiatrist and my husband were the only people that knew. And only my psychiatrist and I knew what meds I was on and why. My family physician didn’t know and I didn’t have a therapist yet.
I read an article about the importance of sharing information between doctors so that they and I would be my healthcare team. A loved one (my husband) would also take part and be prepared to act as an advocate in case I can’t speak for myself. This really made me think hard.
Why is it so important? Most of us don’t have doctors who talk to each other. My family physician knows my diagnosis so she can be aware of improvements or declines in my condition. She also checks my thyroid and cholesterol levels along with a few other tests to know whether or not my medications are impacting my health. They have in a couple of areas so I was able to report back to my psychiatrist exactly what my physician found. We were then able to discuss whether or not I needed an adjustment or change in my meds
I eventually did find a therapist and kept him informed of all that was going on medically. He could often tell if there were changes for better or worse and suggest what I might want to discuss with my doctors. He also helped me deal with my early frustrations with just having bipolar and my fears about what the meds might do and were doing to my body. (I just started seeing a new therapist and like her so far.)
I keep my husband informed of all that is discussed with all of these doctors and the therapist. Often, he goes with me to the psychiatrist so he can ask questions because he wants to be a strong support for me..
I am the one at the core of this team, keeping each of them informed of what is happening with the others. And I work hard at leading a healthy and active life. I’ve learned numerous coping skills to help me live a productive and normal life as best as is possible. And the coping skills that I use are discussed with everyone on my team. I have been reminded by one or the other of them a couple of times to remember to use music or some other method that slipped my mind
My husband, my psychiatrist, my physician, my therapist and I make a good team and I can say I’m quite healthy because of it.
Have you put together a team or plan and has it worked well for you?
Reblogged this on Are. You. Mental? and commented:
Thank you for sharing.
I wish interdisciplinary healthcare teams were available for all people. I’m glad that you have found yours and that it includes your very supportive husband!
Thank you. My doctors don’t actually consult with one another except through me as the conduit but they do want me to keep them up to date. I am thankful that they trust me to bring their information and comments back and forth. My psychiatrist did speak to one doctor who was opposed to one of my meds so I know they will get personally involved if something serious comes up. Thanks for reading my blog and for your kind comment.
Yes! And that’s what’s frustrating to me. For patients who don’t have it so together and organized like you do, there’s a complete lack in continuity of care, right? I’m really glad that you have the patience, knowledge, and listening and effective communication skills that are essential when it comes to working with an entire healthcare team. You are not only aboard this healthcare train, but you’re also the oil that keeps the train moving! That’s a lot of work! Do you ever get burnt out? Frustrated? I think there is need for this kind of help in the community. I get so passionate about this subject – there are so many individuals who need extra guidance in talking to their doctors effectively, organizing what questions need to be asked, and deciding which healthcare goals that are the most realistic for them to work on right then because to work on all of them is very overwhelming and often causes people to feel less hopeful. I just wish I knew how to reach out to such individuals because this is what I do. I want to be the oil (or teach people how to be the best brand of oil? haha) so that individuals can spend more time focusing on what makes them happy and fulfilled in life. Thank you for sharing more about your role in your healthcare team and for bearing with me for that whole “train” metaphor. 🙂
One thing I do and recommend is that I write down all my questions that I want to ask my doctor or information I need to share. This helps a lot since I usually am a little nervous and would otherwise forget what I wanted to ask. Then as he/she answers, if a lot of detail is involved, I write down the answers. I can then bring that information to the next doctor I might have to see. This is also important concerning medications. Everyone should have an up-to-date index card listing all their medications in their wallet. Whenever there is a change they can give it to the doctor or nurse to make a copy to update the health record. It’s also good in case of an emergency — an EMT would be asking for or looking for it. The elderly should keep a list posted on their refrigerator of medical conditions and medications. My husband does volunteer work for our sheriff’s office and says they and the EMTs always check the fridge for a medical/medications list when called in for an emergency. I hope this helps.