Honesty is Just What the Doctor Ordered
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been with your doctor—it’s not always easy to share intimate details with them. It’s even worse if you experience something new; frightening realizations and “embarrassing” symptoms make us clam up all the more. But lying to your doctor is one of the most dangerous things you can do, and we’re here to explain every reason why! There’s no shame in what you say, so let’s explore a few things you should and shouldn’t.
1. You Quit Smoking
We know it’s hard to admit a habit, especially one we swore up and down that we’d quit. However, when you tell the doctor that you stopped smoking, it impedes their ability to treat you properly. Not only that, but a simple check-up would immediately expose your fib.
2. You Eat Better Than You Do
You don’t need to get into the nitty-gritty of your diet. For most people, it’s hard enough to track calories, let alone worrying about macros and measurements. But food also contains everything from sugar and fat to high sodium and additives. When you dance around the truth, neither one of you will know about any underlying conditions.
3. You’re Not in That Much Pain
You won’t win any prizes for bearing the pain—be upfront about how much you’re in! Our body signals when something is wrong, and when you don’t tell your doctor about it, there’s no telling what either of you will miss. Your physician also won’t be able to diagnose you properly or recommend any care.
4. You Don’t Have “Embarrassing” Symptoms
There’s no such thing as an “embarrassing symptom.” It doesn’t matter who you slept with. It doesn’t matter what you look like. What matters is transparency with your physician so they can properly diagnose you. You’ll never get any better if the doctor doesn’t know what’s wrong!
5. You Exercise Regularly
Oh, yes, doctor. We work out three days a week…except you don’t, and that fib can lead to all kinds of problems. Proper exercise helps more than our waistline; it prevents heart disease and the risk of diabetes (among other things), and misleading your doctor can cause improper diagnoses, incorrect health plans, and even keep any issues hidden under the surface.
6. You Don’t Have Any Vices
It’s not always easy to admit substance use to your doctor, but they aren’t there to judge. In fact, omitting that information doesn’t do you any favors. Doctors can’t diagnose you if they don’t know what’s going on, and they can even recommend the wrong health plan or medication if they think something else is wrong.
7. You Aren’t Active in the Bedroom
It doesn’t matter how many people you did or didn’t sleep with—tell your doctor about your personal life. They need to know who you’ve come into contact with before they look at anything, and being upfront guides them in the right direction.
8. That “Small” Thing Isn’t Serious
It’s best to let your doctor decide what is and isn’t serious. Though a small cut doesn’t seem like a big deal, there’s never anything wrong with consulting your physician about it. While you don’t want to catastrophize, you don’t want to ignore symptoms either.
9. You Sleep Well
Poor sleep habits cause more than simple fatigue. When you don’t get enough sleep, you can lose concentration, develop headaches, and even increase your stress levels. Because of that, doctors should stay informed about any difficulty you have hitting the hay.
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10. You Still Take Your Medications
It’s one thing to wean yourself off medication with permission—it’s another to take that initiative yourself. Ending medication cold turkey has just as many side effects as starting it, and you never know what symptoms you’ll experience. Always talk to your doctor beforehand!
Now that we know what you shouldn’t do, it’s time we explored the other side of the pond. Let’s dive into a few inquiries patients can always make.
1. Do You Need a Special Diet?
We all know just how much dieting advice there is out there. With thousands of so-called gurus online, all we get is conflicting information and even more questions. Cut out the middle man and go straight to your doctor. They know your history. They know your needs. And they’ll know what to do.
2. Should You Go for Blood Work?
There’s nothing wrong with asking about a blood test. Most can even be done onsite, and though you may have to wait a day for results, it’s hardly a marathon. Blood work can fill both you and your doctor in on any underlying concerns, so it’s worth inquiring.
3. Can You Switch Medication?
Not every medication is right for you, even if it was prescribed by your doctor. While we all hate the trial-and-error part of prescriptions, always ask which one is right for you. Some medications come with a slew of side effects, and a different dose could be easier on your health. Of course, never make the switch without consulting your doctor, either.
4. Can You Get Tests Done?
Even if that symptom seems like nothing, there’s no shame in asking for tests. Your doctor can discuss potential options and further explain what they entail. They can also let you know if they’re necessary or not. With a professional in front of you, it’s better to consult with them over the internet.
5. Do You Need Supplements?
You’ve likely seen it a thousand times online: you need supplements! Sure, they’re not bad for you, but listening to every influencer is bound to cause trouble. Instead, if you’re curious, speak with your physician about which ones you need—if you even do.
6. How Can You Manage Symptoms?
Your physician knows the best way to handle symptoms; they can prescribe the right medication, suggest stretches or exercises, and make dietary recommendations. It’s always better to ask their opinion before doing anything yourself.
7. Can They Recommend an Exercise Plan?
There’s a reason so many YouTube videos and workout tapes tell you to speak with a doctor. Though exercise is obviously good for us, not every regimen makes sense—some can even hurt us if we’re not careful. Remember: workout videos are meant for everybody and don’t often factor in special concerns. However, your physician can help!
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8. Why Are They Running These Tests?
It’s always smart to trust a doctor over online advice, but it’s even smarter to stay informed. If you ever have any questions about tests, don’t hesitate to ask. Staying in the know keeps you on top of your health and can also calm any nerves, especially when you learn more about the process.
9. Can They Explain Further?
There’s no shame in asking for clarification! It doesn’t matter how long it takes or how simple the explanation is—that information is invaluable and you have every right to know. Getting first-hand knowledge from your doctor also prevents you from looking up the answer online.
10. Which Online Resources Do They Trust?
Speaking of the internet, you can always ask your doctor for reputable sources. They’ll guide you away from any nonsense and ensure you look up legitimate information. There’s nothing better than a second opinion at home.
