Hesperian Health Guides
How to Get Better Care
Contents
Know what to expect and what to ask
Try to learn as much as you can about your health problem before you use the medical system. Reading this book may help you understand your problem and the possible causes. For help thinking about health problems, see Chapter 2, “Solving Health Problems.”
The doctor, nurse, or health worker who sees you should ask about the problem you are having now and about your past health. Try to give complete information, even if you feel uncomfortable, so that the person asking the questions can learn as much as possible about your health. Always tell about any medication you are using, including aspirin, traditional remedies, or family planning methods.
You will want the health worker to give you a clear explanation about your health problem so you can choose the best treatment and do what is needed to get better. If you don’t understand what you are told, it is not your fault. Some doctors and nurses are not good at explaining health problems
It often helps to plan ahead and write down the questions you want to ask before you go for medical care.
- What are the different ways this problem can be treated?
- What will the treatment do? Are there any dangers?
- Will I be cured? Or will the problem come back?
- How much will the tests and treatment cost?
- When will I get better?
- Why did the problem happen and how can I keep it from happening again?
Asking questions shows that you care about your health. Be respectful but firm! Even very busy health workers should want you to fully understand your situation. They will not know what information you need unless you ask. Prepare your questions in advance to remind you, in case only some are answered in the information you are given.
The exam
More Information
pelvic examTo find out about your health problem and if it is serious, you may need an exam. Most exams include looking at, listening to, and feeling the part of your body where the problem is. For most problems you need to undress only the part of your body that is affected. If you would feel more comfortable, ask a friend to be in the room with you during the exam. You can ask if the exam will be uncomfortable or if there are ways to make it hurt less.
Tests
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| ultrasound machine |
Tests can give more information about a health problem and the best way to treat it. Many tests are done by taking a small amount of urine, stool, or coughed-up mucus and sending it to a laboratory. Or, a needle is used to take a small amount of blood from your finger or arm. Other common tests include:
- taking some fluid from your vagina to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- taking cells from the opening of your womb (cervix) to test for cancer. (This is called a Pap test.)
X-rays are safe if they are used properly. A lead apron should be used to protect your reproductive organs.
- taking tissue from a growth to test for cancer (biopsy).
- using x-rays or ultrasound to see inside your body. X-rays may be used to find broken bones, severe lung infections, and some cancers. Try not to be x-rayed during pregnancy. Ultrasound can be used during pregnancy to see the baby inside your womb. Neither of these tests causes any pain.
Before you have any test, discuss the cost. Ask the doctor, nurse, or health worker to explain what they will learn from the test, and what would happen if the test was not done.
Bring a friend or a family member
Many people worry about seeking medical care—even for illnesses that are not serious. When you are not feeling well, it can be hard to speak up and get the care you need. Having someone you trust with you can help. A friend can:
- help think of questions to ask, remind you to ask them, and make sure they are answered.
- answer questions if you are too sick to talk.
- keep you company while you wait and help you watch your children.
- stay with you while you are being examined, to support you and make sure the doctor acts in a respectful way.