How Do You Advocate for Yourself During Doctor Appointments?

From healthcentral.com

Meaghan Quirin shares how she makes the most of the brief time she has with her rheumatologist 

                                                                                                      Courtesy of Meaghan Quirin

It took me a while to realize that I’m not just a passive participant in my medical care, I’m an active member of the team. When you live with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you see a lot of doctors, and not every provider is going to check all of the boxes of what you need. That’s why I’ve learned to come prepared and advocate for myself clearly and confidently.

Before any appointment, I jot down a few notes. That might be symptoms I’ve noticed, side effects from a new medication, questions I want to ask, or even just how I’ve been feeling emotionally. I then look back through and prioritize them. Ideally, we’ll get through all of it, but sometimes that’s just not the reality. This way, I get to my most pressing questions or concerns first.

It’s surprising how easy it is to suddenly forget what’s been going on once you’re in the exam room, pair that with brain fog and a bit of jitters, and you’ve got a recipe for not getting what you needed from the appointment. Having a list in front of me helps keep the conversation focused and ensures I don’t leave thinking about what I forgot to mention!

I also try to strike a tone that’s kind but assertive. Two things can be true: I want to be respectful, and I also deserve to be heard. I’ve found that you do catch more flies with honey than vinegar, but that doesn’t mean sugarcoating my symptoms or downplaying what I’m experiencing. I speak honestly, and if something doesn’t feel right, I say so.

Most importantly, I remind myself that doctors work with me, not above me. If a provider dismisses my concerns, brushes me off, or makes me feel small, that’s a red flag, not a reflection of my worth or lived experience. I’m not afraid to ask follow-up questions, push for clarity, or seek more opinions. That’s not being “difficult”, that’s being thorough and protective of my health.

Advocating for yourself takes practice. It can feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re used to minimizing your symptoms or being told “it’s just stress” or “you’re too young to be this sick.” But your voice matters. You know your body better than anyone else, and your experience deserves to be part of the conversation.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/how-do-you-self-advocate-during-doctor-appointments