To get the most out of a visit to your doctor it’s a good idea to think about things before you go. Decide if you want someone to go with you (like a parent or a good friend). This gives you a bit of support and the person can help remember what is said during the appointment.
Your doctor will probably ask about your ‘past medical history’. That’s stuff like previous serious illnesses or operations and whether you’ve got any ongoing health problems (asthma, eczema, hay fever, diabetes and so on). They’ll also want to know about your general health, like whether you take any medicines regularly, and whether you smoke.
When it comes to talking about your symptoms, it can help to write a few points down on paper beforehand to help you remember things. The doctor will want to know what the symptoms are and how long you’ve had them. If you have any pain it’s good to be able to describe it. For example, you can say if it’s sharp, stinging, aching, dull, worse at night or worse when you move; that kind of thing. If you’re worried that your symptoms may be caused by cancer then tell the doctor so that they know what your main worries are.
Your GP might do some basic tests there and then. They may do a physical examination which involves looking at and possibly feeling the part of the body you’re concerned about. They might also do some blood tests. If you’re going to be referred for tests and scans then ask which hospital and how long you’re likely to wait.
Some people feel embarrassed when they have to talk about things to a doctor (or be examined). Doctors are used to this and they are usually pretty good at making you feel Ok about it.
Ask questions, especially if there’s something you don’t understand. It’s fine to ask the doctor to explain something again. Sometimes, without meaning to, doctors use medical words we don’t understand and unless we question them they’ll think we know what they mean.
You can take notes (or get your parent/friend to do this for you). This helps because it’s hard to remember everything that’s said during a consultation.
