All the way from hardcore medical specialities like neurology through the different therapies such as speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy to off-the-wall suggestions like learning tango dancing for balance, I've had it suggested as a way to help my recovery. There's one approach I take to it all, though, and that's, I'm the boss!
I am the one who goes through the hassle of operations, attends the appointments and has the sessions of therapy. And I am the one who has to live with the results of the care, be they positive or negative. It's very much in my interest to know exactly what's happening. When I first see a specialist or therapist, I want to know two things and I'm going to say this in bold because I'm very serious about it. I want to know A) that the person knows what they're doing and B) what they're doing is worth my while. Neither scalpels nor swiss balls should they bring to me without convincing me of both of those things first.
Like any good boss should be, I am acutely aware of the amount I don't know. I've never had any serious medical training at all. So there has been and still is much that's completely new to me. But I pride myself on being very curious and having an inquiring mind. I really like stuff being explained in a way that I can understand. If I ask my specialist or therapist a question, an answer I don't understand is almost as bad as no answer at all. The only thing making it better is that an answer that I don't understand allows me to ask further clarifying questions.
To find out about A) and B) for any particular specialist or therapist, I've found three questions particularly helpful. The answers given in response tell me a lot about how confidant they are and what they're feeling. The questions are:
- What are the benefits of us doing this?
- What are the risks?
- What are the other ways we might do it?
Cheers,
Mike
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