Having a medical background helps us a lot..
By AngelaMarie
@Bhebelen14 (5194)
Philippines
April 1, 2013 2:30pm CST
Most of the doctors here using medical term while explaining my FIL condition and good thing we have a medical background which help to understand everything. They do not know that were nurses and reviewed my FIL cases so that we have a background about his condition. But sometimes it makes me wonder, what if the family member has no medical background and the doctor using medical terms while explaining, how they can understand it. I think the doctors should not use medical terms while explaining the patient condition to the family members so that they will understand it properly, right?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
2 Apr 13
I always request my doctor to speak in layman terms when explaining a medical condition. That way, i get to understand it well. And if he can't translate it to layman terms , i jot it down and research for it on the net.
We really have to understand the medical conditions of those specially in the hospital.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
4 Apr 13
Even if the doctor explained things about her/his diagnosis, i would always research for it in the internet so i could really know its side effects among other things.
At least, i won't be caught off guard by the side effects.
@Bhebelen14 (5194)
• Philippines
3 Apr 13
It really pays to clarify so as to understand whats going on. Its our job to do some research pertaining to what is the status and what causes the problem. thanks
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
3 Apr 13
sadly, not all patients will speak up or ask questions. they just accept what the doctor said, even if they did not understand completely or if there's a conflict on their part.
writing them down is a great idea. 
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
2 Apr 13
What bothers me is that there are doctors out there who want you to know nothing and only want them to be the ones in control of everything. They do not want to listen when you complain about side effects. They think even because you have been on a Med for awhile everything will always be OK. Or if you're doing research online about the subject or medication they tell you to stop. So I can only imagine if you're a nurse. Why are they afraid of people knowing anything?
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
3 Apr 13
that's why when my mother receives a new prescription, she only buys a few to see how her body reacts, and then she goes back and reports to the doctor if it doesn't agree with her.
i know what you mean about research. some don't want to spend time explaining and want you to research, while some say you shouldn't since the internet is full of conflicting information.
@Bhebelen14 (5194)
• Philippines
3 Apr 13
That's why it is important to ask for a second opinion, asking for a second one does not mean you don't trust the first one. That's is being sure on things. thannks
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
3 Apr 13
i noticed that the kind of doctor who takes the time to explain, and even make drawings on their prescription pad, tend to be those that also teach medical courses.
it's always better to go with someone, 2 brains and 4 ears are better than one. there might be stuff you did not hear or forgot that the other heard and remembered. there might also be questions that never occurred to you to ask, but your companion had the presence of mind to ask.
writing them all down, as simplyd said, is also helpful.
@Bhebelen14 (5194)
• Philippines
3 Apr 13
Very well said hereandthere. I hope i can bring a friend or my partner in times of those briefing sessions with my our doctors. It really pays to have 2 pairs of those receptors. thanks
@bluebutterfly20 (462)
• United States
1 Apr 13
It will be hard to explain to a family if they dont have a medical background. But doctors who are using medical terms, some of them will really explain what it is if you will just ask.
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
3 Apr 13
unfortunately, some people are too embarrassed to ask, especially those that have limited education. they will nod their head even if they don't really understand. 
@Bhebelen14 (5194)
• Philippines
3 Apr 13
Hi bluebutterfly, I agree some doctors are explaining the medical conditions of the patients using medical terms then answer all the family members questions but some are too busy and not in the mood to explain what talking about.
@hereandthere, your right some people are too embarrassed to ask question and just agree without any complete information.
