Talking to Your Doctor about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with peripheral artery disease. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
- Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of things you may have missed.
- Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
- Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions and learn where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.
- How soon, if at all, can I expect to develop symptoms from my peripheral artery disease?
-
How likely is it that I will have complications like infection or
gangrene
?
- Do you recommend I see a podiatrist for foot care and advice?
-
What medications do you recommend?
- What effects, both positive and negative, can I expect?
- Will they interact with anything I am already taking?
- How long will I have to take them?
- Are there alternative therapies that have been shown to help treat peripheral artery disease?
- When or under what circumstances should I consider an invasive procedure?
- Am I doing all I can to address the causes of this condition to help keep it from getting worse?
- Please give me the information I need to engage in a proper, safe exercise program.
- What can I expect in the future?
References
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
website. Available at:
http://www.aans.org/
.
American Heart Association
website. Available at:
http://www.americanheart.org/
.
Accessed August 14, 2008.
Textbook of Clinical Neurology.
2nd ed. W.B. Saunders; 2003.