Questions to ask
When you come to see your consultant there may be lots of
questions you have in mind, but it is not uncommon to find it
difficult to remember them at the time of your appointment.
Here are some tips to help you...
- It is a good idea to write down questions you would like an
answer to and bring them with you.
- You may find your specialist answers all your questions as they
talk to you, but it is still useful to go through your questions
before the end to check all your concerns have been answered in
full.
- It is helpful to have someone with you when you see your
specialist so they can also hear the information, as they may pick
up on the detail whilst you are focusing upon what is being said
overall.
- Your specialist nurse may also be there to follow the
discussion and it may be useful to check through the information
you have just heard with them before going home.
- All of our consultants are willing to answer questions at the
time but you may find further questions arise once you are away
from the hospital. This may be because you have talked with
others, or may simply be that you have had more time to think
through the information.
- Your specialist nurse will be happy to answer any questions or
can arrange further discussion with your consultant if needed.
The following are a list of the types of questions we are often
asked, but please remember to bring along any questions you may
have.
- How long will I wait before starting treatment?
- How will I be given the results?
- What are the risks and side-effects of my treatment?
- What is the multidisciplinary meeting?
- Will I have a named specialist nurse?
- Who should I talk to about my syptmoms?
- Is there a dietitian in my multidisciplinary team?
- How will this affect my lifestyle?
- Will I need to change my diet?
- Should I give up smoking?
