I have an appointment today, but I’m really nervous. I’m going to ask a personal question, but I don’t know how straightforward I should be. What if I accidentally use the wrong term and get a strange look from the doctor? Has anyone experienced something like this? What should I do?
9 Answers
9I experienced a similar situation last year. I said it directly and the doctor didn’t find it strange at all. We make such a big deal out of it, but for them, it’s just a daily job. I think you should relax.
I was always shy at the doctor, and once, while trying to explain indirectly, the guy got off-topic. Then I said, ‘I shouldn’t prolong this, here’s what happened,’ and it turned out he misunderstood me. It’s better to be clear and straightforward.
Well, not everyone can handle what you call “open talk.” I turn red when I’m embarrassed, I literally can’t get any words out. How am I supposed to feel relaxed, huh?
Actually, it’s completely related to the sensitivity of your topic. For example, if you use the correct terms when talking about things like infection or testing, you can prevent misunderstandings. If you’re embarrassed, sticking to biological terms might feel a bit distant.
Thank you all. It doesn’t sound like something I need to confess right now. I’m also embarrassed about it this much.
A friend of mine once said, “If you’re embarrassed when talking to the doctor, that’s not your problem; it’s their problematic perspective.” Honestly, that’s true, after all, it’s their job.
What kind of reasoning is this? Nobody says that if someone walks up to a doctor who has figured out a million things in their head and feels embarrassed, they are guilty. The person is human too; they do their job, but they need to listen and understand without feeling strange.
But they get so hung up on social anxieties like this. Maybe they would try talking to someone else before the doctor? I mean, there’s not necessarily a requirement to face the doctor directly.
You’re already getting tense just walking into that room, thinking ‘how am I going to ask this?’ But doctors are so used to routine that your question might seem like their normal breakfast. Seriously, just relax.