Recently, I took my 90 year old mother-in-law to the Opthamologist, or eye doctor, for a procedure.  I was reminded of some things we need to discuss as a result.  I know I've talked about going to the doctor before, but this time, I want to suggest some safety concerns and questions you might want to consider while you're there.

 

The first is to have someone drive you home from the Opthamologist's office if you've had your eyes dilated.  Sounds simple right?  Well, my mother recently drove herself home after having her eyes dilated and practically stopped traffic in both directions!  It's a wonder she wasn't arrested or flattened by a semi.  She thought she'd be fine with sunglasses even though it's summer and she lives in Texas.  To make it even better, she didn't tell anyone she was going but delighted in recounting the harrowing story.  Oh, did I mention she's 89?

My mother-in-law, Judy, has short term memory loss, which makes it especially important that someone go with her and stay with her during the exam.  As we age, it is often difficult for our families to see the changes in our cognitive and functional ability.  This was the case with Judy.  After her last visit I asked how the visit went and she remarked, "Just fine.  No problems."  I was suspicious when they told us she would need to be seen in 6 weeks.  "For what?", I remarked.  Needless to say, she wasn't "just fine". 

This brings me to my second point, make sure there's a responsible adult with the person at all times who can ask questions and make a note of recommendations or home care instructions. Judy had no idea why we went back or what was wrong with her vision.  If asked, she'd say her vision was perfect.  But once in the office, she had trouble reading all but the top lines of the vision chart.  Patients like Judy should not be left alone to answer questions based on past or recent history if there's someone available who knows the answers.

Questions that should be considered with a new diagnosis or a new treatment include:

1. Why do I have this?  What is the cause? 
   
2. How did you diagnose it? 
   
3. What are my treatment options?  Do I have any and what should I consider when I make a choice?
4. What are you going to do today?  How long will it take and what should I expect?
5. How will I know if I'm getting better?  What changes will I experience?
6. What are the side effects of the treatment?  Are there any things I should avoid or should I be cautious?
7. When do I come back to be rechecked?
   

These are just some of the most important questions that should be asked by the patient or the person accompanying them.  Now some of you are thinking, "I can't ask these questions, what if the doctor (nurse, assistant) gets mad?"  Well, it's their job to answer your questions.  And you wouldn't balk at asking where or when a plane will land for fear of making the pilot or flight attendant mad?  Well, there's no different.  In both cases, it's your body and your safety!

Finally, the third point is to write down the questions you want to ask before you go in to the office.  Most people have trouble remembering simple details when they go to the doctor's office due to stress.  Have someone write down the answers as those can be forgotten as well.

I don't know if Judy sees better after this procedure because she didn't complain before we went in.  What I do know is what caused her problem, what is being done about it, and what to watch out for in case she get's worse.  I know she got home safely and I know she'll return when it's time to recheck her vision.  That's all I can do for now.

Tip 1.  Don't drive dilated!
Tip 2.  Ask questions
Tip 3   Write the questions and answers so you'll remember