A conversation / A consultation!

Recently after a consultation concluded , the couple requested the nurse to come back  to my cabin for a quick word. They came in to convey that they had never had a  consultation like this with any Specialist /Gynecologist, and that they are thankful to me for summarising their diagnosis, and plan of action with so much of clarity! 

I was taken aback! I graciously acknowledge their kind words and that it was my job to do so. However, it got me thinking 

  

What do you expect when you meet your fertility expert?

Grey hair, a crowded clinic, a 2 hour wait period, a prescription and an assurance/ echo of what’s your perception of your medical condition?

If you do then most certainly you should not! And yes read along - for this is for you. 

You would want a specialist who can sift through all your previous medical files, make a summary, come to a diagnosis and a tentative plan of treatment, and most importantly, convey all of that to you.

Believe me it may not be all good. But if one wanted to hear only good stuff, then the go to person is mom. Mine is! A mother is the only one who can ignore all the shortcomings and drawbacks and make you believe that it's all good.

But you don't want just that. You want everything. From facts, to a reality check and a navigation route ahead on your road to fertility.

So after that quick summary of your bag full of medical records, let your doctor examine you, run the essential tests and come to a final discussion on options. 

The key word is options. There has to be a conversation on what you want, what your body can achieve and what's the safest route to the much coveted pregnancy.

When I say a conversation, it means a two way road. You listen, you ask, they answer, you decide.

It can't be a hurriedly scribbled piece of paper that's pushed to you as you realise the golden slot of “consulting “ is over.

That's consultation. 

Now the pandemic has taught us new lessons. The time you spend face to face with your consultant may be limited to reduce your  exposure. But there are other doors of communication that have opened up.

Email is the easiest one. I encourage my patients to go back, mull over the information capsule I have given them and come back with questions, on email. That way I can address the queries, completely, holistically and the patient has it on mail for reference.

Now all this happens without any grey hair and a milling crowd in waiting area. 

So next time you see your fertility doctor, ask if they have gone through old records, ask about your diagnosis and investigation needed. Dont shy away from knowing about your own body. Most importantly, ask about your realistic options. 

And later in the day, do call up mom, to hear the assurance that will give you the courage to take up the journey on the  road to fertility!