One of your suggestions is taking someone with you. Great advice. From prior postings I have revealed I have inoperable prostrate cancer which for a lengthy period required an indwelling catheter. I had many urologist and oncologist appointments. Since I have Kaiser my choices of physician were limited. At each appointment I had my out of town daughter on video call and my local daughter there in person. They took notes and asked appropriate questions. My daughter who attended in person is a clinical social worker. At times she confronted the physician about his attitude or asked for precise clarification. Both took notes and made sure I was abreast of appointments and medication. I am thus blessed to have them there. A third party can be a great asset.
I'm so glad you have the support of your daughters. My best friend has stage 4 breast cancer and she's tough as nails, however, if it wasn't for the unwavering support of her husband I don't know how she would deal with everything that comes with a serious health diagnosis. It's heartbreaking for those that have to go it alone. How are you doing?
Now that my catheter has been removed I have greater mobility. In addition I am not constantly reminded of my cancer as I was when wearing such. The cancer seems to have stabilized. Thank you for your concern.
I'm very happy to read your response. Side note: I was recently awarded a patent for a new and improved indwelling catheter that I designed that addresses the issue of immobility. It reduces the friction caused by movement thereby allowing normal activities of daily living. When I had my catheter I thought there had to be a better way. I was surprised that no one had thought of it as it is a very simple improvement but I guess only a user would think about its functionality. Once it becomes available it will improve the lives of so many by giving them a sense of normalcy, which is so important to a person's emotional well-being.
@@elaineen1RIGHT! Until there's another way to void urine I hope to improve people's quality of life....not only physically but mentally and emotionally.
It's not so much of an interview but more about you feel. You can always search and find ratings, along with their qualifications and even speciality. Depending on why you’re seeing a urologist; slow flow, age related, sexual function, pain, injury etc. will determine the questions to ask. Here are a few are that might pertain: 1) What could be causing my symptoms? Can you rule out any suspicions? 2) Can you provide a specific diagnosis? What are the next steps and alternatives? 3) Should I get screened for prostate cancer, given my age and risk factors? 4) Why is my libido lower than usual? Should I test my testosterone levels? 5) Why do I urinate more frequently, especially as I get older? Does caffeine or alcohol worsen this issue? 6) What's causing my slow urination? Could it be an enlarged prostate, and what are the treatment options? 7) What might be causing discomfort, pain, swelling, or lumps in my genital area? 8) is my semen normal? What should I look out for in terms of changes or abnormalities? 9) What's your experience with treating my specific condition? Are you board-certified in this area? After your visit, evaluate how it went. How are your feeling? Did you like the way the urologist interacted with you? Did he or she seem knowledgeable and trustworthy? Do you want a second opinion? Did you feel rushed? Does he or she understand and respect you? You gotta get along as your about to embark on a very personal journey. I also suggest taking notes and if possible take someone with you. Hope that helps. Cheers and wishing you great health. Tony
One of your suggestions is taking someone with you. Great advice. From prior postings I have revealed I have inoperable prostrate cancer which for a lengthy period required an indwelling catheter. I had many urologist and oncologist appointments. Since I have Kaiser my choices of physician were limited. At each appointment I had my out of town daughter on video call and my local daughter there in person. They took notes and asked appropriate questions. My daughter who attended in person is a clinical social worker. At times she confronted the physician about his attitude or asked for precise clarification. Both took notes and made sure I was abreast of appointments and medication. I am thus blessed to have them there. A third party can be a great asset.
I'm so glad you have the support of your daughters. My best friend has stage 4 breast cancer and she's tough as nails, however, if it wasn't for the unwavering support of her husband I don't know how she would deal with everything that comes with a serious health diagnosis. It's heartbreaking for those that have to go it alone. How are you doing?
Now that my catheter has been removed I have greater mobility. In addition I am not constantly reminded of my cancer as I was when wearing such. The cancer seems to have stabilized. Thank you for your concern.
I'm very happy to read your response. Side note: I was recently awarded a patent for a new and improved indwelling catheter that I designed that addresses the issue of immobility. It reduces the friction caused by movement thereby allowing normal activities of daily living. When I had my catheter I thought there had to be a better way. I was surprised that no one had thought of it as it is a very simple improvement but I guess only a user would think about its functionality. Once it becomes available it will improve the lives of so many by giving them a sense of normalcy, which is so important to a person's emotional well-being.
Way to go! Few people realize the difficulties catheter patients go through in just doing their daily tasks.
@@elaineen1RIGHT! Until there's another way to void urine I hope to improve people's quality of life....not only physically but mentally and emotionally.
Any questions to ask in the search for a Urologist? Like what would you ask in the initial "interview"
It's not so much of an interview but more about you feel. You can always search and find ratings, along with their qualifications and even speciality. Depending on why you’re seeing a urologist; slow flow, age related, sexual function, pain, injury etc. will determine the questions to ask.
Here are a few are that might pertain:
1) What could be causing my symptoms? Can you rule out any suspicions?
2) Can you provide a specific diagnosis? What are the next steps and alternatives?
3) Should I get screened for prostate cancer, given my age and risk factors?
4) Why is my libido lower than usual? Should I test my testosterone levels?
5) Why do I urinate more frequently, especially as I get older? Does caffeine or alcohol worsen this issue?
6) What's causing my slow urination? Could it be an enlarged prostate, and what are the treatment options?
7) What might be causing discomfort, pain, swelling, or lumps in my genital area?
8) is my semen normal? What should I look out for in terms of changes or abnormalities?
9) What's your experience with treating my specific condition? Are you board-certified in this area?
After your visit, evaluate how it went. How are your feeling? Did you like the way the urologist interacted with you? Did he or she seem knowledgeable and trustworthy? Do you want a second opinion? Did you feel rushed? Does he or she understand and respect you? You gotta get along as your about to embark on a very personal journey.
I also suggest taking notes and if possible take someone with you.
Hope that helps.
Cheers and wishing you great health. Tony