Meeting with a medical professional can be stressful. My husband and I find that if we talk about upcoming appointments and make a list of topics we want to cover, they go much smoother. Discussing things ahead of time allows us the opportunity to think about concerns and alleviates a lot of potential misunderstanding. Sometimes we make separate lists and compare them to see where the differences are, it can be eye opening.

In addition to preparing for our time with the doctor, I need to make sure that my husband is prepared for the change in his schedule. I try to make appointments at times when his meds are working and that don’t interfere with meals or exercise. No matter what time the appointment is, my husband needs to know when we are leaving the house, how long we should be gone and how this might impact his normal routines.

Finally, I prepare myself for the appointment. I revisit our list of concerns to make sure that things I need to discuss are included so my voice can be heard. I look at my calendar to see how my routines are going to be impacted. Do I need to postpone a chore or, depending on the timing of the appointment, do we stop for a meal on the way home so I am not stressed pulling lunch or dinner together? It may be his name on the medical chart but I know that interactions with his doctor are essential for both of us and I want to do everything I can to make them productive and stress free.