The Importance of Staying Connected with Your Doctor
A common mistake many patients make is disconnecting from their doctor once they start feeling better. They stop taking prescribed medications, neglect follow-up prescriptions, and revert to old diet and fitness habits, ignoring any changes or advice their doctor may have suggested. This is a bad idea.
No one is saying you need to see your doctor every week after you feel better, but if you have a lifestyle disease, such as diabetes, PCOS, heart conditions, or a complicated family health history, staying in touch is essential. Even if you’re fit, eat well, and exercise, scheduling a visit every three months is always a good idea.
Why?
Let’s consider a short-term example. Suppose you went to the doctor because you were feeling exhausted frequently. They diagnosed low vitamin B12 levels, prescribed treatment, recommended diet and fitness changes, and asked you to follow up. You did everything for a week, felt better, and didn’t return. A month later, you’re exhausted again, take the pills again, and feel fine temporarily. Two months later, the exhaustion returns.
This becomes a vicious cycle. You only know the pills help temporarily, but what you might not realize is that the underlying problem could be bigger than you think. Your doctor has the expertise to guide you through this. By not following up, you risk missing early warning signs of something more complicated.
Staying committed to your health for the long term gives you a better chance of staying well. As important as it is to stay in tune with your body, a doctor’s guidance is irreplaceable. Remember, they have the training and expertise—something you may not even realize you need to understand. Building a trusting relationship with your doctor will help you both monitor your health.
Key Tips for Staying on Track:
- When your doctor writes a plan for you, read it thoroughly, and ask questions right away. Understanding your treatment plan will make it more effective.
- If something is unclear or you’re uncomfortable, talk to your doctor or their team about your concerns.
- Always check in with them when you complete a course of treatment.
- Stick to the follow-up regimen.
- After completing treatment, return for a check-up and ask what to do next.
- Keep your doctor informed regularly about your health status.
- Follow their instructions for tests and provide the results.
