Advocating for Ourselves at the Doctor’s Office

Mary Evans

June 29, 2026

Why It's Hard to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor

How many times have you gone to the Doctor’s Office and felt like you were being run over? One thing I must remind myself is that while they are experts in their field, they are also there to serve, support, and help me make informed decisions about my health.

Tips for Preparing for Your Appointment

There are several things we can do to better prepare for our appointments.

Write down symptoms you have been experiencing.
Tell the Doctor if they are the same, better or worse than previous and make sure you report on any new symptoms.
Have a list of the medicines and dosages you are taking.
Please do not rely on memory- if you are anything like me, you will forget something.
Write down your concerns and make two copies, one for yourself and one for your provider.
This way you can ask two or three questions from the list and then they are able to look at the other issues when they are not so rushed. They may catch something you didn’t find important but that is important to your case.
Make sure you are using “I” statements.
For example, “I do not understand how you would like me to use this medicine. Will you please explain it again.”
If you feel that your concerns have not been fully answered,
Simply say “I still have concerns regarding this issue, can you please take 2 to 3 minutes longer to explain.”

I realize how hard it is to find Doctors in the state of Wyoming. I also know that if you truly feel like you are not being heard it is time to find a new Doctor.

Finding Holiday Cheer Your Way: Beating Holiday Loneliness

Most of us feel lonely every now and then. Sometimes that feeling passes by fairly quickly, but there can be situations, events, and certain times of year where loneliness can linger. During the holidays, it seems that there is an expectation to celebrate a certain way, and embrace the good cheer of the season.

Respectful terms for aging

Eyes on Safety: The Importance of Eye Health and Balance

Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older.https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/index.html Over 14 million (or 1 in 4) older adults report falling every year. Falls can be extremely dangerous for older adults and can result in fractures, hospitalization, and disability according to the National Institute on Aging. With that said, your vision changes with time and age. That’s why it’s especially important to have your vision checked yearly to keep your eyesight healthy as you age.