How different (if at all) is your “patient persona” from your public persona—the facade you use in public settings? At doctor visits are you more quiet and deferential than usual? Or respectfully forceful, with an agenda and list of questions? Do you make small talk or crack jokes to socialize a bit? Do you distort truths if ashamed or embarrassed about something?
When I was in practice, I knew what traits in patients made it easier to care for them and do my best work. One characteristic was forthrightness, with candid reporting and answers to questions.
As a patient, I’ve realized that in my pursuit of Healthy Survivorship :
I choose my persona at doctor visits, and I should choose one that helps me get the best care.
A “patient persona” that serves me well may feel uncomfortable.
With practice, a healthy patient persona comes more easily.
A healthy “patient persona” helps you get good care.
Before my cancer diagnosis, I was a fairly private person. That may explain why on occasion I still feel self-conscious or dispirited, if only briefly, after doctor visits where I cried, asked questions that might sound trivial, or confided thoughts or feelings that I’d never share in social or professional settings.
It helps to remember that I’m helping my case by leaving my public persona at the exam room door and confide in my healthcare team. I see and accept my emotional discomfort as a small cost of Healthy Survivorship. If anything, I’m proud of doing something that does not come naturally.
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