In this episode I talk through how to getting the most out of the limited time slot you get with your family doctor.
PART I - PREPARING THE HISTORY
Preparation is key when it comes to seeing your doctor. Take a moment in the waiting room to think about your problem. You might want to think about how it started, is it getting better or worse, are there any triggers, is there anything associated with it. Take a think about any solutions that you may have tried. All too often, nothing is done by patients, but sometimes trying a solution such as an anti-inflammatory medication for knee pain, can help the doctor to work out the diagnosis. If you’re forgetful it might be worthwhile bringing in a list of symptoms for your problem. It may be that you have more than one problem, if this is the case, inform your doctor at the start of the consult to work out which is the priority problem and which can be reviewed at a later time if time does not permit.
PART II - PREPARING FOR EXAMINATION
Now that you have succinctly and coherently put across your problem, your doctor may then interact with you through a number of ways. They may ask you questions whilst you are talking to help keep the conversation on track and to obtain any important salient details about your problem, aiding them with their thought process. Your doctor may then wish to perform an examination. Sometimes this is not always necessary, however if you suspect an examination may be required it’s important to consider this during your preparation. For example, if you have knee pain, your doctor may need to examine your knee, so think about how easy it will be to access your knee with your attire. It might be that you are coming in for an intimate examination, and for this you may need to prepare appropriately with washing or attire.
Once your doctor has performed an examination they may request some further tests, this could take the form of blood tests or radiology to name a few. In these situations, results can take around 2-3 days and you may be required to return at a later date. In some situations like this, the doctor may be unable to give you a diagnosis straight away and so your patience is appreciated. You could use the opportunity of having to return as a time to reflect on your problem and think about whether you have missed anything or want to clarify something with the doctor. Following on from this, be sure to check your understanding at the end of every consultation. Sometimes doctors use medical language or jargon, that is hard to understand. As a habit, I always go through reports or results with picture aids to ensure patient understanding. Generally, if you ask your doctor for clarification on something, they will be happy to help.
Finally, know that the doctor has your back. Remember the doctor has taken a hippocratic oath to do you no harm and to provide you with the best form of treatment that is suitable for your condition. You should generally seek advice from your primary medical practitioner as they know your history well. However, if you feel uncertain about something the doctor has said or you want a second opinion, it is ok to do this. Most of the time, the management will be the same as your usual doctor, which helps to reinforce and reassure the patient-doctor relationship. However, on very rare occasions, I, as a second opinion doctor have found there to be outliers, where I have changed the management to save lives. This goes back to preparation, very often when you see the second opinion doctor, you may have a better understanding of your problem and so when you portray your symptoms for a second time, it may lead the doctor in a different direction.
Join Maria on her cosmetic journey of facial restoration. In today’s episode I inject 1ml of dermal filler in and around the lips helping to restore the structure of her lower face and what a fantastic outcome she has.
To help achieve this 1ml of Hyaluronic Acid based non-permanent filler was used, typically this can last 6-9 months.
After using a topical anaesthetic cream, a number of lip filler techniques were used:
- Linear threading along the borders of the lips to achieve definition and reduce upper lip wrinkles.
- The fanning technique was employed to achieve volume in both the upper and lower lips.
- Vectoring or tenting was used to help evert the lower lip.
- Finally, structural support to the oral commissures was given to help lift up the corners of the mouth.
To ensure patient satisfaction and symmetry, the lips are assessed regularly. At the end of the treatment, the lips are cleansed with antiseptic cream and moulded into shape.
The outcome is fantastic, the lips look immediately plumper and after 2 weeks they’re fully settled with the upper lip mouth wrinkles reduced dramatically. Our beautiful models lips look hydrated, volumised and suit her face wonderfully. Needless to say, she was very pleased with the outcome.
You can view more video demonstrations or arrange to drop by at my website: https://drnora.com
This video was taken with the patient’s consent.
Thanks for watching and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave me a comment in the comments section below or pop by and see me in clinic.
Take care and stay healthy.
Dr Nora 💉
Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Forehead and Spock Lines Anti-wrinkle Microdosing Treatment Walkthrough
In today’s episode of Dr Nora, I walk you through what to expect when having anti-wrinkle treatment to your forehead. This handsome model wanted to keep some movement of his upper face and so I’ve opted to use baby doses of anti-wrinkle to achieve a soft natural look.
As you can see treatment time is fairly quick with initial inflammation post procedure expected to resolve after 10-15 minutes. Changes are expected to be seen around 3-5 days with optimal results at 2 weeks lasting 3-5 months in duration.
Thanks for watching and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave me a comment in the comments section below or pop by and see me in clinic.
Take care and stay healthy.
Dr Nora 💉
Warning: any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Diabetes Week | The Facts, Myths, Theresa May is Diabetic? and Why You Should Care
Did you know every 5 minutes in Australia someone is developing diabetes?
Every day this week I’ll be sharing with you the different types of diabetes from Type 1, Type 2, Gestational and Pre-diabetes, what causes them, the symptoms, how to manage it and how to lower your risk.
MYTHS
Unlike other diseases such as the common cold or flu. Diabetes is not contagious. It cannot be passed by kissing and it is not a sexually transmitted disease.
You don’t just get diabetes because you are overweight. Whilst it is a risk factor, not all overweight people will develop diabetes and similarly not all people of a healthy weight will avoid diabetes.
Diabetes can cause some serious health issues, but when managed correctly you can continue to lead a normal healthy active lifestyle.
Did you know Great Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May is diabetic?
Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Halle Berry are diabetic.
18 time grammy award winner Aretha Franklin is diabetic.
Even professional athletes such as NFL Quarterback Jay Cutler is diabetic.
Ok these aren’t normal lifestyles, but you get the idea.
ISSUE
The main issue is that diabetes impacts the body’s ability to control its blood sugar levels. Having a high blood sugar level can affect a number of different organs in your body. It can lead to having a higher risk of heart attacks and stroke, kidney failure, vision problems, high blood pressure and mental health problems just to name a few.
Whilst these can all have a negative impact on your life expectancy its important to remember that when managed correctly you can continue to lead a normal healthy lifestyle even sometimes having the honour of navigating Brexit. Good luck Ms. May ;)
THANKS
Thanks for watching, if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below, and be sure to view our other videos on diabetes.
Take care and stay healthy.
Dr Nora x
You can view more video demonstrations or arrange to drop by at my website: http://drnora.com
