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This website is intended for an Australian and New Zealand audience who are interested in acromegaly

Richard gives advice on talking to your doctor

01:48

What is your advice about talking to your doctor?

“Try not to get in and straight out of your appointments. That’s your time, use it to talk to your doctor or nurse”

View Richard’s story >

This patient testimonial reflects only this person’s opinions about their own care. Each person’s case is unique. You should always consult a doctor for information and advice about the diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly.

Brigitte gives advice on talking to your doctor

00:36

What is your advice about talking to your doctor?

“Visit different doctors because not every doctor knows enough about acromegaly”

View Brigitte’s story >

This patient testimonial reflects only this person’s opinions about their own care. Each person’s case is unique. You should always consult a doctor for information and advice about the diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly.

Sandrine gives advice on talking to your doctor

02:11

What is your advice about talking to your doctor?

“You must not be afraid to make yourself heard by the doctor. I am not only talking about specialists here, but GPs too.”

View Sandrine’s story >

This patient testimonial reflects only this person’s opinions about their own care. Each person’s case is unique. You should always consult a doctor for information and advice about the diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly.

9 tips to help you talk to your doctor

Imagine this situation. You have just left the doctor’s surgery and you remember a question that you wanted to ask. At home, you realise that you have not fully understood something or need to have something explained further.

Do not be afraid to ask questions – no question is a silly one.

1

Write down anything you would like to mention or questions you would like to ask in advance.

2

Consider taking a pen and paper with you so that you can take notes during the conversation.

3

Try to book a long appointment if possible so that you will have enough time for a detailed discussion.

4

Ask if your doctor has a list of frequently asked questions in a brochure if you feel awkward asking too many questions.

5

Consider asking a friend or family member to come with you to listen and help you remember what was said.

6

Ask your doctor if you can record the appointment on your Smartphone or other device so you can listen again to what was said afterwards.

 

7

Ask your doctor to explain any unfamiliar terms or medical words. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor to repeat something if you have not fully understood, and ask them to explain something in a different way if you still have trouble understanding. Ask your doctor to draw a diagram if you need more help to understand anything.

8

Everyone has a different need for information so let your doctor know how much information you would like.

9

Do not be afraid to ask for a second opinion from another healthcare professional or to speak with a specialist in acromegaly. Ask for time to consider if you have trouble making a decision for an examination or treatment.

Review the resources used to create the content in this section >

Read about taking the medical history and physical examination of acromegaly >

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Ipsen

Please always consult a healthcare professional if you require healthcare advice or if you have any specific concerns regarding your acromegaly, its treatment or side effects. The information provided here is not intended to replace professional advice. This website has been developed by Ipsen in collaboration with those living with acromegaly and the healthcare professionals who care for them. Ipsen would like to thank everyone for their valuable insights and stories. All names used on this website are not necessarily real names. Visit our website for more information about us, or to contact us directly. Website supported by Thrivase Pty Ltd.

SOM-AU-000711. Last reviewed: November 2023

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