FAQ Episode 44: Managing expectations

Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Migraine Relief for Women

One of my hardest tasks as a physician is to promote an optimal outcome, “healthy, pain free, etc.” while also making sure that I don’t “over-promise and underdeliver.” As a patient, I know for myself that I unconciously have the “I’m not greedy, I just want it all” mindset while looking for a good medical outcome. But how can we find a middle ground of having a positive and yet realistic set of expectations? I recently read an article on one of my favorite places for physician writers, www.kevinmd.com, by Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, titled: The hidden truths in medicine: What doctors may not always disclose. Its a short read and worth a look. I think Dr. Ahmed does an excellent job of clarifying some of the challenges of medical professionals, including the topics of:

• Diagnostic uncertainty. Doctors aren’t infallible (ah, you knew that already…)

• Under-disclosed risks. Maybe all the pros & cons aren’t fully discussed?

• Keeping up with medical advances. We do our best, but we’re only human…

• Outcome uncertainty. You don’t know what you don’t know. But you knew that.

• The limits of medicine. There’s still a lot we don’t know.

He concludes with several lines of advice for all patients (and their doctors, I might add.) Simple ideas like:

• Ask questions. Inquire about diagnoses, treatment options, and risks.

• Stay informed.  For as much as your time and inclinations allow, keep up with the recent medical research and advancements for the area of your health concern. I know doctors may frown on your use of “Dr. Google,” but I always appreciate my patient’s efforts at self-education.

• Set realistic expectations. Understand the potential outcomes and limitations of treatments.

• Collaborate with doctors. Work together to manage chronic conditions and improve quality of life.

These are the concepts I aim to empower with the Natural Migraine Relief postings. If you or someone you love has unresolved migraines, the information here is intended to help fulfil this article’s advice.

Keep reading, and continue to ask your questions. And please use the comment sections of any FAQ post to raise topics you would like to see me address. Its been said that “the one who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.”

The best research I do is usually prompted by a simple, yet honest question from one of my patients. And while I can’t give individualized medical advice in this venue, your question may help me to provide some good general guidelines for the class at large. Thanks in advance for your input.