Coping with embarrassment  

  

 How many times have you been to see your GP and left without asking about what's really worrying you? But being honest gives your doctor the best chance to help you. 

Health problems
Whether it's bad breath, body odour, a rash in a sensitive area, depression or problems with alcohol, if you're embarrassed about a problem and frightened you'll be frowned on, you'll probably keep it to yourself and suffer the consequences. 

Many patients wrongly believe they'll be seen as weak, dirty or failing in some way if they talk about such problems; others feel guilty. But they shouldn't, as it's usually not their fault. 

Your GP isn't there to judge you; they're there to help you. They won't be shocked, surprised or unhappy about what you say. In fact, they're likely to be pleased because by opening up to them you're making it possible for them to help you get better. 

Tell the truth
Embarrassment doesn't always stem from health problems. Sometimes it's caused by what you say, especially when your GP knows you're not telling the truth. 

A common example of this is when people claim not to smoke, even though their GP has seen them doing so. Another is the amount of alcohol someone admits to drinking. 

People are often embarrassed to tell the truth for fear that they'll be letting their GP down. But if you haven't taken the medicine your GP prescribed because of side effects, don't say you have been taking it; tell them that you haven't and why. 

Your doctor won't be cross. It's better they know so they can prescribe something different. They can also record the side effects you suffered so you won't be given that particular medicine again. 

Deception
It may come as a surprise to learn it's not only criminals who deceive others to get what they want: ordinary people do it too. What's more, they even try to deceive their doctors - the people trying to help them. 

Not so long ago a colleague of mine drove past an older female patient pushing someone in a wheelchair. It came as quite a shock to see her walking as it was this patient being "confined to a wheelchair" for many years that had meant my colleague always had to visit her at home since "I don't get out, doctor". 

It's also amazing how many people fall ill and need a sick note for work on sunny days, or at the start of the New Year sales or when there's an important sporting event such as Wimbledon. 

Honesty pays
Mortgage applications, life assurance applications and travel insurance all require you to be honest when completing your medical details. If you knowingly lie or conveniently miss something out, a load of trouble will be waiting round the corner. You'll certainly find it difficult to get similar policies in the future and may even end up being prosecuted into the bargain. 

In general, doctors know when someone's telling porkies and trying to deceive them because people make obvious mistakes. Even when they don't slip up, doctors still know. Of course, no doctor is going to tell you how they know, but they'll do their best to spare your embarrassment.


Source:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/talking_to_your_doctor/gp_embarrassment.shtml