[gomoho]

My husband and I have been going to each other's appointment since he retired at age 55. That's just the way we do things - but also understand we lived in a 38' motorhome for 5 years so we're pretty connected at the hip and that is just the way we like it.

[Doro22]

Originally Posted by gomoho

My husband and I have been going to each other's appointment since he retired at age 55. That's just the way we do things - but also understand we lived in a 38' motorhome for 5 years so we're pretty connected at the hip and that is just the way we like it.

WHEW!

[BobandMary]

We go with each other for major appointments. More ears, more understanding. Then we go out for a great meal.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by BobandMary

We go with each other for major appointments. More ears, more understanding. Then we go out for a great meal.

I agree. I think people who question this approach haven't YET been given a serious diagnosis.


The anxiety is about equal for the person who is diagnosed, and the person who loves them deeply. After facing Cancer, or any number of equally scary things, both parties suffer from a bit of PTSD. It is mind numbing and soul shattering and it takes more than one brain to process things like major surgery and chemo and the fact that your life is in jeopardy.


It is just easier to have a buddy. Health issues increase with age.

[laceylady]

My husband had a massive brain bleed last year. He has memory issues,and gait and balance issues. I got EVERY medical appointment he has, in the exam room. I have seen them catherize him and then they taught me how. Op should just be grateful that they, have not test had a serious illness or injury. This can turn your life upside down Ina second. My husband does not come to medical appoint,nets with me unless we both have appts. With the same provider on the same day and time.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I agree. I think people who question this approach haven't YET been given a serious diagnosis.


The anxiety is about equal for the person who is diagnosed, and the person who loves them deeply. After facing Cancer, or any number of equally scary things, both parties suffer from a bit of PTSD. It is mind numbing and soul shattering and it takes more than one brain to process things like major surgery and chemo and the fact that your life is in jeopardy.


It is just easier to have a buddy. Health issues increase with age.

So right Gracie. My wife had an appointment in Orlando today with a very specialized Ophthalmologist. She asked me to go with her and I did. It was not a big deal but it made her feel more comfortable, so I was happy to do so.

[DruannB]

I have several serious medical conditions and my husband now goes with me on a few of the important appointments. Sometimes he just wants to hear the truth. Sometimes I'm so overwhelmed I can't process it all. At other times, I think he's a bit afraid that I'm hiding the full extent of the problem from him. But I went to the dentist today and he wouldn't have dreamed of going along. And I can't imagine asking him. And he would run screaming from an OBGYN appointment.

[Sable99]

I go to most doctor appointments with my mother for several reasons -- even the exams. She doesn't hear that good and needs an extra pair of ears, she often minimizes her issues or doesn't tell the doctor her issues, she doesn't ask questions and most importantly, I get to hear what the doctor said first hand. I don't go with her to the dentist. It works for us!

[beachx4me]

Originally Posted by Villager Joyce

As a married couple, if one of you has a disease or problem, you both do. Neither of us would not go into The examination room, but we both meet with The doctor.

Exactly, my husband has been experiencing some health issues the last few years. I can't always depend on him to remember everything he needs to ask or sometimes relay exactly what he was told. It doesn't have anything to do with advanced age, etc. (because we are not). I feel better and he does too if I am there with him. A lot of this has been very upsetting for him. Sometimes two sets of ears are better.

[missypie]

Originally Posted by blueeagle65

OK, what is the deal with couples going to the doctor together around here when only one is actually being seen? Not just to the office, but back to the exam room! It doesn't seem to be limited to any age demographic either or to any medical specialty including eye doctors. Should I be bringing my spouse when I go and vice versa? Just mystified.

Should you bring your spouse in is a personal decision and no one should care if you do or not. I could care less what folks do.

Been to Victoria Secret store lately? Guys are in the dressing rooms all the time while their girls, are trying things on. So by the time they come to TV, it's now the Dr's office.

[Wandatime]

Because Sheldon would be dead otherwise.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Wandatime

Because Sheldon would be dead otherwise.

And someone needs to be with him when he get a hair cut......as long as the barber has his file.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by blueeagle65

OK, what is the deal with couples going to the doctor together around here when only one is actually being seen? Not just to the office, but back to the exam room! It doesn't seem to be limited to any age demographic either or to any medical specialty including eye doctors. Should I be bringing my spouse when I go and vice versa? Just mystified.

This may come as a terrible shock to you, but some people LIE TO THEIR SPOUSE about their health status.

In other cases, some people, PARTICULARLY MEN, don't actually go to see the doctor.

Going as a couple forestalls this kind of deception. All of the other replies you have received about mutual concern, getting the facts right, etc., also apply.

[wendyquat]

Originally Posted by redwitch

It could be loss of some cognitive abilities on the part of the patient, so the spouse needs to make sure what the instructions actually are. Another factor could be patient anxiety.

I'm sure that if you explain to the doctor that you'd feel better if your spouse went with you, your doctor would be more than happy to accommodate you. ;-)

Right again Dee! I got tired of asking DH, "what did the dr say about your so and so that you've been complaining about for weeks? And him answering, I didn't tell him about it!" So, like I did with my children, I just go back with him and I know all issues are covered!

[rubicon]

A spouse has a vested interest in his/her spouse. My spouse gets short with me because I hold some facts back from the doc because I view them as non-essential while she views them as pertinent. My spouse has gone with me to the doc because I was severely weakened . My spouse wants to have a clear understanding of my condition and the possible remedies My souse and I just love each other so much we won't be parted when one of us is experiencing trauma of any kind.

Now I could add more but