[vlm790]

Because we are a team...short and simple. We've gone into appointments for over 30 years now. Its good to have 2 sets of ears, one might ask a good question that the other could overlook, and one might understand things a little better. When I am the patient, I am generally less relaxed and having him with me lessens my stress and anxiety. The support is very important to us. Also, I want to know his doctor as well as he does (and visa versa) so that I am able to be his mouth and ears if ever needed!

[David73]

My spouse goes with me when I have had a sudden change because she is a RN. Lay people do not generally possess enough medical knowledge to ask questions that maybe should be asked. ESPECIALLY when recent health changes are adverse in nature, and how they should be treated. My recent changes were blood pressure related, and cardiology related visits. Routine visits are just that. She does not go with me

[Bonny]

I guess I'm a little surprised about this question being asked. I see spouses going in together all the time. Never even thought about it. We never know what health issues people have.
Hubby always goes with me. I've had some issues and he wants to get first hand knowledge. After all, should I need help, he's the one that will have to help me and understand.
When I've had surgeries or hospitalization, he wants to make sure he understands everything the Dr. says.
If it's routine, he stays in the waiting room.
Then we leave, go for breakfast or lunch and maybe get a little shopping in.

[LuckySevens]

Originally Posted by Bonny

I guess I'm a little surprised about this question being asked. I see spouses going in together all the time. Never even thought about it. We never know what health issues people have.
Hubby always goes with me. I've had some issues and he wants to get first hand knowledge. After all, should I need help, he's the one that will have to help me and understand.
When I've had surgeries or hospitalization, he wants to make sure he understands everything the Dr. says.
If it's routine, he stays in the waiting room.
Then we leave, go for breakfast or lunch and maybe get a little shopping in.

Bonny, I couldn't have said it better!!!

[jblum315]

Haven't you heard the one about the elderly couple who went to the doctor together?
The doctor examined the man first.
Then he called the wife into his office.
"Your husband is very frail," he said."He is going to need a lot of tender loving care. You should prepare tasty nourishing meals for him, make sure he gets plenty of rest, give him backrubs and never let him get aggravated or angry."
The wife joined her husband and on the way home he asked,"So what did the doctor say about me?"
She replied, "He said you're gonna die."

[tcxr750]

I have personally found that having a second person in the room benefits the patient. Most doctor appointments can leave you with questions unanswered. Especially as we age and the reasons for seeing the doctor are for serious issues that need to be heard by both parties. I have rarely had an appointment where the doctor hands me a document stating the purpose and results of the office visit. In the world of medicine, ignorance is not bliss.

[mikeandnancy1112]

Ditto Gracie!!

[gomoho]

I think couples going to doctor appointments together is a reflection of the relationship they have - they love, they share, they care.