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Preparing for Your Doctor Appointments When You Have
Preparing for Your Doctor Appointments When You HaveHeart FailureWhen you have heart failure it is important to meet with your healthcare team on a regular basis.These visits are a great chance to ask any questions you may have, discuss any treatment options andmonitor your heart failure.“Listen to your doctors. I mean, they're there to help you get better. So, listen to them and take themedications, you know, as directed, and you'll get better.”During your appointments, your healthcare team will weigh you and compare it to your weight at pastappointments.Bring your weight log to each appointment. A sudden change in weight can be a sign that your body is holdingonto fluid.Your blood pressure will be checked to determine if it is within a healthy range for you.Your healthcare provider will review your medications. Bring an up to date list of all the medications you take toall of your appointments.Also include any vitamins, supplements, herbs or other over-the-counter medicines you are taking. These caninteract with your prescriptions, so it is important to give your healthcare provider a complete picture of themedications you take.And you may have tests to help determine if there are any changes in your heart function.Your appointments are a good time to talk to your healthcare provider and ask them any questions you mayhave. It’s very important not only to understand what you need to do as you live with heart failure, but why youneed to do it.“I’ve noticed that I’ve put on about four pounds over the last 24-hours or so which is concerning.”If you are having trouble following any parts of your treatment plan, tell your healthcare provider. It is yourresponsibility to follow your treatment plan but sticking to it may not be easy. It will probably mean changing theway you do some things, but it’s the best way you can help yourself feel better.Over time, your condition can change and your plan may need to be adjusted.For example, during your appointments your healthcare provider may decide to adjust or change yourmedications or recommend additional treatment options. That’s ok. Your healthcare provider is working toimprove your health.Get the most out of all of your meetings with your healthcare team. Schedule regular appointments and makesure you attend them. Be prepared for your visit. Write down any questions you may have ahead of time. Takea list of your medications with you as well as your weight logs.Together you and your healthcare team can develop an effective treatment plan that will help you feel betterand enjoy life to the fullest.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA10147B EN PreparingforYourDoctorAppointmentsWhenYouHaveHeartFailure.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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