How to make the most of your clinic visit

Watch Carley meet with her doctor and discuss how she can manage her pain as she gets ready to leave for university. Tips on what you can do before and after your transition to university are discussed as well as tips on easy ways to take notes about your condition.

This video is provided for general information only. It does not replace a diagnosis or medical advice from a healthcare professional who has examined your child and understands their unique needs. Please speak with your doctor to check if the content is suitable for your situation.

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VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Clinician: Hey, Carley. How are you doing?
Carley: I'm doing okay. So since our last apartment, there's a couple things that I forgot to ask you. I have them written down. Is it okay if I use my phone to take some notes?  

Clinician: Perfect. Fire away.
Carley: Perfect. So one of the things that I wanted to talk to you about was school. So I've been accepted. I'm moving away from home within the next couple of months and this big transition, I just. I'm really nervous about the transition to school and having a flare-up. Not knowing what to do when I'm in a new city.

Clinician: Everyone's going to be a bit nervous heading off to school for the first time.  

Most universities have really excellent student services. What I would do is make sure you form a connection there before you even go so that they know some of the health challenges that you have and I can write you a letter and they will look out for you there.

Carly: Okay. That's a great point. The other thing that I wanted to talk to you about is if I do have a flair up, or even maintenance, I'm worried that I just I won't be able to connect with the people that I need to that I have established here.

Clinician: First of all, don't forget you already have your existing tool box. Remember what we've talked about the three P's of pain control. You have your pain medicines, your psychological or mind-body strategies, your breathing, your relaxation and then of course there's the physical things. One of the things that's going to be important for you, is to find a physiotherapist with whom you have a really good connection. So make sure you have a face-to-face meeting and that they have experience with chronic pain.

Carley: Okay. For sure. One of the things that I found really helpful was swimming, so in case I can't find a physiotherapy clinic close enough to me that has a pool, where should I go?

Clinician: Yeah, so the university will probably have a pool and then in most of the cities that have university there will be available pools for you to use. And I agree with you. I think swimming's an excellent option for you.

Carley: I guess just overall I'm just really nervous about going to a new city and  not knowing anyone.

Clinician: You have tremendous supports here. They're not going away. You can connect with them through Skype, through FaceTime, whatever. And this social network that you develop there is going to be special for you and it will happen quite quickly. Well before we wrap up is there anything else?

Carley: I did actually want to show you one thing. I've been tracking my pain using the iCanCope app. So it shows kind of trends and that type of stuff. I've just been keeping track so I wanted to show it to you just so you can see. Clinician: Awesome. Fantastic. Yeah, you look like you've been doing really well. Good function.The pain scores down and your interference is not too bad. Way to go!   

Carley: Thank you.

Clinician: Good luck with everything Carley. You know how to contact us if you need to. Terrific, you're heading off to school. I think you can have a fantastic time.

Carley: Thank you.

Clinician: You're welcome.

Clinician: So I actually thought the appointment with Carley went very well today. When she first transitioned to the adult setting from pediatrics, it was kind of hard. I had to drive the conversation, there's much less time, it's a fact of life in adult health care and so she now comes well prepared with questions. She's really matured. She's well able to advocate for herself. I have absolutely no doubt that she is going to have a terrific time at school positioning herself well for the future.

Carley: I think this appointment went really well. I didn't feel rushed or panicked and I'm really glad I use my phone to be able to keep track of the things I wanted to ask Dr. Campbell and make note of the things that I needed to address in this appointment. Overall, I think it'll be an okay transition.

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Видео How to make the most of your clinic visit канала AboutKidsHealth - The Hospital for Sick Children