“I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company. “
The Patient’s Playbook by: Leslie D. Michelson is a book that anyone with Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, Cancer, any Chronic illness, or any health issues at all truly needs to read.
When I first got The Patient’s Playbook and was given a chance to review it, like most self-help medical books I was skeptical. But it’s true that this book is chock-full of great information on how to communicate with your medical team as well as how to choose the medical team that will work best with you.
In putting many of the principles in this book to work with my VA Health Care team, I have gotten tested for more things and have better communication with my medical team, trying to figure out some of my some co-conditions along with my Fibromyalgia.
The Patient’s Playbook, is a must-have! Again not only for Fibromyalgia patients but for every person who is reading this whether you have a chronic illness or not. Reading this book can literally help you save the life of yourself, or one of your loved ones. I know that this sounds like a lot of hype but seriously without copying the book into this post all I can say is you must read it.
With that said, here are a few Gems, I have put to use with my own team. I hope they help you, and to get your own copy, click on the image!
The main point of The Patient’s Playbook, is that communication is key and that you, as the patient, should not fear your medical team. Ask questions, be your own self Advocate, do your own research, and most importantly be truthful to your medical team. If you don’t tell them everything that’s going on they can’t fully help you.
Dig into your family’s medical history, and get their medical records if you can. A lot of hereditary diseases are not tracked in family history unless you get the medical records. This could be huge and diagnosing a condition that is hereditary that may not have been known by your family.
Remember you as the patient have the right to shop around not only for medical team, but for different medical opinions. Doctors and your medical teams are not gods, yet many of us treat them as such and take what they say at face value without wanting to dig deeper. Because of this many of us have had medical procedures done that were completely unnecessary because we were unwilling to do the research or shop around for another opinion, much less asking questions of our medical team.
So, why do I consider The Patient’s Playbook a must have for every household?
- Because in reading it you will learn why having the correct Primary care Doctor and team will change your life!
- Three main things YOU can do right now to be better prepared for you and your loved ones when illness strikes.
- The ten most unasked or addressed, but most important questions you should ask after any stay in a hospital.
- How to avoid the most common mistakes patients make, in 24 hours after a medical emergency, with their loved ones or themselves.
- How to help protect your loved ones and yourself from high cost, dangerous, and unnecessary, procedures and treatments!
When it comes to healthcare, to many of us take what we get, or what we feel our insurance forces upon 
us, we don’t shop around to find the best fit. We forget that even when it comes to Medical Needs… WE ARE THE CONSUMER! We have the right to choose our medical teams, ask questions, and seek second or even third opinions. Remember Over-treatment can be as if not more dangerous than Under-treatment. Become your own best medical advocate; study your condition, or that of your loved ones. Ask questions, and find a Primary medical care team that is willing to listen and work with you!
So as I said above The Patient’s Playbook is chock-full of useful and solid advice that so few of us have been aware of. It is a must have in ANY household, even if you do not have a chronic illness!