Hello Friends of My 28 Days,
We recently heard from a woman who requested help getting proper care from her clinician. Her goal? To lessen the impact of her POI on her daily quality of life. Living with a chronic condition like POI can be difficult, but there are ways to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
One option to consider is palliative care. Palliative care is a specialized medical care that focuses on relieving physical symptoms and emotional stress for individuals with chronic, incurable conditions. This type of care requires a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other specialists, who work together to provide a patient-centered approach that addresses an individual’s unique needs and preferences.Palliative care may include a range of interventions, such as stress management, psychological counseling, and spiritual support to improve the quality of life for the patient and their loved ones.
If you are a woman with POI looking to mitigate the impact of the disorder on your life, there are a few things you can do to prepare for this type of appointment with your clinician:
1. Write down any questions or concerns beforehand so you don’t forget anything during the appointment. For example, ask about optimizing your fertility given the POI diagnosis or how you can best manage symptoms of estradiol deficiency.
2. Bring a list of your current medications, supplements, and any allergies you have. It’s important to note that most women with POI benefit from taking physiologic hormone replacement therapy (P-HRT) to manage their symptoms, so discuss this with the clinician.
3. Consider bringing a family member or friend for support and to help take notes during the appointment. This support can be beneficial if you are feeling overwhelmed or emotional.
4. Be prepared to discuss honestly and openly your symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, as well as any emotional or psychological issues you may be experiencing.
5. Think about your goals and what you hope to achieve through supportive care. For example, finding ways to manage your symptoms so you can enjoy life and participate in social activities.
By following these tips, women with POI can ensure that they get the most out of their supportive care appointments and receive the personalized care they need. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.Resources are available to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
In health,
Dr. Lawrence M. Nelson, MD, MBA
Director, My 28 Days® Initiative
President, Mary Elizabeth Conover Foundation, Inc.
