Writing Practice Prescription

After the Diagnosis by Donna L. Pikula, D.D.S., M.S., lives up to its subtitle: How to Look Out for Yourself or a Loved One. This 275-page book may be one of the best self-help books available for the lay reader receiving a new diagnosis of life-altering concern.

Most self-help books in the health area come from authors who are professional experts or experiential experts. In this case, Dr. Pikula brings to her writing both her expertise as a medical professional and as a patient frustrated by the elusive symptoms of a thyroid condition that began to defy a timely diagnosis.

Early in the book, on page 9, she advises readers to become “SMART” patients who:

* Seek help
* Make decisions, plans, and organize care
* Ask questions
* Research and investigate
* Trust their own instincts

Much of the needed research for becoming a “SMART” patient can be found right in the book, which provides detailed information about understanding the basics regarding:

* Medical terms
* Common medical texts
* Prescription drugs
* Common medical abbreviations
* Various medical professionals and specialists

In addition, the book provides information that helps readers research individual diagnosis, find supporting associations and resources, and create their own medical plans. The information I appreciated most in the book was the attention focused on patient advocates, medical errors, and the use of writing to cope with the new diagnosis.

Patient advocate information includes:how to choose one, work with one, and set expectations. The author even provides a patient advocate form, which includes necessary contact information as well as where to locate legal papers if needed.

Unfortunately, medical errors and less than quality care can happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone. When it comes to health care, patients and their advocates need to verify information and double check everything they can! These extra steps may take a little more time, but it is the best way to protect their or their loved one’s health.

I think all writing can be therapeutic and provide for improved well-being and health. When the chips are down, the most practical of writing can help the most: list making, filling out forms, and asking questions. The author provides a robust appendix to guide the reader and patient through these three forms of writing. All of these can be useful supplements to forming an ongoing writing practice to cope with the rigors of “life rearrangement” that a major, new diagnosis brings.

Dr. T’s recommendations:

• Buy the book for yourself if you are a patient with a diagnosis that challenges you.
• Buy the book for a friend or relative with a challenging diagnosis.
• If you are a physician or other health care provider taking care of patients with new and major diagnoses, don’t buy the book. Buy a whole case of books and give a copy to each of your patients receiving a new diagnosis of significant concern.

To order the book, click here.