Questions to ask your health professional

Being newly diagnosed with arthritis can bring up a lot of questions and emotions. You might be unsure what to ask, how to describe what you’re feeling, or how to make sense of your treatment options. It’s okay to feel a bit overwhelmed. The good news is, asking the right questions can really help you and your whānau understand what’s going on and feel more confident managing your condition.

This guide can help you prepare for appointments and make sure your arthritis questions for the doctor, nurse or pharmacist are answered clearly and respectfully.

• Write down your questions or concerns ahead of time. This will help you feel more focused and avoid forgetting anything important
• Take a pen and paper to write down notes or instructions
• Bring a support person if you can. A second pair of ears can make a big difference
• You can ask for an interpreter if te reo Māori or another language helps you feel more comfortable

• Book a double appointment if you have lots to talk about, especially when your prescriptions are due
• Leave a copy of your questions with the GP; they might follow up later if they don’t have time to answer everything in the moment
• If you’re unsure about something your GP said, ask again. It’s important that you understand your own health and feel empowered to make decisions
• If you're not satisfied with an answer, you can always ask for a second opinion

Your health team is there to support you, but they won’t always know what matters most to you unless you speak up. It’s okay to ask:

• What is my specific type of arthritis?
• What are the treatment options, and what are their benefits and side effects?
• What do I need to look out for at home?
• Can I have some printed information to take away?
• Can you explain that again, or draw a picture to help me understand?

Your experience matters. Describe what you’ve been going through, what the pain feels like, when it flares up, and how it’s affecting your life. This helps your doctor or nurse see the full picture and tailor the care to you.

• Ask if there are other ways to learn more about your condition, like websites, mobile apps, courses, or whānau sessions
• Before you leave, make sure you understand what happens next. Ask for the next steps in writing, including any follow-up appointments or tests
• Pharmacists are a great source of advice. You can ask them about medications, side effects, or how medicines might interact with each other

Don’t be afraid to speak up about your medicine; it’s your right to understand what you’re taking and why. Here are some questions you might ask your doctor or pharmacist:

• What is this medication for?
• What are the benefits of taking it?
• What are the possible side effects?
• How should I take it, and for how long?
• Do I need to monitor anything?
• Will this affect any other medication I’m taking?
• Are there any foods, drinks or supplements I should avoid?

You are the most important person in your care. Nobody knows your body better than you. You deserve to understand your arthritis, your treatment, and how to manage your health in a way that works for you and your whānau.

Asking arthritis questions doesn’t make you a bother; it makes you informed. And when you’re informed, you’re more likely to feel in control and supported on this journey.