From My Mind to....

Medical Procedure Forthcoming? Ask Questions

I went to my Clinical Trials consultation Monday with a number of specific questions to ask. I’d heard about both horror and success stories that had come out of such trials, though the horror ones stuck with me. I wanted to be sure what I was getting into.

A very good friend, Ms. B, whom I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, had gone through such treatments and offered some questions to ask. Sad to say, I didn’t get to ask these questions as I decided not to pursue the trials. But, I’d like to offer her list on the off-chance someone reading my blog might be faced with the option of undergoing clinical trials (or some other medical procedure) in their future.

1. Why should I consider a clinical trial?
2. What makes clinical trials better than alternative treatments?
3. Are other treatments available?
4. Is this a placebo-controlled trial?
5. Will my insurance cover the costs? Will I have other costs in the future?
6. How will treatments affect my every day life?
7. Will I have a primary contact throughout the trials?
8. Will all the doctors handling this treatment/case keep in contact with each other?
9. Will I be able to leave the trials before they are completed?
10. What specific reasons are allowed for leaving early?
11. How often would blood tests, scans, and other procedures happen?
12. How will the trial affect current medications I’m taking?
13. Will I need to be hospitalized at any time during the trials?
14. How long is the trial?
15. How long are individual sessions?
16. What would be my commitment after the trial is ended?
17. Will the results of the trial be made available to me?

Substitute your procedure for 'clinical trials.' And, you may have additional questions for your specific circumstances. Best of luck with any medical endeavors.

Drop me a note if these questions helped you out; I’d love to know.