In many cases, the GP is the first contact point for physical or mental complaints. He or she listens to the story, asks questions, conducts research and can refer where necessary. So there is a good chance that you will start with the GP at the moment you run into long-term consequences.
It can be difficult to discuss it, because long-term consequences overlap with all kinds of other physical and mental complaints. This can cause a lot of noise and uncertainty. You as a patient experience the complaint and want to do something about it. On the other hand, in a short time (often 10 minutes) the GP must make an assessment of what is going on and what is the best route. As it were, the general practitioner must filter out a lot of information from a patient and determine why this fits in with a particular condition in order to arrive at a diagnosis. If there is a complaint involving a lot of overlap with other diseases, this is very difficult, but not impossible.
Some general practitioners also lack knowledge of the long-term consequences of premature birth and the patient is told that this cannot be the case. General practitioners indicate that they pay particular attention to the period immediately after birth. In their opinion, if a child has developed normally, it is not much different from other children. In prematures, they only see a slightly higher risk of lung problems or development problems (both physically and mentally).* There is therefore often insufficient information on the long-term effects of the general practitioner. Partly because it is generally unknown to general practitioners what changes, for example, around puberty or later on in prematures.
This can cause frustration on both sides in the office. The patient doesn't feel heard or taken seriously. The GP has a patient who is not satisfied and does not receive the right care. This can make a simple problem unnecessarily complex.
Anyway, how do you make this negotiable?
It might already help to get your medical records at the hospital where you were born. This file should be kept for a minimum of 20 years by law. In some cases, it may be chosen to store it for shorter or longer. Making an effort is always worth it. Because you always have the right to request your medical records.
When you are at the GP You can start the conversation by saying that you were born too early and that you suspect you have complaints. Also mention that you have heard about the long-term consequences of peers or have read about them. Always refer to the source where you read it. In addition, you can often ask your doctor for extra time. This way the GP has more time for you and you can also tell your story in peace.
General practitioners may have an interest in the following information:
- How many weeks were you born;
- What your birth weight was;
- Complications in pregnancy;
- Whether you are part of a multiple;
- How long you've been in the hospital;
- A short summary of, for example, 2/3 phrases of what happened at the time in the hospital (e.g. surgery/diseases);
- What complaints do you now notice as a result.
You can also refer your GP in the conversation to the information on this website so he can read in. The information is compiled on the basis of scientific articles and the expertise of specialists such as doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, etc.
But what if all this doesn't work and you're stuck? Then maybe a second opinion at another GP can help you.
For questions or need more information please take contact with us.
*Response of various general practitioners from a survey on the awareness of long-term effects by early birth.
