If you have received a silicosis diagnosis, it’s likely you will have many questions to ask your doctor. You and your loved ones likely have many concerns and may have attended various tests and appointments before receiving the silicosis diagnosis.
Compiling all your thoughts into questions can be challenging when you’re sitting in front of a health professional. That’s why Lung Foundation Australia has composed a list of questions to help guide your conversations. These questions can help you and your loved ones get a better understanding of your silicosis diagnosis and the next steps you need to take.
Treatment options for silicosis will be different for everyone based on your medical history and the stage of diagnosis. The severity of silicosis varies a great deal from person to person. You may need to attend multiple medical appointments for follow up and ongoing monitoring. It can be difficult to process all the new information provided in your appointments. Your treating healthcare team will work with you to develop a plan to support you to manage your silicosis.
Read on for our top tips for preparing for your appointments and some helpful questions you might consider asking your healthcare team.
Tips for preparing for your appointments
- Have a list of prepared questions, issues and any symptoms with you. We’ve included suggestions below. Put the most important questions at the top of your list, as it may take more than one discussion with your doctor to get through your questions
- Consider taking a partner, family member or friend to accompany you for support, to prompt you to ask the questions on your list and to write down the answers. This will allow you to focus on the discussion and revisit and process the information later
- If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to speak up. Doctors can sometimes forget their patients don’t speak the same language, as a result information can become confusing
- It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. These lists aim to help you prepare for the overload of new information and hopefully give you confidence to actively participate in your own care with your treating healthcare team
- Consider taking a few moments to read our Living with Silicosis Fact Sheet ahead of time as it may answer some of your questions or prompt new ideas for questions.
Questions to ask about my diagnosis
- What type of silicosis do I have- acute, simple, or complicated?
- Will my disease get worse? What are the type of symptoms to look out for?
- Are you a respiratory specialist with experience in silicosis treatment and management? What experience have you had in the treatment and management of silicosis?
- What certification, medical reports, information and support do you provide about my silicosis diagnosis if I am eligible to make a compensation claim?
- Do I need to quit or change jobs? What would I need to do if I want to keep working? Discuss the benefits and risks with an expert doctor in the field?
- What are my ongoing work options and furthermore the possible future health impacts if I decide to keep working?
- Consequently, should I avoid specific environments, hobbies or workplaces to prevent further exposure to silica dust or other hazardous agents?
- Am I at risk of developing other diseases related to silica dust exposure?
Silicosis management options
- What type of treatment options do you recommend for me and why?
- Are there any other options to consider?
- What are the expected side effects of these treatments? How can I manage them?
- Will my case be discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting?
- Are there any current clinical trials that may be available for me to participate in?
- What lifestyle changes should I make to take care of myself and help manage my disease on a day-to-day basis?
- Who else can support me or who can I be referred to? What are some things I can do at home to manage my symptoms?
- Are there support groups or resources available for people living with silicosis?
- How often should I schedule follow-up appointments to monitor my condition?
- Can I be referred to a mental healthcare professional such as a psychologist or social worker to support my mental health?
- Can I be referred to an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist to help assess my fitness prescribe a suitable tailored exercise program?
- What vaccines are recommended for someone with silicosis and how often are they needed to keep them up to date?
If you are diagnosed with silicosis, there are several Silicosis resources available. These can help you better understand and self-manage your condition:
- Silicosis Support Nurse: provides free telephone-based support for people living with silicosis, as well as their family and carers. Our nurse will provide information regarding diagnosis and management, including symptom management, in addition to guidance about relevant support services
- Silicosis Social Worker: a free telephone-based service for people living with silicosis, and their family and carers. Through the service, our social worker can help you or your loved one to navigate the practical and emotional impacts of living with silicosis
- Online silicosis support groups: lets you connect with others from across the country who have a similar experience with silicosis. The groups connect virtually through a free online platform so you can meet others from the comfort of your own home.
To speak with Lung Foundation Australia’s free dedicated Silicosis Support Nurse and Silicosis Social Worker or join a Silicosis Peer Support Group, contact the Information and Support Centre on 1800 654 301 (option 3), or if you would like further information click the link below.
