{"id":42438,"date":"2021-10-05T09:30:10","date_gmt":"2021-10-05T13:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=42438"},"modified":"2023-10-11T10:07:56","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T14:07:56","slug":"pharmacist-patient-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pharmacist-patient-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"How my pharmacist helped me through IVF"},"content":{"rendered":"

“And then it gets really crazy…” I’m explaining the end of a horror movie to someone. Before the conversation is over, we’ve moved on to discuss her friend’s daughter who successfully had a baby after conceiving with in vitro fertilization (IVF). This conversation could go on, but it must end\u2014not because we have to go anywhere, but because it’s time for the next customer in line. The person I’m talking to isn’t my family member or even an old friend. She’s my pharmacist.<\/span><\/p>\n

My pharmacist-patient relationship<\/span><\/h2>\n

Since starting IVF earlier this year, my <\/span>Walgreens<\/span> pharmacy and fertility clinic have become like second homes. <\/span>Fertility treatments<\/span><\/a> require multiple medications a day\u2014usually for 10 days or more. This can mean getting very familiar with your Rx supplier. During this time, I somewhat accidentally formed a relationship with my local pharmacist. She\u2019s given me comfort during my erratic, ongoing <\/span>fertility journey<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

We have a funny, yet comfortable routine. I teach her about horror movies. I often wear movie T-shirts, and she asks questions about them\u2014which I happily answer. In return, my pharmacist shares hopeful treatment stories with me. She asks how things are going without prying. She educates me on information I didn\u2019t know before.<\/span><\/p>\n

One cycle, instead of ordering medications in bulk, I purposely got them in pieces. It gave me an excuse to get out for long walks. Plus, I’d get to talk to my friend at the drugstore.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anyone doing treatments knows that no matter how great a clinic is, the industry isn’t perfect. Sometimes you\u2019ll feel unsupported or confused. Repeated cycles are more common than you might expect. Returning to the pharmacy multiple times is likely your reality, and stellar pharmacy customer service makes it a lot easier. Becoming friends with the staff there has made the whole process a little easier for me. Apparently, the feeling is often mutual. According to a<\/span>\u00a0recent study<\/span><\/a>, those in the pharmacy field who spent more time with patients and customers performing clinical interventions and counseling were happier with their jobs overall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How your pharmacist can help<\/span><\/h2>\n

Talking to your pharmacist can help you feel supported and knowledgeable about any medical treatment\u2014especially if you\u2019re dealing with a condition that\u2019s serious, or ongoing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a strong pharmacist-patient relationship is beneficial in more ways than one. They\u2019re experts in:<\/span><\/p>\n