Connect
Comment receiving replies
I always take a written update to my neuro. I go through my various symptoms as they relate to my MS. Strength and weakness in arms and legs, bladder issues, etc. I also take a list of questions. I take two copies and give one to the nurse as she checks me in so he can see it for a bit before he comes in. I take the second copy so I can makes notes on it . After a few years of doing it my neuro's nurse developed a questionnaire that all MS patients fill out upon arrival. I make my long list over time and whittle it down and refine it. At Mayo we have the Patient Portal. So now I can submit my updates and questions a few days ahead. That way he can be ready to answer and discuss when I get there. Works very well for me.
Replies to "I always take a written update to my neuro. I go through my various symptoms as..."
At the beginning of my diagnosis I had a friend go with me at every doctor appointment so I could focus on the back and forth discussion and my friend would make notes. I also went there with a list of questions because I wasn't sure if I would remember it. That was wonderfully helpful. My doctor also allowed me to call an out-of-town family member and put them on speaker phone and weigh in on the discussion, especially if I didn't have anyone local to go with me.
Connect
I began preparing notes for the neurologist last time. Any other pertinent information in my family history neurologically. However, I forgot to print it the day before. Now
I have added to it and made a new document so I could just focus on the questions I need to ask. Which right now only says "what is my diagnosis doc?"
I was beginning to think the things that were happening was all in my imagination.