How to Get the Most Out of Your Doctor's Visit

Just thought I would share tips that have worked for me in the past.

1. Bring someone with you. Never go alone. There are several reasons behind this. Going to see a specialist can be very intimidating and nerve-racking and having a loved one with you will reduce you anxiety and make you feel more confident to express yourself. Also a loved one can sometimes more accurately describe for the doctor how you symptoms are impacting your life and abilities better than even you can. They are there day after day and can see what your disorder is costing you. Somehow (and I'm not saying this is right) docs often "believe" the family member more too. Maddening but true. Finally a loved one will be a second set of ears and can help you after to remember everything that was said in the appointment.

2. Write or type out your symptoms on a piece of paper and date it. Make two copies. When you are at your appointment give one copy to your doctor and let them know that you have a copy as well. When you doctor has all your symptoms in writing with the date it makes them accountable. There is now legal proof that they were aware of all your symptoms and if something were to happen b/c of their inaction they could be liable. I am not saying that you would sue it's just that often this will make the doc feel accountable and cause them to seriously address all your symptoms/concerns. Also, it is really great for your own records to have a list of what your symptoms were on what date. This might help you to track symptom progression and identify patterns.

3. Do your research before your doctors visit and write your questions down as they come up. That way you won't forget. Researching before your visit will help you to identify appropriate questions better so that you can get answers from your doc when you see him.

4. Bring your scans with you. The worst thing that can happen is that you wait months to get in to see a specialist and then when you get their he doesn't have your MRI's, CT's or whatever. I bought a portable file folder ($6.99 at Staples) and get copies of all my scans, consult letters, etc. I keep them all together and bring them with me to my appointments. That way there is no way that the info is not there when needed.

5. If you have a great appointment and you've found a doc that is knowledgable, really listens and cares about you tell others! http://www.ratemds.com/ is a great way or on whatever message board you belong too. If you have a bad appointment, and your doctor is not listening to you also tell others. You can put honest (not angry) comments about your doc on http://www.ratemds.com/ too. It's OK to get another opinion or get a new doctor if your current one is not working out. Most people with cm, sm and related disorders have gone to many, many doctors before finding the right one.

I have found that finding a doctor that listens to you and is willing to learn along with you is almost as important as one with all the answers. And often when you are like me and live in a small town we have to be content with one that is willing to learn. This is what my cardiologist is like. He doesn't know a lot about my disorders but he is interested and willing to research and learn along with me. I appreciate him so much and respect his honesty and openness.

If you have other tips or suggestions that help you, let me know. We are all in this together and I am always looking for ways to make doctor's visits better.