What do you take with you to the doctor?

[Flower3]

Hi all,

In about 2 weeks I have my first appointment with a endo. I'm preparing for it and besides my latest blood results and thyroid diary (I keep a sheet with blood results, which dose levo and symptoms) I'm thinking of making a list of symptoms.

I always think I know them all but often after a appointment I realise I forgot to mention some.

Do you make a list of symptoms? If so, do you give it to the doctor or do you just keep it as a reminder? Maybe you have other tips, I've seen a lot of doctors but never a endo so I'm excited.

[HEA72]

Hi there, there's a really helpful 'Signs and Symptoms' tick list on Thyroid UK's website to print off and fill out. I use this list and make one for myself the give a duplicate to my doctor. Sometimes they look at it, other times not but I still insist they have it anyway! I also take my basal temperature readings and pulse. Some doctors don't follow this method of diagnosis but again, I still give it to them written down on a sheet regardless. There's information about taking your temp and pulse on Thyroid UK's website also.

[Flower3 in reply to HEA72]

Thanks, so if the doctor asks what the symptoms are you just give them the list? I think I will do that..Then they can see for themselves and ask more information if needed.

[HEA72 in reply to Flower3]

Yes I hand over the list. You then know you've got everything on there without forgetting verbally. I go with what Clutter suggests too.

[Flower3 in reply to HEA72]

Thanks, I will do that. I also have a list of questions so I guess I have everything prepared then.

[HEA72 in reply to Flower3]

You'll feel a lot more relaxed having it all written down knowing you have it all covered what you want to say and a notebook to take further notes if needed. I always feel apprehensive and in a bit of a fluster pre a doctor's appointment but being prepared like this definitely helps me feel calmer.

[Flower3 in reply to HEA72]

I never done it because I always think I will remember all symptoms. But often 'in the moment' you forget things that can be important.

So I think I will make a list and make sure I don't forget anything, then I know for sure I won't forget anything.

[Clutter]

Flower3, I took a notebook and used it as a prompt for anything I wanted to discuss. It's handy to note results and discussion during the consultation too. Endos sometimes ask what medication or supplements you are taking so a list might be useful.

[Hidden]

A mobile phone to record consults . Unfortunately the medical profession can be very unethical, if they are not retrospectively amending electronic patient records to cover up negligence and misconduct, they play down or deny diagnoses to get you off their list.

Please do not get your hopes up, if this endo is just another slave to Big Pharma and the establishment, you may be very disappointed

[Flower3 in reply to Hidden]

I don't have high hopes, I've seen a lot of doctors but thanks to my GP I'm finally going to a endo. And besides my thyroid problem they also found a too high prolactin level. So that gives me hope that I' finally getting the puzzle solved. If this endo is not helpful I will go to another hospital, I will not waste my time, energy and money.

The best I can do is give all the information about me.

[lesleyjehan]

I take a list of my prescription drugs and doses. If Diabetic a list of BM's for the last 3 month's. A list of any additional medical conditions/operations I have had through my life in date order. And finally an A4 sheet of paper in font 14 with a bullet list of my current ailments which he can then question me on. After greeting him I hand him my current ailments and give him the time to read and digest it then if he has any questions I answer them as thoroughly as I can. When appropriate I hand him the rest of my paperwork. This cuts down on the appointment time and has been well received by all my consultants and my GP has appreciated the written current ailments list too.

[lesleyjehan in reply to lesleyjehan]

Hi. That could have been written by me! I do exactly the same. I get the same response too.

I found out about this splenomegaly lymphadenopathy by accident. A letter went to my dr but NOT me even tho I requested copies.

Thank you for your input and take care.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Either take a supportive and understanding friend/ relative along with you

Or If that is not possible, definitely recommend recording the consultation on you phone or similar

a) so you can make sure you remember all they say

b) so that you have a record of the recommendations, especially useful if at a future appointment they change mind/deny they said that.

[yenool]

I usually take a few notes of things I want to discuss or ask about. It is good to take a list of current medications and supplements if you are seeing a hospital doctor.

I don't bother taking a list of symptoms as 1) they don't look at the list and 2) I think it can be overwhelming to just dump a list of symptoms on them. Better to try and describe a picture of the problems as a whole.

I've given up on endos though.......

[BeansMummy]

My very first thought when I read your question was to answer "a brick wall to bang your head on". Sorry

I always take a neat, typed list of all my symptoms (with the date on it), a list of current medication and a list of whatever "illnesses" I have been diagnosed with. Doctors seem incapable of checking any previous problems which may impact on your current health and I certainly don't trust them to cross-reference anything. I've had an endocrinologist argue with me about having had thyroid surgery when she saw the scar on my neck, and would NOT believe that I'd had spinal neck surgery.

I've always requested that this list is added to my file - I know that they do, because I've seen them on subsequent visits. I also give the same list to my GP when I next visit.

Apart from being useful as a reference during the appointment, asking them to keep the list in your file means that they have a written record of symptoms and whether they are worsening or not being addressed.

[Flower3 in reply to BeansMummy]

Haha, a brick wall I will remember. Maybe some breathing exercises. Just kidding of course.

Today I typed my symptoms list so that's done.

I once gave a sheet of other information to a specialist (not a endo) and they said they would put it in my file but next time it was lost (!). So I know that even if you prepare everything it can be a disaster and disappointment.

Every new specialist is a new chance to becoming better, I guess..