How does your Gp react to you going in with a list [notes] so you do not forget anything?

[jjlily]

I am hopefully seeing him tomorrow and my memory is shot to pieces.I am having a lot of trouble retaining information. I really thought I was getting dementia. How do you guys retain it all.How long did it take for your memory to improve

[Femme1]

Hiya jjlily, I have taken a list with me the last two times I have visited the doctors, and it does help when trying to recount your problems. However, in terms of my doctor actually helping or seeing the hypothyroid link after my telling of each symptom, it was pretty useless. So yes to taking a list, but fingers crossed you have a good gp who will perhaps act upon them!

Good luck ! x

[jjlily in reply to Femme1]

Hi thanks for your reply femme 1.at the moment my own Gp -[if I can get an appointment-he is very popular] seems to be on the ball! I had heard that doctors generally don't like notes or so my late husband reckoned.He did arrange fora lot more tests after not tolerating a dose of 25 Levo.

thanks again

Jill

[roslin]

I take a list and i take my husband to check that I have gone though the list. He can also back me up when it comes to telling the dr the symptoms. Try to take somebody it helps a lot with remembering what the dr said as well.

Good luck

Roslinxx

[jjlily in reply to roslin]

Hi Roslin thanks for response unfortunately no-one to go with me If I concentrate really hard I can remember what people say,it is what I need to ask I have ;problems with remembering

[hamble99b]

I always take a list.

[Lizbeth1]

I took a list of all my symptoms and a list of the blood tests I wanted. I also wrote down a short paragraph of information regarding the explanation of results. The doctor was receptive and took a photocopy to put in my notes.. She then gave me a private referral to dr s. so good luck

[jjlily in reply to Lizbeth1]

Hi Lizbeth thanks for reply can you clarify about information you wrote down please.Was it about why you wanted blood tests I'm taking the symptom list with me and i;m going to ask for VitD B12 Ferritin iron selenium.Hope I get them

thanks again

Jill

[Lizbeth1]

I asked for the blood tests they recommend on here. My bit D was very low so I am taking supplements now,

I found it hard to remember how the thyroid works when in the doctors . So I wrote a brief description to remind me. Eg if t4andt3 in range that doesn't necessarily mean I will be well at that point. I may need to be top of the rage, that if T4 high and T3 low there is probably a problem with converting, once on levo then TSH often needs to be suppressed for me to be well

Generally took information from admin,site and dr tofts book. I did it to prevent me from feeling overwhelmed, and a reminder when the brain fog set in. It also helps with being friendly and polite but assertive.

Also I think doctors like succinct lists that you can hand to them,but keep a copy for yourself

I also listed all blood tests as recommended on the site. Again better than talking at them. I was lucky and my gp listened,take it in stages and I hope it works out for you

Sorry if this is a bit rambling

[molliemdz in reply to Lizbeth1]

It's so reassuring to hear people here refer occasionally to brain fog. I thought I was imagining it for so long.

[editfmrt]

A good doctor should have no issues with patients bringing a list of symptoms to a consultation. I have encountered those that don't like it one bit. I don't know of any other profession or service provider that would object to a customer providing details of their requirements or issues. It is both logical and sensible and saves time for everyone.

Why is it that GPs can make us feel so bad about this that causes us to worry days in advance of an appointment and pussyfoot around them when it actually means those types do not have their patients best interests at heart.

Luckily for me they don't scare me and I am quite blunt (but polite) and they change their tune when I have said "You seem uncomfortable. Is there a problem with me using an aid memoir?"

If you need it and it will help with your consultation there is no sensible reason why you should not be able to do that. Good luck and I do hope it goes well.

[sporty333 in reply to editfmrt]

*like* sporty loves this posting lol

[Sylvamain]

i'm sorry to say my memory is still bad and the GP has always been less than helpful, even with a list of concerns i have, to often they've pushed my concerns aside and made me feel worse about myself... i hope you have better luck.

[NBob]

I agree with Editmrft.

Lists are a very good thing and you should not be shy about using one. you can list your symptoms what tests you want and anything else.

i brought a list of my signs and symptoms to my GP. I gave the list to her to "help" her put my signs and symptoms on my medical records. It also helps to keep a copy of your lists so you know what you have told your GP is case there are problems later on.

[Flowers2]

I take a list and I take my husband with the same list. I make notes as we go along and the GP scribbles everything down. He goes off in a certain area and the notes help me make sure I'm not distracted away from getting answers to everything I want to discuss. My GP doesn't have any problem with me having a list at all.

[Jackie]

Hi I see many doctors, the gP and lots of consultants, they like you to have a list, but just for yourself. More thorough and quicker like that, especially with a fuzzy brain!

Best wishes,

Jackie

[wobblybee]

I once had 'white coat syndrome' mentioned as to how patients reacted to doctors. Going in to a long anticipated appointment (sometimes you wait for weeks for basic appt), arming

yourself with facts, feeling anxious and weepy but trying to stay in control of the situation, is a

terrible strain. Then when you do get in, the GP is condescending and palms you off.

It's not any wonder this syndrome has come about.

[Lizbeth1]

My doctor asked for a copy of my list to put on my file as a record of how I felt..

I would say however that at a different surgery they kept saying I was borderline, and I was only treated when I moved house and went to a new surgery. I was put on 50mg of levo immediately and have slowly increased since. Weird when one doctor sends you away and another treats you with the same blood tests and symptons

[Hidden]

I don't just take my list - I take my whole file of notes! My list is in the front and behind it are my symptoms charts, weight charts, results of blood tests, BP... the lot - all going back to diagnosis, and some info is before diagnosis! Just in case I need to refer to any of it at the surgery! I also write down answers to my questions. This is partly because I forget, but also because I find visits to the GP stressful and it helps to de-stress me. I don't want to come away feeling 'I wish I'd said... asked...' etc

[NBob]

The patients guide to Good Medical Practice published yesterday recommends that patients take notes with them if they need them.

[jetgj in reply to NBob]

last time i took a list i was told he only dealt with one thing at a time, i said it was all connected, he lost interest.. need copy of patients guide..will google it now

[NBob in reply to jetgj]

gmc-uk.org/guidance/patient...

[jjlily in reply to NBob]

Thanks for the link I also found a similar bit on Gp practice website

[jetgj]

thanks bob

[tobie]

This thread is a real eye opener of me, while I'm seeing a locumn and she is very professional I do not feel that I have been treated with concideration from the gp I had been seeing . I have been thinking of writting down my symptons as I struggle every day to remember any sort of information it drives me crazy.

[wobblybee]

🙂To get the most out of an appointment, to be taken seriously, it's definitely a good idea to try and remain calm and logical. For me, the early years were a disaster, I couldn't get my thoughts together and was an emotional mess in front of a GP. This was unfortunate because although it was the start of SCA, I was mostly dismissed as being 'depressed'.

Write down main points, just to prompt you🙂xBeryl