Tips and Notes for Talking to Your Doctor

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Every patient’s experience with MS is different, and every patient’s relationship with their doctor or nurse is different too. But it is important to feel comfortable talking to them about your MS. If you establish an honest and direct rapport with your doctor, you will feel confident and empowered.

You’re going to have questions, so be prepared ahead of time. Write questions down, bring someone to help you record the answers, and be candid so you say what’s really on your mind. Don’t be afraid to ask anything because your doctor has probably heard everything before. And definitely don’t worry about “bothering” your doctor when you’re in the room together. Most doctors will be pleased that you’re engaged and proactive about your health, and the information you provide will help them make the most informed decision they can about your care.

Knowing the difference between a relapse and a symptom will go a long way toward helping you and your doctor keep track of your MS progression. A relapse is a prolonged event that generally lasts more than 24 hours with either new or worsening symptoms. Patients with MS may also experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, muscle stiffness, pain and depression that may mildly fluctuate. Also remember your symptoms generally get worse when you get sick with a cold or other illness.

Generally, people with MS go three months, six months, or a year between visits with their neurologist. So it’s important to keep track of your life during this time. Try keeping a calendar where you jot down new events as they occur. A great deal can happen in symptoms and the small or large accommodations you may have to make in your life to adjust to having MS. Your doctor will want to hear about all of that, but sometimes it’s hard to remember those things when you see your doctor.

Your MS One to One™ Nurse can help you prepare for your doctor’s appointments. Let your nurse know your questions and concerns ahead of time so he or she can help provide context, suggest ways to bring up tough subjects, or offer additional topics based on your conversations.

When it comes to communicating with your doctor, there’s no such thing as a bad question. If something is on your mind or you don’t understand what’s going on, be sure to ask. This way, you’ll feel comfortable that you have the right answers.

When you talk to your doctor, be honest. Don’t downplay anything. Your doctor is there for you, so give him or her the most accurate information you can about your condition and how you feel. This way they can make the best possible decisions about your care.

Staying on track with your MS treatment can sometimes be difficult. If you find you are skipping your therapy, especially regularly, you need to speak up. Your doctor can help you find ways to build treatment into your routine, make treatment more comfortable for you or even explore alternative treatments. But only if you keep him or her in the loop on your habits.

Friends and family are invaluable, but you may want to share information with people who are dealing with the same issues you are. Talk to your doctor or your MS One to One™ Nurse about connecting with a local support group that’s right for you.

Having a support system can help put you at ease physically and emotionally. On visits, feel free to bring along friends or family to keep them in the loop with what you and your doctor discuss and to help you keep track of the conversation.

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