When you have MS, it’s important to be able to communicate well with the medical professionals who are taking care of you. The questions that you have are important, and their answers can help you manage your condition.
It’s normal for everyone to forget their questions at their doctor’s appointment. Since a change in cognition can be one of the first signs of MS, you may be even more likely to forget the things you wanted to ask about. Keep a journal to write down your questions as you think of them. Try a notebook or a cellphone app.
You might have questions from your own personal experience or from something you’ve read. Log each one as it occurs to you, make a list, and leave room to write down the answers you receive.
Here are six talking points to get you started at your next appointment.
1. Anticipate what your doctor will ask you
When your doctor asks for information, the more accurate your answer, the better. Make note of what you’re asked at each appointment to see if it’s anything you should be tracking for next time. An example is your symptom severity. Your doctor will want to know if your symptoms are getting better, getting worse, or staying the same.
When you have MS, it’s important to be able to communicate well with the medical professionals who are taking care of you. The questions that you have are important, and their answers can help you manage your condition.
It’s normal for everyone to forget their questions at their doctor’s appointment. Since a change in cognition can be one of the first signs of MS, you may be even more likely to forget the things you wanted to ask about. Keep a journal to write down your questions as you think of them. Try a notebook or a cellphone app.
You might have questions from your own personal experience or from something you’ve read. Log each one as it occurs to you, make a list, and leave room to write down the answers you receive.
Here are six talking points to get you started at your next appointment.
1. Anticipate what your doctor will ask you
When your doctor asks for information, the more accurate your answer, the better. Make note of what you’re asked at each appointment to see if it’s anything you should be tracking for next time. An example is your symptom severity. Your doctor will want to know if your symptoms are getting better, getting worse, or staying the same.
2. Ask about new symptoms
- If you have experienced something new and think it might be a symptom of MS, make note of it and write down as much detail as you can, such as:
- when it first appeared
- how often it happens
- how severe it is
- if it seems to be connected to something else
For example, new difficulties with walking might happen only occasionally and on days after you haven’t slept well. A detailed description of a gait problem can help your doctor decide on the best strategy or assistive walking device, if needed, for your situation.
3. Discuss medications and supplements
Keep track of medications you’re taking and any side effects that you may be experiencing. The same is true for any vitamins or herbal supplements you’re taking, or any significant changes to your diet.
If your doctor suggests that you try supplements such as fish oil or vitamins such as D and A, keep a record of the frequency and dose to see if any improvements coincide with the supplements. Ask your doctor first before trying anything new, because some supplements and herbal remedies can make symptoms worse or interfere with your medication.