Hi,
I actually enjoy preparing for a doctor appointment, as it makes me do a review of how I have been, record any specific event or flare, when they happened and what I did to overcome it. I like going through my medical letters, appointments and reports I receive and note the important bit, in chronological order. At the end of that process, I can tell my story with highlights, key dates of events and new things I have tried or things I have used which work for me, as well as what I am missing to cope better with my symptoms. I think doing this gives me further confidence to speak to the doctor, and makes me focus on what matters to me based on my experience. I turn up at medical appointments with my notes and my pen, ready to write any answers, tips, suggestions. I think that makes me working well in partnership with the doctor and I feel more in control with the process, the review of the care plan and the actions to take to carry on making progress.
Take care,
Julie.