Preparing for a Doctor's Appointment: Tips and Suggestions

Writing down your symptoms is a great idea! I would also recommend writing down or knowing any previous treatment attempts and what worked vs what didn't (including things like changed diet, increased exercise, etc). Another thing I would suggest is, if applicable, make sure you know what has been ruled out for your condition(s). For example, I'm super dizzy all the time but I know I'm not anemic bc my iron levels came back normal in multiple blood tests. The more info you can provide on what you're going through and what you've actively done to try and help it the better. It shows that you take yourself and your symptoms seriously and are dedicated to getting help. A good doctor will want to help you but unfortunately most of them don't have very much time to spend with you, so coming prepared with all this info is very helpful and moves things along. Also, make sure you assert yourself to the doctor and make it clear that managing your symptoms is a top priority. If they're dismissive of you or your symptoms then go to a different doctor if you can, there are some good ones out there if you can find them!

Hope you get a caring & patient( no pun intended) one. Chronically Ill pts are a nightmare to a for-profit health care system. They don't have the time or knowledge to treat us. They put very expensive band-aids on us. If you have a lot of money, go to private doctor, like the one on Wellevate. She may actually find the cause, but she takes no insurance and probably $150 or more an hour. Plus supplements & tests. I wish that I could afford to see her. I'm taking meds that make my illness worse but I have to function. Quality over quantity.