The First Appointment

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The First Appointment

Preparation

You've found a doc. You've made the appointment (which may take a few months to

get). Now, what should you do to prepare for this appointment? The following is

a list of preparations and necessities that will help you at your first visit

(and sometimes subsequent visits) to your doc:

a.. Keep a journal of your problems. This sounds silly, but by the time the

doctor's appointment rolls around, you may forget important problems you've been

having. Don't limit yourself (in this journal) to what *you* think is important.

Seemingly unrelated problems could be important clues to the proper treatment of

your case.

b.. Keep an on-going list of your questions. When we are nervous, we tend to

forget what we thought was important. If you have a list (which you will take

with you to the appointment), you won't have to remember.

c.. Have a *hard copy* of your medical history. That could mean transcripts

from other doctors, sent ahead of time to the doc (best choice), or you could

hand-carry your transcripts to the doc.

d.. Have a list of your current problems. This is not necessity, as the doc

will ask you all about your symptoms, but this is helpful. We tend to forget

important points when we are nervous.

e.. When you are preparing to go to your doc, dress comfortably. Don't wear

complicated things like body-suits or hose. These are very difficult to slip in

and out of for your examination.

f.. Don't wear make-up! One of the things a doctor examines is your skin. If

you are wearing make-up, he/she's not going to be getting an accurate view of

your skin.

g.. Bring something to occupy yourself: a book, magazines, letters, etc. You

might have long periods of time to wait, this will make it bearable.

h.. Bring a pad of paper and a pen/pencil. When your doctor answers questions,

you will do better remembering the answers, if you write them down.

i.. Bring a person!!! This is the best tip. If you can, bring a loved one with

you. That person won't be as nervous, and hopefully, they will remember anything

you forget. Also, we tend to feel more confident when there is someone *in our

corner* with us.

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