Telling Your Doctor Enough?

I've lived with epilepsy and all its medical, social and financial challenges for 35 years, and have come to see how much we patients can assist our doctors. Indeed, many patients report for examinations virtually unprepared to explain without being thoroughly questioned by their busy doctor how things have been going in their lives. And for several reasons. A lot of patients expect questions to come. Another group has the "Don't ask, don't tell" attitude. And another fears that revealing anything new will make his or her case even more complicated. I do just the opposite. Before every scheduled appointment with my neurologist at one of New York's leading epilepsy clinics, I prepare a written report on how my life has been going neurologically since my last visit. I include in it dates when seizures or unexpected reactions to pills occurred, even stating time of day, what I was doing at the time, and how I came through the event. I also list the types and amounts of pills I've been told to use. I've been with my current neurologist now for about 15 years, and she keeps reassuring me that the printed sheet I put in front of her when I go in for exams is truly valuable. Sure, she gives me an examination, but I do save her much writing time. Naturally, I keep a copy of that at home so I can look back over what I've been reporting for the past few years. So get creative before your next scheduled appointment. It helps to have our doctors "fans" of us, doesn't it? --George