what to tell my doctor

[rpinion1]

i finally made a doc apt. for may 19th my old kidney doctor said shed see me for a discount price, what shold i tell her.... i think i have IC should i mention it?

[greeneyes]

Welcome, You need to tell your doctor everything that's going on, don't leave out even the most lil things, being upfront and open with your doctor from the beginning will help him or her with a dx.

[greengenes3]

I would make a list of all the problems and concerns that you have for the doctor. Also hopefully your doctor won't make you feel rushed and should answer your questions. It's your health so don't be afraid to speak up. If the doctor gives you the cold shoulder/brush off you need to find a different doctor. Let us know how it goes!! Good luck and I hope you the get answers that you need.

Gina

[KarenAnne]

I always make a list of all my questions & concerns for the dr. My last uro visit, I made a copy of my list for my dr. & he just went along & read it & gave me the answers to my questions, which I then wrote down. I also think it is important to take someone you trust with you, a parent, spouse, friend, to listen along & mention anything you may have forgotten.

My husband was able to come along & after the visit he reminded me of something the uro said. Very helpful because I'm so forgetful. Best of luck with your appt. (Also take along any copies of tests you've had done)

[bubbe1]

what to tell doctor

Hi,
I agree that it's very helpful to have someone come to the doctor with you. My husband always thinks of questions that I hadn't thought of or has an idea or two that he wants to run by the doctor.
I also bring a list of questions and read them to the doctor. Giving the list to the doc is a good idea too but for some reason, I've gotten odd looks from doctors or their nurses when I hand them a list.
Either way, it's so helpful to know what you want to say and to not let the the doctor rush you. Also, if you feel your questions haven't been answered to your satisfaction or if there's something you don't understand, ask again.
I hope you have a fruitful visit with your doctor.
Let us know what happens.
Laurie

[sailawaygrl]

I take a list of questions with me and also right down what I have been experiencing in the way of symptoms. It's amazing how blank your mind can go when they ask you a question. Like the commercial on TV! I don't give them my questions but I do make sure that the Dr sees I have them, sometimes he just moves over beside me and looks at them. I also take my husband because it is hard to remember everything they tell you as well. My Dr is very busy, he gives you the time you need but does talk very fast so if is impossible to write down his answers. Another thing I like to do is if they give me meds I go back over the instructions with them verbally to make sure I understand what they want me to do.

I would tell them all of your symptoms and then see what direction they want to go. While you may be certain you have IC, there are other conditions that need to be ruled out first. You may find that you don't have IC at all, hopefully!! Just remember that sometimes you have to have a variety of tests before they will make a diagnosis. IC was never mentioned to me until all other tests were found negative. Below you will find a link to the AUA recommended guidelines for diagnosing and treating IC. Remember, recommended doesn't mean that your Dr will follow them to at T, but it should give you an idea of what to expect.

I hope your appointment is a good one,
Sandra