littledarlinTN

I think first of all it is important to let your doctor know that you are aware of your body and the "strange" aches and pains and small things that go on. Let them know you want to be proactive as much as possible and not just reactive. Tell them you will be patient with them as you try to figure out the specific issues you are having and ask for their opinion on how to optimize their time. Ask what would be best for them, written questions to go over during your appointments, emails (Vandy has an email service so you can email your doctors), scheduling a "chat session" with your appointment to be able to sit and talk about all of the body issues you are having. Let your doctor know you are going to work with them as much as possible to find what works best and not leave everything in their hands to fix. This information comes from me being a nurse and seeing first hand the things that seem to help the doctors do a better job with patients. As a patient working with my docs to get a diagnosis for all of my issues, I find a list extremely helpful because I forget so much between appointments. A log of activity and limitations can help you track yourself and teach you different ways to plan activities to optimize your stamina. I am still learning. I try not to push myself but there comes times I have to. Stress is something I cannot seem to get away from and it causes me more problems - I try the meditation and stress relieving modalities you can find out there but with a 13 year old, an 11 year old and a hubby who does not work, it is up to me to get everything done. I have learned how to ask for help and do when I am in a corner but can't seem to make myself ask before it gets to that point....sorry was trying to help and ended up going on about myself.