Help Your Doctor Understand Your Priorities

What's the number one priority in managing multiple sclerosis (MS)? A positive attitude. Seeing the ability in the disability allows you to control how you react to MS. Only you can choose to be positive as you live with MS. It's really important to understand that adapting isn't giving in to MS but an intelligent way of managing a demanding disease. When you're living with MS, your day-to-day achievements can be milestones and you really need to give yourself credit and recognize them as accomplishments.

Your second priority is discussing changes in your condition with your neurologist at your next appointment. Keep in mind that there are many patients like yourself that your neurologist sees on a daily basis. Being prepared will help both you and your neurologist focus on your needs. If you are not prepared, your neurologist may not be able to fully address your concerns or understand your priorities.

Your neurologist wants to take the time to help you during your visit, but is often limited on time. The reality of the appointment is you have to use your time efficiently.

Do your homework and come prepared. Be an advocate for yourself and help make your neurologist's job easier by having the facts on hand and any questions you have ready for discussion. Having everything written down will help avoid that memory blackout we all seem to have when the doctor asks, "How are you?" If you get easily stressed over anticipated visits with your doctor, being prepared can help you better manage the situation.

Maintaining ability is usually a patient's top priority when they see a neurologist. You want to ensure that MS is not progressing to the point of disability. Before your visit, write down any changes you've noticed. Things to note include vision problems, balance disturbances, weakness, bladder or bowel concerns, fatigue, depression, or pain.

Be very proactive in researching your treatment options and asking your doctor about any concerns you have with your MS medication. If your visit includes getting an MRI (magnetic resonance image) scan, be prepared to discuss any questions you have about the procedure. Keep a diary between doctor visits to help you make the most of the appointment.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Help-Your-Doctor-Understand-Your-Priorities

Over 90,000 Canadians have multiple sclerosis (MS) – about 1 in every 400 people. Your neurologist's practice is full of MS patients, and working with your doctor to help them focus on the key aspects of your condition is critical. So be a partner, and be prepared with your personal information on hand and have your questions ready.

By making your MS management your priority, you can help ensure that you and your doctor's time are well spent during your next appointment. Be prepared to discuss any progress in your condition, including current medication and your reactions to them since the last visit – be they physical or emotional. Are they working, how do you feel about taking them, is there an improvement?

Here are other MS questions to ask your doctor:

• What is the current status of my EDSS score (Expanded Disability Status Scale – the scale your neurologist uses to measure the severity of MS disability)? Has there been a decline or an improvement?
• Is there anything I can do to improve or maintain the score (e.g., exercise, physiotherapy, or medications)?
• Should I have any test to monitor the disease, and what are the risks associated with the tests?
• What do I do if I am in remission? Can I still exercise – will this help reduce the symptoms or could it increase them?
• What signs should I look for or be immediately concerned about?
• Are there any new clinical trials that I may be a candidate for?
• What treatment options are there? (If you are starting medication for the first time, click here for a list of medication questions to ask your doctor.)

A strong partnership between you and your doctor is the key to maintaining ability in MS. Together, you'll work toward your mutual goal of delaying disability though an agreed upon course of action, tailored specifically for your needs.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Help-Your-Doctor-Understand-Your-Priorities