I have been given the same advice from my PCP. Like Sarah said she likes it because I write out what I need to talk about on one page short sentences. I also briefly tell the doctor what is resolved like symptoms or what is better like taking a certain medication helps with symptoms. I would be over whelmed if people hit me with a lot per visit. With my cancer doctor I often do not have issues so when I do she takes me seriously.
It is hard because I only get an appointment with the MS Specialist every two years. My only real questions is how much has my MS progressed.
If you have a lot of issues I would ask for another appointment.
Alex
I come prepared. I concise on one page:
1. meds I am on, doses, what for
2. diagnoses
3. last visit
4. problems since last visit
5. things I want to discuss/questions/etc.
I give a copy to the nurse when she comes in to do her thing, and if she hands it back, I ask her to put it on my chart for the doctor. He then reads it before he comes in, and we know what we have to cover.
Well, that works except for the time he came in and found me curled up on the exam table with a pillow and blanket! He knew I was sick! We still laugh about that one
Specific to what you mention, yup! Narrow down what's brought up. The neurologist will better be able tot help you if they're not spending most of your (likely) brief appointment sorting the "signal from the noise". There's a great Health Page on it here: http://www.medhelp.org/tags/health_page/7687/Multiple-Sclerosis/The-Importance-of-the-Timeline?hp_id=765 (I know you're already diagnosed, so the 'timeline' aspect isn't the most relevant, but it does cover how to stick to a "just the facts, ma'am" approach when spending that very valuable time with your neurologist)