Fibromyalgia Treatment – How to Communicate With Your Doctor

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Prior to your first doctor’s appointment, take the time to write or type your questions and symptom complaints in an organized format. I suggest you compile two lists — one with information about the symptoms you are experiencing and one that lists the questions you have for your doctor.

This is a process that requires concentration and if this is too difficult for you, you will have to find a family member, friend, social worker, community volunteer, or hire an assistant to help you with this process. This kind of support is crucial if you want to increase your chances of achieving symptom reduction.

Tips for Your First Fibromyalgia Appointment:

On your first doctor’s visit, be sure to schedule enough time with the doctor to cover your major concerns. Remember, under most circumstances, a doctor has only enough time to address two or three issues per appointment.

Because people with fibromyalgia have multiple symptoms, it might be a good idea to prioritize the items on your lists and make a series of appointments so you can adequately cover each issue. If you aren’t sure how to prioritize your concerns, ask your physician to review your list of symptoms and address the most medically important symptoms first.

If you are respectful of your physician’s time, you can often ask whether he or she is available to communicate via emergency appointments, telephone, e-mail, office staff, or clinic group meetings. If your physician is not available to address your needs, then you need to find another physician.

If you present too many problems at once, the physician will not be effective in addressing any of your symptoms or questions.

An understanding physician is important, but you should rely on others to provide you with sympathy and let your physician provide you with medical advice.

Your physician is human, not a psychic—you must communicate your concerns and needs in a direct manner.

When you are at the doctor’s office, make sure that either you take notes, ask the doctor to write things down for you, or have an advocate (friend or family member) there to help you with note-taking. Often times you will forget or misunderstand what has been said, especially during a rushed appointment.

Fibro fog can make your appointment seem like a blur, so if you haven’t made arrangements for someone else to record the meeting, you might go home feeling unsure of your physician’s suggestions and instructions. Another option is for you to ask the doctor for permission to record the appointment.

Communicating With Your Doctor:

Now that you are well prepared to meet with the doctor, your appointment will be organized and you will be able to clearly express your concerns and expectations.

Let your doctor know that you are looking for a partnership, and that you want to work together to achieve positive outcomes. By establishing a long-term, mutually satisfying association, you will receive continuity of care and a shared respect for one another.

Remember that sharing information is important, but listening is just as important. Always ask the doctor to repeat or clarify information that is unclear. It is helpful to summarize your understanding of what the doctor has just told you.

If you have done your homework, you will be meeting with a respected and qualified physician. Although no one knows your body better than you, keep an open mind, follow directions, and let your doctor know whether you choose to do something other than what he or she has suggested.

Express your willingness to work with the doctor to find a more agreeable treatment if necessary or to change the treatment to better meet your needs. Remember, two heads are better than one!

Asking Questions:

Do not ever feel afraid to ask questions and to be open and direct with your physician. Explain to the doctor how you are physically feeling. Give him or her specific examples of your symptoms, how long they have been bothering you, and their level of intensity. Share your emotional feelings with your physician.

If you are feeling depressed, afraid, frustrated, or alone your doctor will be better able to treat you if you are honest about your concerns. Your physician will need to know what kind of treatments you have tried in the past and what kinds of treatments you are most comfortable with.

If you prefer a more conservative approach in regards to prescription medications, inform your physician at the beginning of your appointment. Again, your most important task is to create a partnership with your physician and good open communication is the best way to create that partnership.

Priority Questions to Ask Your Fibromyalgia Doctor:

1. What kinds of tests will I have?
2. What do you expect to find out from these tests?
3. When will I  know the results?
4. Will my results be mailed to me or should I expect a phone call?
5. Who will be available to explain the results?
6. What can cause my condition?
7. What is my diagnosis?
8. How will this condition affect me now and in the future?
9. Should I watch for any particular symptoms and notify you if they occur?
10. What lifestyle changes should I make?
11. What are the treatments for my condition?
12. When will treatment start?
13. Why has this drug been prescribed?
14. How do I take it?
15. Do I take it with or without food?
16. Do I take it with or without other medications?
17. At what time of day should I take it?
18. How much or how many should I take?
19. How often should I take it?
20. What are the short-term side effects?
21. What are the long-term side effects?
22. If I experience side effects, what should I do?
23. Flow long will I have to take it?
24. Are there less-expensive medications for my condition?
25. Will this new drug interact with any of the other medicines I am taking?
26. Are other types of treatments available?
27. What are the most beneficial treatments?
28. Should I see other specialists?
29. What are the risks and side effects associated with treatment?
30. Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid?
31. Will my symptoms ever completely go away?
32. Will I need more tests later?
33. Where can I go for support?
34. Where can I go for additional information?

If you are prepared with well-thought out questions, you will save time and make the most of your doctor’s appointment. Prioritize the following questions and add any questions you have that are not covered here.

Remember that it will take more than one appointment before you will have all your questions answered.