Lots of Medical Appointments
Once I received a diagnosis, I needed a treatment plan. This began a long series of medical appointments. My journey continued.Persistence is key to dealing with Sjogren’s Syndrome. Treatment is different for each person. This means lots of appointments. As symptoms change, treatment changes. Dry mouth may improve or get worse. So treatment changes.
Be Organized
Your doctor (s) will have test results. Specialists will record information based on interviews and observations. You are the only source of information about your health, yours symptoms and treatment effectiveness.
- Log treatment applications.
- Note medication side affects.
- Note changes in symptoms.
- Make notes on appointments.
- Keep a calendar for appointments and health events.
- Maintain a contact list of all doctors.
- Keep a Sjogren’s journal.
- Keep a list of your questions.
Ask Questions
Doctors ask questions during appointments. They also offer explanations for symptoms, choice of medication and ordering of tests. You should understand all that information. If you don’t understand something, ask. Ask the questions on your list during each appointment.
There is nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t understand. Please explain what you just said?” It can be helpful to have a spouse, relative or friend attend appointments with you. Both of you will hear the same thing from the doctor. Often, you will have two different interpretations.
My Journey Continues
My journey continues with appointments. I see my family, my optomologist and dentist regularly. I have seen a hemotalogist and a GI specialist. Appointments can be difficult to juggle. They are all important.
If it seems that you have a lot of symptom related appointments, its because you do.
- Be sure to attend each appointment.
- Prepare for each appointment.
- Understand what doctors tell you.
- Report how you are feeling honestly and accurately.
- Follow all the doctors’ recommendations.
I realize that my journey continues. There is no cure for Sjogren’s Syndrome. Your doctors will work to treat your symptoms. Treatment will make things easier. The goal is for limit the affect of Sjogren’s in you life.
Share your thoughts in the comment section below. Are your symptoms controlled? Do you have lots of medical appointments?
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