When speaking with a physician, what words do you use to describe your symptoms? Do you toss out a whole bunch of medical terminology or do you use abstract words like, wonky? Look at the word fatigue. Prior to MG, I knew only of metal fatigue, or military fatigue, nor do I ever remember hearing, "Gosh, I am fatigued." or "Gee, my leg is fatigued." Keep your language, simple.

On my first visit with a neurologist, he asked, "What's going on?" I said, "My mouth gets really tired when I eat, and the eye guy said there is nothing wrong with my eyes." I had no other language. My answer was unrehearsed, and as well, he had a letter from my gp (pcp) whom I trusted implicitly, and who had no idea what my diagnosis would be or could be. My neurologist knew what it was within 15 to 20 minutes.

If you are using abstract words, such as wonky, or weird, try your very best to either look in a thesaurus, or read what language other MGers use.

I hope this will be of some help to you.

I also recommend using specific examples instead of adjectives. So instead of saying "I am tired," say "I can't get up the stairs without sitting down to rest." Instead of saying "my arms are weak," say "I can't blow-dry my hair for more than thirty seconds."

I learned this when my baby had GERD. Went to the doctor, said "he spits up a lot." "Oh, that's normal." Went back and said "he spit up 63 times yesterday." Ah hah.

Abby

But don't go to the other extreme and use too much medical terminology. The doctor may think you are a hypochondriac that spends too much time on the internet and not get taken seriously.


thanks
kathie