Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS).


advertisement
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-29-2014, 03:18 PM #1
MomWriterStudent MomWriterStudent is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 159
10 yr Member
MomWriterStudent MomWriterStudent is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 159
10 yr Member
Default Should I Share All of My Symptoms With a New Doctor?

I'm seeing some new doctors next month because I will finally have health insurance again. I am still experiencing a ton of symptoms from the concussion that I got in December of 2013, and I'm wondering if I should share every single symptom during my first appointment.

I guess I'm just worried that I'll look like a complainer or that the doctor will blame everything on anxiety if I come in with a long list of health complaints. I don't know if it would be better to focus on a few related issues during the first appointment or only mention my most severe symptoms.

I am tired of feeling terrible every day and want a chance at feeling better. I'm worried I'll screw everything up if I approach my appointments the wrong way.
__________________
It is what it is.
.
MomWriterStudent is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote

advertisement
Old 12-29-2014, 03:38 PM #2
Lara Lara is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,984
15 yr Member
Lara Lara is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,984
15 yr Member
Default

Hi there. It's good you're getting the insurance and are able to see new doctors. It can only help your road to recovery.

Just my perspective...

It's always difficult walking away from an appointment thinking that I'd wished I'd mentioned this or that.

If you're seeing a new doctor does that mean the notes from the previous doctors will be sent to this new one prior to your appointment?

If yes, then one would hope the new one has read the notes.

If not, then I would write or type a list of what has happened since the original injury. You don't need to go into great detail. Just make it short and concise and in approx dated order.

If you have a timed appointment you can figure out what you need to discuss in that time. Is it an hour appointment or 30 minutes or not timed or what?

The amount of time you have should give you some idea as to where you need to focus. The fact that you're still feeling terrible is very important.

I suppose also that it depends on the specialty of the doctor you will be seeing. e.g. a neuro might do certain tests there and then and that may take up time in the appointment too.

Having your own notes will help you and you can leave the list/notes with the doctor if you need. If it's a fairly short appointment then talk about what is affecting you the most at the moment and make sure you get some direction from the doctor for the future.
Lara is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
MomWriterStudent (12-29-2014)
Old 12-29-2014, 04:38 PM #3
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,416
15 yr Member
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,416
15 yr Member
Default

MWS,

I bet many of your symptoms are a subset of a major symptom. Start a document and list all of your symptoms. Then start grouping them. Cut and paste works great for this. List after each symptom how it manifests.

for example.

I have persistent balance issues
If I change direction too fast, I will stumble.
When I stand up from sitting, I need to do it slowly.
I have more balance issues when don't have my glasses on and things
look fuzzy.

Sometimes, I feel like a total klutz.
I have to stop to focus to tie my shoes.
When I type, I get my fingers mixed up on the keyboard.
I type the wrong but similar word. i.e. thing for think,

I struggle to read things correctly.
It is like I am dyslexic.
I read a word and think it is something else.

I struggle to think.
I have difficulty finding the words I need to say something.
This is worse if I am tired or in a noisy situation.
This is a consistent problem or I can sometimes go a day without this
being a problem if I rest up.

Sounds and lights can cause me confusion like a panic attack.
I have to be careful going shopping during busy times
Sudden sounds can cause me to get very startled.

I get head aches.
If I have too much sensory stimulation.
If I have a task on a tight schedule.

I think you can put together a good list.

The point is you can take this list to the appointment and just read off the main bullet points. If the doctor asks for more information, you can give him the details. Start off by saying something like, "I get easily flustered and forgetful so I wrote some notes. I can leave a copy with you. " You may be asked questions about your complaints as you fill out the registration and medical history paperwork. You may want to include a copy with that.

Try to avoid overloading the doctor with information so he has time to ask questions. Hopefully, he will ask questions And, avoid using medical terminology. Some doctors will get very problematic if you use medical terminology.

My best to you.
__________________
Mark in Idaho

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
Mark in Idaho is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Lara (12-29-2014), MomWriterStudent (12-29-2014), thedude58 (12-31-2014)
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
SHARE Exercises/techniques for various PCS symptoms willgardner Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome 4 08-09-2014 07:40 PM
How is it, no doctor ever gets symptoms straight? waves Bipolar Disorder 20 06-12-2014 07:21 PM
OT doctor says i have shingles but symptoms just on one big toe? soccertese Parkinson's Disease 3 12-27-2013 02:49 PM
Telling your doctor about new symptoms.... musicgirl757 Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) 5 11-30-2012 10:15 PM
New doctor, also had TBI- validated my symptoms themaidquit Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome 2 03-04-2012 04:10 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:43 PM.

Powered by vBulletin • Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

vBulletin Optimisation provided by vB Optimise v2.7.1 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
 

NeuroTalk Forums

Helping support those with neurological and related conditions.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider.


Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.