It is Good to Plan Ahead... and Make Notes

 

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What to Do Before My Visit

• Make notes about what to tell and to ask
• Tell my doctor's office how many problems I need to discuss so the right amount of time is booked
• Ask someone to come with me to help hear what is said
  
  
  

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What To Take

• Bring my notes
• Bag and bring all my medicines including vitamins and herbs, antacids, laxatives, cough syrups, pain pills, suppositories, patches and sprays.

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What To Tell

The symptoms that concern or worry me
 

what they are like  when I feel them where they are how long they last when I first noticed them.

 

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What To Ask

• What is wrong with me?
• Are there alternatives to medication?
• Are clinics, centres, day cares, groups, products or home care available for help?
• What can be done?

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If I need tests:
 

• What do I need to know?
• How do I get the results?
• What other treatment might I need?
• When do I need my next appointment?

If I need medication:

• What will it do?
• When do I take it and how often?
• How long?
• Do I still take my other medications?
• What can I do about any side effects?