How can I prepare for an appointment for chronic fatigue syndrome?
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The first thing to do when preparing for an appointment to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome is to make a detailed list of your symptoms. These include not only fatigue, but also a change in headache patterns, memory trouble, or difficulty balancing. It is also important to note when these symptoms began and if they have become more severe with time. It is also a good idea to record any mental stress that you've been through recently and if it has correlated at all with your symptoms. Similarly, it is important to know your own medical history, including other conditions you have been treated for as well as medication you are taking. This list will help your doctor rule out other conditions that may be causing your chronic fatigue symptoms.
The first thing to do when preparing for an appointment to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome is to make a detailed list of your symptoms. These include not only fatigue, but also a change in headache patterns, memory trouble, or difficulty... More -
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:Unfortunately, most physicians are unfamiliar with CFS and usually aren’t prepared for the time it takes to properly treat it (the average physician visit in the United States runs approximately 5 minutes). Because of this, there are a few important things to do to prepare for the visit:
Try to become as thoroughly informed on the disease as you can.
Write down your top three problems so you can focus on these. Also write down all questions that you have.If your physician will allow, tape-record your visit so you can go back and go over what the physician said. If possible, also have a friend or family member with you for support and a second set of ears (especially if you’ve been experiencing the "brain fog" that is typical of CFS).
Unfortunately, most physicians are unfamiliar with CFS and usually aren’t prepared for the time it takes to properly treat it (the average physician visit in the United States runs approximately 5 minutes). Because of this, there are a few... More
