how to make a time line

[shaw1981]

Does anyone have any suggestions on making a time line of symptoms? What is the best way to write it all down, should I write down every little thing? thanks for any suggestions :)

[addicted2harleys]

Bump

More timeline info

[addicted2harleys]

You're welcome.  The link to the HP that Quix posted was what helped me out a great deal when I made my time line.  I am like you, I need a visual.  ;0)

You are not alone or crazy!  Many wonderful people here on this forum have experienced what you are going through.  I know it bites.  I am glad that my writing help you out.  I truly know that, in a sense, that alone validates you.  I felt the same thing when I read others stories and experiences here on this forum.  It definitely gave me hope and strength to push on...looking for help.

Hugs to you and welcome to the forum!

Addi

[Quixotic1]

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/The-Importance-of-the-Timeline/show/765?cid=36

[shaw1981]

thank you so much to both of you for the advice! Addi I really appreciate you posting the links to your time line, unfortunately I do need a visual because I have so much trouble comprehending what I read, even the simplest of things.

I have read some of your other posts and I have to tell you, thank you! I had a bad day yesterday after getting told by my doctor that he honestly does not know what is going on ( I had a negative mri) but he referred me to a neurologist. Anyway's it's not like I wanted to be told  I have ms but I also did not want to be told hmm I dont know whats wrong or there's nothing wrong... After reading some of your recent posts, I felt like I'm not alone, I'm not crazy, and there is still hope that one day I too will be validated.. My husband seemed upset with me that I was upset that all the docs I have been to tell me they dont know what is wrong, I told him I just want to be told that we are going to keep trying b/c this is not normal and you are not imagining it all. My husband said No no no you wanted to be told you had ms! That is not true. I just want to know what is wrong with me. I have so many symptoms and for 2 months straight I could barely function at all. Even my bodies natural functions are not properly working.

So I get to talking and cant stop but I just wanted to let you know that I am thankful that you post your info and story because I often feel very alone and your story really helped me to feel more hopeful... Thank you so much

[addicted2harleys]

I just made my time line this week.  I found a real old thread on this forum that helps for preparing your time line.  Here is the link:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Time-line-101-repost-with-Quixs-comments/show/237143

Also, here is a link of my time line, so you can maybe have a visual of how it can look:

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/204773/symptom-time-line---final-draft?personal_page_id=1411271

And, my "cover letter" so to speak:

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/205865/who-I-was-before---final-draft?personal_page_id=1411271

I hope this helps you out.  Good luck with your time line.  I took mine to my neuro visit yesterday and I am so glad I did!  He thoroughly looked at it, discussed different parts of it with me and added it to my medical record.

Addi

[jensequitur]

I would write down all your symptoms that you regard as unusual, and try to put a time on them - when they happened, how long they stuck around.  Bullet points work well.

The other thing is to try and keep it on one page.  Your doctor doesn't want pages and pages of info - it'll scare them off.