Important question for doctors - Pease answer

[pocketdragon]

Very quick background -  I have seen many doctors over the years because of pain and neurological problems, oddly starting with nothing but a painless limp. After getting many conflicting diagnosis, and wasting more money than I had, I gave up and stuck with my pain doc, who for the most part was doing well managing my condition through meds. Recently I have taken a major turn for the worse. I made an appointment with a neurologist for the first time in several years. .

My question is - When filling out the forms and such, how much should I tell him? Should I admit to the many most likely wrong diagnosis? Should I start fresh? What is the correct thing to do? Thank you very much.

[pocketdragon]

Thank so much for your responses.  I have heard doctors do not like when you bring a "laundry list" of symptoms. Is this true? This could be a big problem, because i have no memory anymore and cannot trust myself to tell him the most important things if they are not happening that day. My other question is this. Do you think it's better to use correct vocabulary when describing a problem or not? When my daughter had petechiae on her lower back and I called her doc in a panic, they spent more time asking how i knew the word then asking about my daughter. I only knew the word because I had had it. Point being, Is it better to play dumb? Thanks again. I really mean that. Sorry if my first title sounds obnoxious, I wish I could change it.

[Katiebel]

Don't worry too much about what the other doctors have diagnosed you with in the past.  Put down your history, including all signs & symptoms, in chronological order if possible (It can be hard to remember)  Include any treatments that helped, and mention any that didn't.

You may need to write or type out a seperate list or story, and attach it to the form. This way the doctor can keep a copy for his/her files. Also, keep one for yourself - it can come in handy!  Include as much info as you can remember - the more detail, the more the doc has to go on.

[COBOB]

Not just symptoms, but signs, complaints, and a simple timeline would be good.   Past test results might not be that useful given the time.  If you have had any xray or MRIs in that past, it might be worth mentioning if they need to pull them for comparison with any new studies.  

Bob

[squirtatious]

Be honest with any and all symptoms!! Let it be his/her job to diagnose you