Your role in meetings with the doctor

What you tell your doctor is important. It helps form the basis for your treatment. When you live with multiple diseases, it can be extra important to make sure everything is included. Tell us what your symptoms are and how you experience them. For example: when they occur, how long they have lasted, and what may have helped you. The more specific you can be, the better your doctor can assess your situation. Also tell us how the illness affects your everyday life. This could be: your energy level, and your physical and mental stamina or your interest in social interaction. It may also have an impact on your everyday life at home or at work. When your doctor knows about your everyday life, it’s easier to see the whole picture. If you have multiple diseases, you do not need to find out for yourself how they are inter-related. This is the doctor's responsibility. But it helps if you tell us what you’re experiencing. You can think of it a little like taking a car to a repair shop. If you only say the car is noisy, it can be difficult to find the cause. But if you tell the mechanic when the sound comes and how it sounds, it will be easier to find out what is wrong. In the same way, you can help the doctor by describing your symptoms as specifically as possible. It's important that you understand what is being said. And it’s okay to ask again if you’re in any doubt. For example, you could say, “Can you explain it in another way?” If you feel uncomfortable, ask the department if you can talk to someone else next time. Remember: you know your own body and your everyday life best. Sharing what you’re experiencing makes it easier for the doctor to help you.