Medical Appointment Tools
Introducing a pain and fatigue scale, as well as my handy MAP (medical appointment planner) to help you keep doctor's appointments on track.
Medical appointments can be so frustrating as a chronically ill person. I struggle to rate my pain and fatigue. I developed my own pain and fatigue scales so that I had a consistent metrics to use with my doctors and medical team.
The other struggle is keeping appointments on track. It’s so easy to forget a symptom that’s been bothering you for weeks when a new symptom has popped up and is far more alarming. Or when you are meeting a new doctor, and it feels like you’re being railroaded to try “diet and exercise” to cure your chronic condition once again? Use this MAP to help advocate for yourself.
Fill out the top half as preparation for your appointment. Then, after reviewing your symptoms with your doctor, make sure all three questions are addressed before you leave the office.