Self-help Articles

by Robin August, Ph.D.

1. Get prepared for your appointment

It is much easier to speak with your physician when you are educated about your illness and it helps you to have a more open and thorough discussion with him/her. Make a list of things that you would like to discuss and write down any questions that you have. In the moment, it is easy to forget important pieces of information. If you are seeing a new physician, do your homework before hand. Ask by phone if they treat Fibro or CFIDS patients. If you know another Fibromyalgia or CFIDS patient, ask them which doctor they see. Check on-line at websites for Fibro or CFIDS patients which often have a listing of physcians who specialize in treating Fibro or CFIDS patients.

2. Consider taking a tape recorder with you

Ask your physician if you can record the session. Because of my memory problems, I have trouble remembering everything that is discussed. A lot of physicians seem uncomfortable with being recorded but if you explain the reason why, they may be more open to it.

3. Make a list of your symptoms and the degree to which they are bothering you.

I made up a chart that I ask my physician to put on my file which will

1. give important information
2. might later be used if you need to apply for disability and
3. document your progress or lack of progress thereby helping you and your physician to make treatment decisions.

Below, I have an example of the chart.

You can also go to the website http://www.medhelp.org and use their pain tracker. Check it out.

4. Try to be open-minded about your physician, especially a new one.

If you have been mistreated/misunderstood in the past by a physician, don't go in with a negative attitude. But do be prepared to appropriately confront or even leave if you feel that you are being treated poorly.

5. Don't have an expectation that any physician can immediately cure you.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are chronic illnesses which often require much trial and error with different treatments. You are a unique person and often treatments will work on people differently.

6. Have a list of all the medications that you take and any side effects you may have.

That includes prescription medications, herbal treatment and supplements including dose and frequency.

7. Make a list of all of the questions that you have.

It is extremely important that you bring in any questions that you have. Sometimes I write out these questions in my calendar as they occur in-between appointments.

PLEASE, write in with anything that you do that helps you work with your physician.

About the author:

Robin August, Ph.D., LCSW. obtained her Master’s in Social Work and her Ph.D. in Psychology from major Universities. She has also studied Life Coaching. She has been in private practice since 1987. She specializes in working with survivors of child abuse, coping with chronic illness, depressive and anxiety disorders, life coaching and general psychotherapy. She lives in the beautiful Smoky Mountains where she enjoys the outdoors. Dr. August also lives with Fibromyalgia and Systemic Lupus so she brings a unique personal understanding to her work.