spoonie-living:

chronic-illness-support:

I get a lot of asks about from undiagnosed chronically ill people about how to get a diagnosis and how to talk to their doctor. These are some articles/resources I’ve found, and I’ll be adding more as I find them. Feel free to add your own! ♥

Preparing for Appointments

• how to plan ahead
• what to take to a hospital/doctors appointment: the 7 essentials you’ll be glad you packed
• 7 ways to rock your hospital appointments
• download some symptom tracking apps

Navigating the Appointment

• a doctor’s view of patients with chronic disease
• diagnosis – at the doctor’s office
• “can we talk?” – communicating with your doctor
• NIH – talking to your doctor about specific conditions
• communicating with your doctor (UCSF medical center)
• communicating with your doctor (canceradvocacy.org)
• questions to ask your doctor

Getting a Diagnosis 

• diagnosis – a how-to of how to get one 
• diagnosis, what diagnosis? 
• 6 secrets to getting the right medical diagnosis
• how to get the right diagnosis – why doctors goof

Post-Diagnosis & Coping

• when you’re first diagnosed: what I didn’t know then that can help you now (part 1, part 2) 
• chronic illness articles on psychology today
• resilience articles on psychology today 
• when chronic illness strikes: tips on talking to family and close friends

Books

• when doctor’s don’t listen: how to avoid misdiagnoses and unnecessary tests by Leana Wen & Joshua Kosowsky
• top screwups doctor’s make and how to avoid them  by Joe Graedon & Teresa Graedon 
• sick and tired: empathy, encouragement and practical help for those suffering from chronic health problems by Kimberly Rae

YES YES YES