Working with your Doctor

1.   Prepare for your visit ahead of time to make the best use of your short time together.

2. Be sensitive to your own symptoms and concerns and give some thought to questions that you might ask your doctor.

3.Keep a list handy to jot questions down between visits to the surgery

4.As there is no magic bullet for ME or Fibromyalgia, great patience is required to find a combination of therapies and medication to bring about improvement.

5 Recognise that there will be inherent frustrations for patients and doctors when treating a condition that continues to hold many mysteries for the researchers.

6. Realise much of your treatment is up to you: exercise, relaxation,stress management,pain management,pursuing additional therapies and treatments such as stretch and massage.

7.Learn as much as you can about your own illness, since you are the one who will manage the day to day problems that occur.

8.Actively manage Fibromyalgia M.E problems such as pain and sleep etc.

9. During surgery visits be prepared to ask for what you need to manage your ME Fibromyalgia.  Be as specific and concise as possible.  Don't ramble on !

10.Work with your doctor to develop a plan of action should you have a flare up so you can initiate treatment on your own. What else could you do to feel better

11. If you have symptoms of depression inform your doctor. Depression can interrupt your sleep cycles and will need treatment.

12. Thank the doctor for what is helpful

13. Learn to ask for what you need from your doctor.

14.Avoid angry or defensive communication

15.If a problem arises with medication or treatment, ask if you can call for an answer rather than make another appointment.

16.Be assertive and take responsibility for your own treatment.

17. Remember you are the one in charge of your own treatment!