How to Talk to Your Doctor About Multiple Sclerosis

Whether you have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis or you believe you may have this disease, it is important that you communicate clearly with your doctors. You should feel comfortable in your relationship with your physician to discuss topics which may be embarrassing or difficult to bring up such as sexual dysfunction or loss of bladder and bowel control.

Things You'll Need

• Neurologist
• Notebook
• Pen or pencil

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Instructions

• 1

  Be prepared when you enter your doctor's appointment. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease can cause a great deal of stress which can easily lead you to forget important questions for your doctor. Think of questions regarding your condition in advance and write them down in a notebook you will carry to your appointment.

• 2

  Ask questions about the diagnostic process if you believe you may have this disease. Your doctor should be able to explain the various tests required to determine whether an individual does in fact have multiple sclerosis and not another neurological condition.

• 3

  Describe your symptoms and their frequency carefully for your physician. Even if you have described a symptom or side effect previously, it is important for your doctor to document their frequency for a better understanding of how the disease may be progressing in your case.

• 4

  Talk to your doctor about treatment options and their possible side effects. Many of the disease modifying therapies for MS are interferon based medications which may cause depression in many patients. If you have a history of depression, mention this concern to your doctor so that she may determine which drug will better suit you.

• 5

  Ask your doctor what the appropriate action is when confronted with a major exacerbation. Your doctor may have a 24 hour on call phone number or he may prefer you go directly to the Emergency Room for corticosteroid or other treatments.

• 6

  Talk to your doctor about how to better monitor the progression of your disease. She may request that you undergo MRI's or other tests on a more or less frequent basis, depending on your symptoms and medical history.