Making the most of your appointments

Preparing for appointments helps you get the most out of those vital minutes with your endocrinologist allowing you to discuss your individual needs and progress, as well as easing any worries that you may have.

Here are two resources to help you make the most of your appointments:

Medical Summary - an easy way to record the medications you are currently taking as an aide-mémoire and as a guide for medical professionals, when medical records are unavailable and your medications need to be known.
Society for Endocrinology and ADSHG 'Consultation Reference Guide' - a guide to help prompt you and your endocrine specialist on important issues.

Medical Summary

Consultation Reference Gude

Here are our suggestions on managing appointments:

Before your appointment, read through the Consultation Reference Guide. Circle on the guide, or make notes of any elements you would like to discuss.
If you have access to a printer, print off copies of the Consultation Reference Guide to take to your appointment - one for you and one for your endocrinologist.
Think about you – write down the top 3 things you want to get out of your appointment.
Write down your current top 3 symptoms and how these impact your life.

Appointments provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss options to help you manage your Addison’s or adrenal insufficiency. You are at the centre of the management of your condition and have an important role to play.

By thinking in advance of your appointment what it is you wish to get out of the appointment, and taking a list or notes, this will help you stay focused and make the most out of the time. Sometimes, the time allocated doesn’t feel long enough – this can be frustrating for both you and your healthcare professional. So at the end of your appointment, agree a clear plan of action, including how long it should be until your next appointment.

More resources to support you:

Article: 'Coping with your GP practice'
Article 'Work with your Doctor'
News: 'New Consultation Reference Guide for your appointments'

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