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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffBecause appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to arrive prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What you can do
- Write down your signs and symptoms, including how long you've been experiencing them.
- Collect your family history, as it might pertain to your condition. Note if you're of Mediterranean descent, for instance, or if you have a relative with familial Mediterranean fever.
- Bring a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements you're taking.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
What to expect from your doctor
Be prepared to provide your doctor with accurate information about your signs and symptoms. Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous, or do you experience occasional attacks?
- How long do your episodes last?
- Can you think of anything that triggers an attack, or do you have warning signs that help you predict when they will occur?
- Is there anything you can do to stop or lessen the severity of an attack?
- Do your episodes follow a pattern?
