A picture is worth a thousand words

I took an outline of the human body, front and back, and put red Xs everywhere I had pain and gave it to my rheumatologist. Quickly he started discussions about some of the things that we had glanced over. He immediately recognized that my tendons were a primary problem this time and we just had more time to deal with it.

I think there is just too much to verbalize in the short appointment time we have. I have tried lists but never got this much information to him so fast.

Have any of your Doctors used this?

I was a little nervous about starting it but am glad I did. I was more able to focus on what he was telling me, it gave me more time to hear him, instead of trying to make sure I got through my long list of ills.

I am going to look at it next appointment to see if I am better or worse, it might be a good communication tool if you get overwhelmed like I do.

Excellent idea!

Wonderful idea! Except for one appointment when we were both rushed for time, I have never had a rheumy appointment last less than a half hour, usually more like 45 minutes, so time to discuss things really hasn't been an issue. More me forgetting what I was wanting to discuss with him, me getting off on a tangent. or me carefully preparing a list and then forgetting it. LOL