Talking to your doctor
Which relapsing MS treatment is right for you?
When considering a relapsing MS therapy, you may want to ask your doctor the following questions:
- Has it been proven to modify all 3 key measures of MS disease activity: progression of disability, reduction of relapses, and reduced the development of new brain lesions as seen on MRI?
The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
- Has it been proven to work better than another MS therapy in a head-to-head clinical study?
- Does it have a well-established safety profile?
- Does it offer features designed for convenience?
- Will there be support for me when I take the therapy?
Tips for better communication with your doctor
Do you ever struggle to recall the details of your MS symptoms when your doctor asks? Have you ever left an appointment and realized you forgot to discuss a particular MS symptom? Are you confused or intimidated by some of the language your doctor uses to discuss your test results or details about your MS?
The average appointment with a neurologist lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, and the time goes by quickly. If you enter the doctor's office with a specific agenda in mind, then you'll have a better chance of leaving the office with a sense of accomplishment." — Jennifer Smrtka, MS, APRN-BC, ANP Jennifer Smrtka is sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
Here are some ideas to help make conversations about MS with your doctor more productive:
- Bring a friend with you. It can help to have another person listening to what your doctor is saying and taking notes to help you remember the details later.
- Write your questions down ahead of time, and refer to them during your appointment—and take notes if you want to.
- Don't be afraid to ask your doctor or the nurse to explain anything you don't understand, or for help if you need it.
- Try not to downplay your symptoms or feelings. Remember, the people on your health care team are experts in caring for people living with relapsing MS—try to tell them exactly how you are doing.
- Keep all your medical records (appointment notes, invoices, test results, treatment journal, etc.) in one place, like a binder, so you can refer to them quickly and easily if needed.
You may also find it useful to assess how you're doing a few days before your next appointment. Become a member and try the simple interactive tool, My Conversation Starter, to create a report that you can print and take with you to your next appointment.
Call MS LifeLines® toll-free for more support at 1-877-447-3243.
