Preparing for your appointment
If you have lung or abdominal mesothelioma symptoms, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist) or abdominal problems (gastroenterologist)
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Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to mesothelioma expect from your doctor.
What you can do
* Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
* Write down any mesothelioma symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
* Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. If you're worried about mesothelioma, make a list of all your occupations, even those you had for only a few months.
* Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
* Plan to take a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to absorb all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
* Write down questions to ask your doctor.
* Gather any medical records, such as past chest X-rays, that relate to your condition.
* Make a list of previous occupations, beginning with your first job. Your doctor may use this list to determine whether you may have been exposed to asbestos at work.
* Write down any mesothelioma symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
* Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. If you're worried about mesothelioma, make a list of all your occupations, even those you had for only a few months.
* Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
* Plan to take a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to absorb all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
* Write down questions to ask your doctor.
* Gather any medical records, such as past chest X-rays, that relate to your condition.
* Make a list of previous occupations, beginning with your first job. Your doctor may use this list to determine whether you may have been exposed to asbestos at work.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of mesothelioma questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For mesothelioma, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
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