38 msfocusmagazine.org By Gay Falkowski As a growing number of doctors follow a patient-centered approach to MS care, it becomes more important than ever for you to get involved in decisions regarding your disease management plan. Participate! You can begin by taking time to focus on how the disease is affecting your body, mind, and quality of life. Get attuned to the changes MS brings. When you’re aware of your needs, it becomes easier to describe them to members of your healthcare team. If possible, keep a daily journal of how you’re feeling and whether any specific symptoms are causing problems.When shared with healthcare providers, this information can be valuable in tailoring a treatment plan specific to your MS – because MS affects everyone differently. Before you head to your next appointment with your MS specialist, review your journal and look for any specific trends or symptoms that stand out. Write them down so you’ll be ready when your doctor asks how you’re doing. These tips may help you focus on communicating (in a short amount of time) the information that really matters: 1. Duration – Note when a symptom began. Is it continuous or does it come and go? Have you had it before? If so, what was done to treat it last time and how did that work? 2. Severity– How bad is the symptom? When discussing symptoms such as pain, some doctors like to use a scale from 1 to 10. Being more descriptive helps, too. Instead of telling your doctor you are in pain, use Nine Tips forTalking with Your Doctor about MS Symptoms Symptom Management