Morning all, is anyone like me and sits in waiting room with a sick tummy and not a clue what to say!! I made notes last time I came but just cried all the way through the appointment! 
Have a good day, Sam 
xx
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Yes, white coat syndrome big time for me.
You only have a few mins so maybe one or two key items only in that time ?
May need referrals for complicated post stroke items.
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I have found the ‘Notes’ app on my phone is my new best friend. If I don;t write things down or record them on the voice recorder app as soon as I have a though I will not remember them two minutes later. Before any medical meeting I write down bullets on how I am, questions I have - and then when I get there and my brain goes completely blank I can bring up my phone and just read them off. Its revolutionised my life!!
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In my opinion, it is the doctor’s job to diagnose.
Just say something is wrong.
His, or her, questions should prompt answers that will provide the diagnosis.
Your worry and anticipation are clouding the issue and until your appointment try to busy yourself with a distraction as best as you are able.
keep on keepin’ on
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I am blessed with a wonderful wife who is a PA for a manager. She comes with me on doctor appointments. Her notes are great and she asks most of the pertinent questions, from research or having made enquires.
NEVER be intimidated by doctors. Treat them like the plumber coming to review a job at your house. Grill them. Try to have someone with you if you are not on top form. If necessary ask for Minutes or a letter from them to confirm what you’ve discussed so you have evidence of the meeting and what was discussed.
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Hi @Sammy1
I I have similar problems with anything I want to remember.
I use Google diary on all my devices which is shared with Lea (@BakersBunny ) and we both put appointments mine with notes and reminder alarms - that mostly helps. For GP she comes sometimes comes in with me, partly because she gives an independent observation when discussing some things.
Bobbi’s point is also true - The GP has been trained in diagnosis by questioning, observation etc.
Stay strong; post stroke adjustment has a number of unobvious subtle ways of having messed with your head that you have to discover on there and then recognise them and adjust to them and compensate for them - that’s the journey of discovery that nobody ever makes clear.
Ciao
Simon
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@SimonInEdinburgh @BakersBunny
Good tip about
a shared Google diary,
thanks Simon, I’ll check that one out.
keep on keepin’ on
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Thank you all 
My GP was lovely, she listens and actually cares. I’ve been signed off again, still no driving which although I’m gutted about I think deep down it’s the right decision. I’ve got physio tomorrow for a neck problem but hoping he will give me some strengthening exercises for my arms and hands too.
Basically I’ve got to stop being so tough on myself! I must be improving though I didn’t cry throughout the meeting!
I have taken all your advice and will be taking my partner with me to my hospital appointment along with a big list of questions!
Thanks again you lovely lot! xx
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Glad your appointment went well. It is always difficult to know what to say to them. My GP is great at asking questions but I always rehearse what I want to say before I go in. I decide what is the most important thing for that visit and make sure I cover it then if there’s time I’ll move on to the next thing.
It’s definitely progress if you got through without crying. Well done xx
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It is perhaps easy to be frustrated by the GPs but they are not stroke specialists. I’m thinking they are more conduits to the departments that can help.
Really the NHS shouldn’t push stroke patient care to GPs, it should remain in the NHS with staff trained to a higher level in stroke support. GPs seem like the first level on a IT helpdesk. If it’s not in the script, not sure what to do.
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I agree grill them after a panic attack one night got seen early morning by a stroke doctor in a& e spent over an hour with him questioned everything he said questioned every answer to his credit he rook it all and gave his opinion best he could so never sit back and let them dictate you deserve answers so go get them and good luck.
all all the best
wattsy
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