The last 3 posts are on the right track. This is what I often recommend to family, friends, and customers of mine (just to clarify, I'm a pharmacist currently working in retail) - read up, research, ask questions.
Also, be forthright with your doctor about what you know about yourself relating to your ailment. I have heard people say when they go to the doctor that the doctor should have known this or that. Sometimes your words, your story, is just as important in diagnosing as the doctor's examination and/or testing. How you have actually been feeling, what changes you have noticed most recently, and especially anything that you notice that is out of the norm for you. Remember, we are all different and sometimes what is normal for one person is not the same for another. I think this is valuable information that only you, the patient, would know since you know your body better than anyone else. In other words, don't withhold information that you may think can be helpful to the doctor in diagnosing and evaluating. Not everyone is the same in presentation of illnesses so it is unfair to make judgment on the doctor if the patient is not forthcoming.
I have somewhat of a passion about this because I think both of my parents were guilty of not doing this and suffered some severe consequences as a result. They even kept me in the dark, maybe because I did not live close and they didn't want to worry me, I don't know. But since then (they have now passed on) I feel compelled to help others be their own advocate, or if one is unable for some reason or another, find someone who is willing to advocate for you. This is a really good and important discussion. I applaud those who have brought attention to it on this thread.
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