You’ve been given a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease. Now what? It’s a lot to process, but it starts with knowing the right questions to ask your doctor. Here are 25 questions to ask when you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Plus a FREE printable guide to download!

 

 

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25 Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You’ve Been Diagnosed with Autoimmune Disease

 

Mamma Fortitude was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease, a rare adrenal disorder, when she was 25-years old. Because of this, I was kinda sorta but not really familiar with autoimmune diseases. Just enough to watch what my mom went through.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on my 39th birthday. I went through surgery, chemo, and radiation. One year after treatment ended, I was still sick and exhausted and was struggling to find answers. My doctors dismissed my complaints because of everything my body went through, it should take time to heal.

But I knew something was wrong.

So I kept pushing for answers.

And I found myself sitting in front of an Endocrinologist.

“You have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Here’s your medicine.” And I was ushered out of the office.

I drove home a little stunned and shocked and trying to process what just happened.

Once I got home, I called the office back.

“Can you please explain what I have again? All I can remember is that it sounded like a town in Japan and has something to do with my thyroid.”

You would think that after everything I went through with breast cancer that I would have been a little more prepared for this office visit.

But I wasn’t.

And oh, PS – this Endo had one prescription in his toolkit. Years later I found out it was the wrong medicine for me.

And I’m on a mission to make sure that never happens to anyone again.

I am on a mission to make sure that something like this never happens to YOU.

That you have the tools you need to be empowered when you are diagnosed with such a life-altering disease.

And these 25 questions to ask your doctor are a great way to get started.

PS – I think there are “technically” 34 questions here. So you’re getting a few more than you bargained for!

 

 

 

 

It’s important to note a few things.

First, not all of these questions are appropriate for every appointment. They are a comprehensive list of questions for you to pick and choose from.

Most doctor appointments are only a few minutes long. Prioritize 3-5 questions at each appointment which are the most important and pressing ones to ask.

Ask for a follow-up appointment if you have more questions to ask than the time your doctor has to answer. And always be respectful of your doctor’s time.

 

 

General Questions to Ask Your Doctor

 

What causes autoimmune disease?

Tell me more about my ______.

Now that I’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, am I more likely to get another one?

How can I best control my flareups?

How can I boost my immune system?

What foods are best for me with _____? What foods should I avoid?

What about lifestyle changes? What will help manage my symptoms and flareups?

Can I exercise? What types of exercise are helpful for this condition?

Is it safe for me to become pregnant? What about my medication?

 

 

 

 

Questions About Medications

 

What are the side effects of this medication?

Are there any danger signs I should watch out for?

Will this medication interfere with any of my current medications or supplements?

Should I stop taking the medicine if my symptoms subside?

Are there alternatives for this medication?

Can I manage this through diet and lifestyle changes or is this medicine necessary?

When should I start feeling better?

What if my symptoms get worse?

What if insurance doesn’t cover it?

 

 

 

 

Questions About Tests

 

What tests do I need? Why?

What do I need to do to prepare for them?

How do the tests get scheduled?

When will I get the results and how will you review the results with me?

Do I need to see a specialist? What about a second opinion?

What are my treatment options and plan? How often do I see you? What about blood work or other tests?

Could this ____ be anything else?

Is this genetic? Are my children at risk?

 

 

 

 

Are you Inspired?

CLICK HERE and Download Your FREE Guide!

 

 

 

Love, hugs, and getting answers.

 

 

 

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