You both have expertise that together can contribute to your health. You can set the stage for the type of communication between you and your doctor. Your frank questions, honest answers, and requests for clarification tell the doctor that you expect to be involved in your health care. Doctors assume that patients are satisfied with the amount of information they receive because patients ask few questions. If you want more information, ask for it.
Improved communication benefits everyone.
A symptom is any change you notice about your body or your mind. Your job is to take notice of your body and clearly communicate any symptoms to the doctor. The doctor's job is to listen and then ask for more information when appropriate. Your doctor should provide feedback to you about your symptoms. The changes you report to your doctor can be important clues that help accurately diagnose your condition.