Learn about some of the problems you may have, and if nothing else you ll be speaking the same language as the doctor. I have people telling me about their ataxia or LHermitte s phenomenon, doing part of their own physical exam before they come in the office. A lot of people don t want to learn about their illness. Maybe they can ignore the terrible truth or leave the worry to someone else. That s a mistake.
Knowledge lessens fear.
Learning is mastery. It makes you less dependent on someone else s good offices and more self-reliant. As an active participant you ll have the opportunity to find out for yourself, what is new and to be your own advocate. Just because you heard something outside that sounds credible doesn t make it right, and besides, there is room for disagreement. The most productive relationships in any walk of life are built on mutual respect.