Don't make a new diagnosis on your own. Certainly, patients who have experienced an illness usually can tell what is going on. However, if the patient is having new symptoms, resist the temptation to make a self-diagnosis. Certainly, patients should voice their concerns. Ask a lot of questions.
Doctors can easily veer into a specialized language that is impossible to decipher.
Don't be afraid to speak up. Doctors want patients to follow the discussion. Do your homework. There is an amazing amount of medical information on the Internet and in the library. The doctor can help sort it out.