1. What is my formal (exact) diagnosis? Are there any additional tests usually recommended to confirm this diagnosis?
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2. What is the short-term (& long term) outlook for people my age?
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3. What is the treatment? How long is it? How incapacitating will it be? What changes will I have to make: Diet? Exercise? Driving? Cocktails? Other?
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4. What are side effects of my new medications? Has my Dr. or Pharmacist reviewed my current medications for adverse drug reactions?
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What to do with the answers:
1. Prioritize: What do I need to do today? Tomorrow? This week?
2. Get a second opinion. In most cases, it’s not a good idea to ask my current physician for a referral to the physician I use for a second opinion.
3. Identify potential lifestyle changes: What changes will this make in my current activities?
4. Identify potential needs: What do I need to do for my healthcare? To maintain my quality of life?
5. If I am diagnosed with a serious illness, ask my doctor for a referral to a support group specific to my illness.
6. Is my home still the best option for me? Do I need one story, flat, step-less entry, smaller, more appropriate for a walker or wheel accessible or other changes? Can I afford to make them, or should I think about moving?
7. If my illness is terminal, get help now so that I can control my future: advance directives, financial documents, durable powers of attorney, and family issues.
