Asklemmy

When I go to the vet (my cats have issues), I write up a little document. It varies in structure and order depending on what's going on, but there's a section that lists her food and medications (inc. strength and frequency), any changes or questions to ongoing medical issues, and anything new that's happening that I have questions or concerns about, plus either section for general questions. Between visits, if I have a thought or question, I'll write it on a sticky and put it on the last update.

When it's time to see the vet, I go through the last version and make any changes, then add in the stuff from the post-its. I then reorganize it so that the most important things are listed first so we don't accidentally spend the entire visit discussing nail clipping and run out of time to discuss her heart murmur. And I print off two copies, one for me and one for the doctor.

During the visit, I take lots of notes as we go through the document and the exam. I make sure I ask all my questions. When they tell me something, I repeat it back to them with slightly different words: that helps me understand it, and gives them the opportunity to correct, clarify, or expand on the information. When we're almost done, I go over the document with them once again - it only takes about a minute, but I briefly repeat the question or concern as well as what they told me. When I get to the end, I ask, "Am I understanding this okay?" And the final question is always, "Is there anything else you can think of that I should know about, be doing for her, or keeping an eye out for?"

It does take about half an hour to write and organize the document, but it helps me keep everything straight in my brain, before, during and after the visit, and it makes sure I don't overlook anything. Maybe not something quite as thorough as that but maybe something written and organized would help?