Senior Living: How to describe your symptoms to get the best results

But occasionally I read about a common symptom that’s a sign of a serious illness — and I scare myself. Is that gas I’m having caused by too much broccoli or Celiac Disease? Is that painful, burning sensation in my chest heartburn or a more serious heart problem? Is that stomach discomfort indigestion or early signs of stomach cancer? I worry. And if the symptoms persist, I will finally see a doctor to diagnose the problem.

 Last year I wrote about how to get the most out of a doctor’s visit: Be honest, decide on three or four questions to ask, stick to the point and share how you felt about the visit. 

But recently I’ve learned that even though a doctor can find valuable information from a physical exam and medical tests, a clear understanding of your symptoms can point the doctor in the right direction.

So how should I describe my symptoms? Consider these suggestions from the National Institute on Aging (www.nia.nih.gov/health):

Be clear and concise, and as specific, detailed, and descriptive as possible when describing your symptoms.

Explain to or show your doctor the exact location where you are experiencing your symptoms instead of some general area.

Rate the severity of your symptoms on a scale of one to 10, one being almost no effect on you and 10 being the worst possible case you can imagine. Be honest, and don’t minimize or exaggerate.

Mention how long you’ve had your symptoms. When did they begin and how often do they occur? Have you experienced the symptoms before?

Explain what relieves or worsens your symptoms. Are they getting better or worse? Are they connected to specific activities, injuries, times of day, food, or beverages?

When you visit your doctor, make sure you first describe only your symptoms and not what condition you think you have. With online medical websites such as MedlinePlus or WebMD, there are plenty of opportunities to research your symptoms and self-diagnose — which I avoid because I don’t want to know how bad it could be. I want to sleep at night!

Finally, keep a record of your symptoms. Remember, be as specific, detailed, and descriptive as possible, and don’t forget to take it to your medical appointment. 

Worrying about your symptoms is not a sign of weakness. And being honest about what you are experiencing doesn’t mean you are complaining — well, maybe sometimes I am! So when you visit your doctor, be prepared to accurately describe your symptoms so you can receive the best diagnosis possible.

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BRAIN TEASE: How do you make the number seven even without addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division?

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The name of the sportswear company that in 1957 modified the sign on the roof of its downtown Portland building to include a male deer leaping over an outline of the state of Oregon was White Stag. I received correct answers from Sam Bilyeu, Bruce Johnson, Donna Mollet, Rhonda Spies, Dave Lutgens, Lana Tepfer, Charlotte Arnold, Judy Kiser, Deborah Medina, Doug Nelson, Cindy Winfield, Keith Clymer, Kathy Bullack and Charlotte Arnold, this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week because I was too busy eating my fish sticks, I missed Donna Mollet and Keith Clymer.

The irreverent World War II novel by Joseph Heller first published in 1961 follows the life of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the title of this book that became a cult classic, especially among the Vietnam War generation, the title that has become a part of our modern vocabulary describing a “no-win” situation? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or return your answer on the back of a poster for the film adaptation released in 1970.

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Well, it’s been another week, doing what I can with what I got. Until we meet again, every day is a gift — although sometimes it’s hidden in the closet, wrapped in a crumpled month-old newspaper.

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“Don’t hold a grudge. While you’re carrying a grudge the other guy’s out dancing.” — Buddy Hackett

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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Wednesdays with music on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) - Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

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Answer:

 Drop the “s” and “seven” becomes “even”.