Symptom Diary - Why Do I Need One? - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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Symptom Diary - Why Do I Need One?

Symptom Diary - Why Do I Need One?

From the Post-Op Hysterectomy Articles List

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Ask A Doctor

Why should I keep a symptom diary?

Good question! There are actually two main reasons for keeping a symptom diary: specifics and consistency. Because our memories can be faulty, we won't always remember what our exact pain level was from week to week, or how our symptoms today actual differ from those last week. Was my headache today worse or better than the one last week? Did I have as many hot flashes today as yesterday? Was it tomatoes or coffee that caused my bladder spasms? By being specific and consistent, it can be easier to determine triggers and patterns for your symptoms, leading to better diagnoses and treatment plans.

There are a variety of methods one can use for a symptom diary. ReliefInsite’s Online Pain Diary can be a great choice for tracking pain symptoms and chronic health concerns. For a weekly journal, one can try ERC Weekly Pain & Symptom Journal. A symptom dairy geared for tracking ovarian cancer symptoms can easily be adapted to also monitor several other health concerns including Interstitial Cystitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. There are several other choices online as well.

You can also keep a symptom dairy in pocket calendar or desk journal for easy access. Cell phone applications are available for a variety of phones to help monitor health conditions, too. The important thing is to keep a diary with you so you can make it a habit to document symptoms on a daily basis.

Another plus for keeping a symptom diary is that your doctors are more likely to take you seriously when you can show him/her details regarding your symptoms and/or pain. Details about how your symptoms are affecting your daily life, what you have tried and how it has (or has not) helped, and whether the symptoms fluctuate and/or trigger other symptoms can help them help you!

For any chronic health concern, be sure and meet with your personal physician on a regular basis to work on the management and treatment of your condition. Your symptom diary will be a great tool for you and your physician on your journey to managing your health condition and regaining control of your body.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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Find A Doctor Near You

Siobhan Kehoe, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673	Marshall Bovelsky, M.D. 200 Banning St Suite 320 Dover DE 19904 302-674-0223	David Mainman, M.D. Desert Bloom Obstetrics & Gynecology 6452 E. Carondelet Drive, Suite A Tucson AZ 85710 520-885-5300
Elizabeth Case, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Debra Richardson, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673	Nonnie-Marie Estella, M.D. 10 Research Place Suite 520 North Chelmsford MA 01863 978-459-8300
Terry Grogg, M.D. 4461 S Broadway Suite 200 Suite 200 Grove City OH 43123 614-875-0444	Iris Orbuch, M.D. 202 Spring Street 2nd Floor New York NY 10012 212-343-3040	Kimberly Newman, M.D. 10030 Edison Square Drive Suite 100A Concord NC 28027 704-403-7670

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