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?

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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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Jennifer Hayes, M.D. Visionary Centre for Women 2695 Ulmerton Rd Clearwater FL 33762 727-540-0414	Steven McCarus, M.D. 400 Celebration Place Suite310 Celebration FL 34747 4073034190	Geoffrey Bowers, M.D. 834 Chestnut Street Suite 300 Philadelphia PA 19107 215-955-5000
Devin Garza, M.D. 12201 Renfert Way, STE# 215 Austin TX 78758 512 425-3830	Amie Napier, M.D. Medical City Hospital 7777 Forest Lane Suite A331 Dallas TX 75230 9725667760	Brad Cohen, M.D. 2477 Route 516 Suite 103 Old Bridge NJ 08857 732-679-6900
Ken Sinervo, M.D. 1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220 Atlanta GA 30328 770-913-0001	Elizabeth Stevenson-Gargiulo, M.D. 9101 North Central Expressway Suite 250 Dallas TX 75231 214-826-2979	Tamer Seckin, M.D. 872 FIFTH AVE NEW YORK NY 10065 2129881444

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