How to Prepare for a Doctor’s Appointment When You Have Multiple Chronic Illnesses

Doctor’s appointments can be overwhelming — even more so when you’re juggling multiple chronic illnesses and trying to advocate for yourself while remembering everything.

For me, it’s not just about showing up — it’s about getting through it without forgetting something important or burning out afterward.

Here’s how I prep for my appointments in a way that feels realistic, Spoonie-friendly, and tailored for a body that’s doing the most behind the scenes.

1. Keep Your Meds List Updated — It Saves You So Much Stress

This is probably the most important thing I bring to every appointment.

With multiple illnesses, the med list grows fast — and remembering every name, dosage, and schedule on the spot? Impossible.

I keep mine saved in Google Keep Notes on my phone and try to update it any time there’s a change.

Having it easily accessible makes filling out intake forms, talking to new doctors, or answering “what are you currently taking?” questions way less stressful. You don’t need a fancy system — just a note that you can update quickly and open when needed.

2. Make a Quick Note of What You Want to Say

Brain fog is real. I always think I’ll remember everything I want to say… and then I blank out the second I sit down on the exam table. Before my appointments, I open my notes app and write out:

• A few things I’ve been struggling with lately

• Any symptoms I need to mention

• Questions I want answered

• Referrals I might need

• Anything I’ve been avoiding bringing up

Sometimes I even jot down a reminder to speak up — because I’ve definitely left appointments feeling like I didn’t advocate for myself enough. This doesn’t have to be a whole essay. Just a few bullet points in your phone can help anchor you when your brain goes into survival mode.

3. Take Photos (or Videos) of Your Symptoms

Not everything sticks around long enough to show your doctor in real time — so I take photos or videos and save them in a photo album labeled “Doctor’s Visit.” This can include:

• Skin discoloration, rashes, or swelling

• Morning vs night boating

• Bruises that show up without cause

• Joint dislocations

• Feeding tube irritation

• Anything that looks off or causes concern

It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to “bring receipts” to an appointment without needing to explain every little detail. And if I’m too tired to speak, I can just pull up the album and let it do the talking.

4. Track Symptoms in a Way That Works for You

I’ll be honest — I’m terrible at using most symptom tracker apps. I forget to log things, I get overwhelmed, or I just don’t have the energy. But I’ve found ways that actually work for me — and that’s what matters.

Personally, I use a small day planner and color-code my symptoms like this:

• 💗 Pink = Bad day

• 💙 Blue = Mild symptoms

• 💚 Green = Low symptom day

I use highlighters to keep it gentle and visual — no long explanations needed. Just a glance tells me how my week looked.

If you do like using apps, here are a few that Spoonies swear by:

1. MyTherapy Pill Reminder

• Tracks medications, symptoms, mood, and even custom notes.

• Great if you’re managing lots of meds or appointments.

• 📱 Available on iOS & Android

• 💸 Totally free, no premium required

2. Daylio Journal

• Mood + activity tracker that you can easily adapt to symptom logging.

• Minimal effort, totally visual, and super customizable.

• 📱 Available on iOS & Android

• 💸 Free with optional paid features (not required)

No shame if you skip it — but having some kind of log can help you show patterns your doctor might not catch in a 10-minute visit.

5. Bring a Support Person (My Mom Is My Secret Weapon)

I bring my mom with me to a lot of my appointments. And honestly? It helps more than I can say. She’s there to:

• Take notes so I don’t forget what was said

• Speak up if I miss something important

• Bring up concerns I’ve been too nervous to voice

• Keep me calm when I’m overwhelmed

Even just having someone sit next to you can make you feel less alone — and more like a patient instead of a problem.

Can’t bring someone? Consider recording the visit (with permission), or writing down notes right after so nothing gets lost.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Pause or Push Back

You’re allowed to speak up. You’re allowed to say:

• “I’m not following — can you explain that again?”

• “This medication hasn’t helped me. Can we try something else?”

• “I know I don’t look sick, but my symptoms are serious.”

I’ve had to learn this the hard way. It’s uncomfortable sometimes — but worth it. You shouldn’t have to fight to be heard, but if you do? Know that you have every right to advocate for yourself. And if the doctor doesn’t listen? You also have every right to find a better one.

You Deserve Care That Meets You Where You Are