Discussing Symptoms with Doctor’s

Today, I will discuss how we explain our symptoms to a doctor. I use an acronym called  S, H, I, F, T, E, and I will use it when discussing my feet. 

 For instance, S is for symptoms. I will come to the doctor and say, my right foot hurts. History, H, has been going on for about a year. Intensity, it feels like somebody's driving a nail right in the middle of my foot. Intensity. It's a sharp shooting pain. Sometimes it's cramping. F is for frequency. Usually, at the end of the day, my foot is just hurting, or I'll get cramps at night. T is for timing again at the end of the day after I've been on my foot it hurts. E is for eases, what relieves it.  After I sleep at night or after I've come off of my feet, it hurts less.  

You should be able to fit your symptoms and that history SHIFTE onto a little note card. Remember, your doctors have about 15 minutes with you, so if you can explain your medical problem in about 15 seconds on a little note card. It's going to help that doctor diagnose quickly. Remember the acronym SHIFTE symptoms, history, intensity, frequency, timing, and what eases it