At Your Appointment

Graves' Disease Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.

• Has a doctor diagnosed you or your loved one with Graves' disease?

  1. Yes, diagnosed
  2. No, undiagnosed
• Will this appointment be an in-office visit or an online/telehealth appointment?

  1. In-office visit
  2. Online/telehealth appointment
Submit

Top Questions Your Doctor May Ask You About Graves' Disease If you’re having a telehealth appointment, it's helpful to keep these things in mind. Test your computer or smartphone to make sure you can log in without difficulties. Since the doctor can’t examine you in person, be very specific about your symptoms. Print this appointment guide or write down your questions so you remember what to ask, and consider having someone sit with you to listen in. Have your medicines with you so you can show the doctor the labels and doses, and if you are interested in a specific treatment, be sure to ask about it.

• Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
• How often are you having symptoms? Are you having any new symptoms?
• Have you noticed any changes with your eyes or vision, such as irritation, light sensitivity, pain, or blurry vision?
• Have you noticed any changes in your skin, especially on your lower legs or feet?
• Are you a smoker? Tell me about your smoking history, including how many years you have smoked and how many packs per day you smoke.
• How often are you exercising? Tell me about the kinds of exercises you are doing.
• Have you had a bone density test?
• Have you noticed any changes in your menstrual cycle? Is there any chance you could be pregnant?
• Describe your symptoms. Are you having unexplained weight loss, anxiety, trouble sleeping, sweating, or frequent bowel movements?
• When did you first notice your symptoms?
• Are your symptoms constant or do they come and go?
• What, if anything, makes your symptoms better or worse?
• Does anyone in your family have thyroid disease?
• What other medical conditions do you have, including any autoimmune disorders?

Top Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Graves' Disease Many people forget to ask important questions at their doctor's appointments. You may want to print or write these questions down before your appointment so you remember to get the answers you need.

• What causes Graves' disease?
• What are my treatment options? Which one do you think is best for me and why?
• Which treatment is most effective at eliminating the health risks associated with Graves' disease?
• What are the side effects or consequences of the treatment you are recommending?
• What are the complications of Graves' disease?
• What is the likelihood of developed eye problems related to Graves' disease? Can I do anything to prevent it?
• What lifestyle changes can I make to optimize my Graves' disease treatment?
• Do my symptoms mean I have Graves' disease?
• Could another medical condition be causing or contributing to my symptoms?
• Do I have risk factors for Graves' disease?
• How do you diagnose Graves' disease?
• What treatments are available for Graves' disease?
• What should I do if my symptoms get worse?

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